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Rules committee reports a package of public-safety, infrastructure and cultural bills to full Legislature
Summary
The Rules committee reported a package of public-safety, infrastructure, elder-protection and ceremonial bills to the full Legislature following debate and several adopted amendments.
The Committee on Rules and Judiciary on Oct. 9 moved several bills from Block 3 forward to the full Legislature after one or more rounds of discussion and, where appropriate, amendments. The measures reported out include public-safety changes, elder-protection reforms, a personnel rule for the University of the Virgin Islands, infrastructure permitting and multiple honorary resolutions.
Key measures the committee reported favorably:
- Bill 36-0123: Amends Title 20 to make it unlawful for a person with blood alcohol content of 0.04% or greater to operate a commercial motor vehicle and prohibits persons under 21 from operating a motor vehicle with any detectable alcohol. Sponsor: Senator Ray Fonseca. Committee action: reported favorably (roll call recorded; 4 yeas, 3 absent).
- Bill 36-0136: Adds sections to Title 23 to mandate lethal-weapon training and certification for private security guards and investigators who carry firearms while on duty; waivers for active/retired officers. Sponsor: Senator Avery L. Lewis. Committee action: reported favorably.
- Bill 36-0099 (as amended): Expands the territory's elder/dependent adult abuse prevention statute, replacing the term “elder” with “older adult,” creating a multidisciplinary team and clarifying reporting and coordination; amendment 36-561 adopted. Sponsor: Senator Angel L. Bocas Jr. Committee action: reported favorably as amended.
- Bill 36-0061 (as amended): Allows retirees receiving a GERS annuity who subsequently enroll in a different retirement plan at the University of the Virgin Islands to continue to receive their GERS annuity for up to six years for specified UVI positions; amendment 36-557 adopted; committee reported the bill favorably.
- Bill 36-0110 (as amended): Requires a Department of Public Works permit before excavating any public roadway; includes emergency-excavation notification requirements and roadway restoration standards (amendment 36-542). Sponsor: Senator Bauques. Committee action: reported favorably as amended.
- Honorary resolutions and renamings: The committee reported several honorary resolutions and ceremonial measures favorably, including: • Bill 36-0058 — honoring Dennis Pompa Lennox Leroy Lyberg Jr. (soca artist; key to the territory and street signage) — reported favorably. • Bill 36-0107 — resolution honoring Dr. Alfred Lee Andus — reported favorably. • Bill 36-0121 (as amended by 36-577) — renaming Peter Carl Limerick Park in St. Croix as the "10 Sleepless Nights" Park — reported favorably.
Committee members said the actions reflected a mix of public-safety alignment with federal standards, workforce and training improvements, elder protections and support for cultural recognition. Vote tallies and roll-call records for each motion are included in the committee minutes and were read into the transcript during the hearing. Each bill will be scheduled for floor consideration according to the Legislature’s calendar.
