Rules committee advances package of bills: minimum wage increase, leases, THC ban and $4M for streetlights
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Summary
The Rules and Judiciary Committee moved a block of bills to the full Senate, including a phased minimum‑wage increase (Bill 36‑0030), a $4 million appropriation for streetlight repairs (36‑0210), lease approvals for WSTA and St. John taxi services, an insurance code update and a ban on several THC products. Several senators voiced concerns about funding sources and implementation details.
The committee read and debated Block 3 — ten measures covering leases, appropriations and regulatory changes — and voted to forward the package to the full Senate. Highlights and outcomes:
- WSTA lease (Bill 36‑0089): Sponsor Sen. Milton E. Potter said the lease authorizes a 20‑year initial term with two five‑year renewal options for parcels at Sub Base, St. Thomas, at an annual rent of $30,000. Committee vote: favorably reported (6 yeas, 1 absent).
- St. John Taxi Services lease (Bill 36‑0092): Motion to approve the long‑pending taxi association lease was favorably reported and will proceed to the floor (committee tally recorded; memorials to the late Sean Claxton were offered during introduction).
- Minimum wage increase (Bill 36‑0030): The committee voted to forward a phased increase and restoration of statutory review mechanisms (wage board duties) to the full Senate. Sponsors and supporters argued the phased approach reinstates cost‑of‑living adjustments; some senators sought additional guardrails for small businesses. Committee vote: favorably reported (6 yeas, 1 absent).
- Streetlight appropriation (Bill 36‑0210): The measure would appropriate $4,000,000 from the Virgin Islands Insurance Guarantee Fund to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) for streetlight repair, replacement and operation across the territory. The motion carried in committee (4 ayes, 1 nay, 1 absent, 1 not voting). Senators raised concerns about prioritization given hospital and other critical needs; proponents emphasized public safety and requested WAPA accountability for use of funds.
- THC / delta‑8 products prohibition (Bill 36‑0105): Committee voted to forward an amended ban to align with federal changes and public‑health concerns; the chair noted a technical amendment working with the health commissioner will be filed before final consideration.
- Insurance regulatory update (Bill 36‑0184): The committee approved aligning territorial law with NAIC model revisions to strengthen group supervision, capital calculation and receivership protections.
- Marine safety fund and civil penalties (Bill 36‑0209): Sponsored by Sen. Hubert Frederick, the bill would create civil penalties for ignoring marine advisories and establish a territorial marine safety fund; committee reported favorably.
- Parcel sale (Bill 36‑0217): The committee approved sale of a roughly 2,000‑sq. ft. parcel in Christiansted to Z Property VI LLC for $260,000; sponsors said proceeds will later be tied to historic preservation amendments on the floor.
Committee debate reflected recurring themes: the tradeoff between speeding essential infrastructure repairs (streetlights) and limited public funds, ensuring minimum‑wage changes are phased to protect small businesses, and the need for clearer implementation language and oversight in several measures. The committee recorded votes and will send the bills to the full Senate for debate and final passage.
What’s next: technical amendments mentioned in committee will be circulated and considered on the floor; senators asked the administration and WAPA for clear accounting and project lists before disbursement of appropriations.
