Committee advances 17 measures including pension cap, NOAA tower lease, Janiqua’s Law and ABLE accounts; all moved to full body

The Committee on Rules and Judiciary of the 36th Legislature met June 25, 2025, and voted to forward 17 bills and resolutions to the full body, including measures to cap the retirement-salary base used to compute gubernatorial annuities, approve two government lease agreements for a NOAA telecommunications tower and a helicopter operator on Saint John, enact “Janiqua’s Law” requiring restitution in the form of child maintenance in certain motor-vehicle negligence convictions, implement a local ABLE (Achieving a Better Life Experience) program for persons with disabilities, and streamline Government Employees Retirement System (GERS) disability annuity procedures.

Why it matters: the committee cleared a mix of policy, administrative and ceremonial items that affect territorial budgets (the governor/lieutenant governor annuity cap), public safety and emergency services (NOAA tower, Saint John helipad/medical-transport discussions), family restitution for certain negligent driving cases, financial security for people with disabilities, and administrative relief for disability annuity applicants. Several bills also change enforcement or regulatory frameworks for public health and professional licensing.

Votes at a glance (select items and outcomes) - Bill 36-0032 — Amend Title 33 §3080: limit the salary amount used to compute the service retirement annuity for the governor and lieutenant governor. Committee motion: moved by Senator Kenneth L. Gittens, seconded by Senator Angel L. Bocas Jr. Vote in committee: 6 yeas, 1 nay (Senator Avery L. Lewis voted No). Outcome: Favorably voted and forwarded to full body. - Bill 36-0062 — Lease with U.S. Department of Commerce / NOAA for telecommunications tower (Parcel R-22, Estate Nazareth, Red Hook, St. Thomas). Committee motion: moved by Senator Milton E. Potter. Vote: 7 yeas. Outcome: Favorably voted and forwarded to full body. - Bill 36-0098 — Lease with Caribbean Buzz LLC for portion of Parcel 3B, Estate Susannaberg 17A, Cruz Bay, Saint John (existing helipad). Committee motion: moved by Senator Milton E. Potter. Vote: 7 yeas. Outcome: Favorably voted and forwarded to full body. Committee discussion noted the lease’s potential to expand medical-transport services and that the parcel had previously been the subject of prior act (Act 86—related property tracks were verified by legal counsel). - Bill 36-0024 — Add Title 14 §1710: declare persons in custody incapable of consenting to sexual relations (amended to expressly include traffic stops and questioning following detention). Committee motion (as amended): moved by Senator Angel L. Bocas Jr.; roll call: 7 yeas. Outcome:…