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Rules committee advances bill allowing government employees to run for office, adds 30‑day paid‑leave amendment
Summary
Committee on Rules and Judiciary advanced Bill 36‑0134 to the full Senate after testimony from the Division of Personnel and debate about enforcement, Hatch Act compliance and continuity of government. An amendment requires employees to take 30 days of paid annual leave before the general election.
The committee considered Bill 36‑0134, introduced by Sen. Maurice C. James, which would repeal and reenact Title 18, V.I. Code §2 to allow government employees to run for elective office while remaining in active employment unless federal law (for example the Hatch Act for federal employees) or other laws prohibit them. Cindy L. Richardson, director of the Division of Personnel, testified in support and said the Division will issue guidance and training to help agencies implement the change and to ensure compliance with prohibitions on using government time or resources for campaigning.
Sponsor Maurice C. James framed the measure as a modernization to reduce the financial hardship…
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