Committee advances Caregivers Leave Act amendment; forwards bill to Rules with unanimous vote

The Committee on Health, Hospitals and Human Services on the record advanced bill 36‑0086, the Caregivers Leave Act, as amended and forwarded it to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary after a 7‑0 roll‑call vote.

The measure, sponsored by Senator Novell E. Francis Jr., would clarify and broaden Title 3, Virgin Islands Code, chapter 25 section 590b to expand who qualifies as a "caregiver" for the statute and establish routine, monthly administrative leave for eligible government employees. The committee adopted amendment 36‑599 to consolidate and clarify definitions before voting to report the bill favorably.

Why it matters: Committee members and supporters said the legislation recognizes the growing number of family caregivers in the territory and creates a modest, predictable entitlement so employees do not have to choose between wages and caregiving duties. Testimony and committee discussion emphasized implementation details — how employers will verify caregiver status, how the leave interacts with donated leave and FMLA, and what documentation will be required.

What supporters said: Cindy L. Richardson, director of the Division of Personnel, told the committee the…