Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed several significant bills into law, Government House said Tuesday, including provisions to protect children who were victims of crimes, raise the age to buy tobacco, and officially honor revered Virgin Islanders, and extend the Water and Power Authority’s state of emergency.
The bills were passed by the 35th Legislature during its Oct. 16 session.
The Child Victims’ and Child Witnesses’ Rights Act aims to provide emotional and psychological support for child victims and witnesses during court proceedings by allowing them to be accompanied by an adult attendant or even small comfort animals. The new law also protects a child victim or witness’ identity, including mandating secure handling of documents and sealed court records, said Sen. Angel Bolques, the bill’s sponsor.
A child witness may also be allowed to testify via two-way closed-circuit television or videotaped depositions to prevent further trauma and be appointed trained advocates to represent the best interests of the child, ensuring they receive consistent care and advocacy throughout their involvement in the legal system.
The territory’s state of emergency aimed at helping WAPA buy fuel and avoid blackouts will extend to Dec. 20, according to Bill No. 35-0340, signed into law by Bryan. He also signed Bills 35-0300 and 35-0320 – approving lease agreements with Advance Power, LLC for the development of microgrid infrastructure with wind turbines on St. Thomas and St. Croix.
A new law raising the age to legally purchase tobacco products brings the territory in line with federal standards. It is now illegal for anyone to sell cigarettes, cigars, loose-leaf, or any other type of tobacco to a person under 21. Advocates for the new law had said removing tobacco from the teenage realm protected still-developing bodies and minds and also reduced the chance of addiction.
Bryan also signed into law legislation creating an annual U.S. Virgin Islands Beer, Wine, and Spirits Festival as a way to boost tourism. The new law also allocates funding for restoration of electrical services in underserved areas of St. Croix, trains Emergency Medical Services instructors, and expands educational support for students and families.
Bill No. 35-0283, signed into law by Bryan, amended the Virgin Islands Cannabis Use Act, creating new pathways for local business and regulatory innovation in the cannabis industry. Bill No. 35-0390 established the Money Transmission Revolving Fund to streamline oversight of money transmission services. Bryan advised the Legislature to make specific amendments, including assigning collection responsibilities to the Office of the Lieutenant Governor and removing the income tax credit to ensure proper management of fees, according to Government House.
Two land-use issues signed into law conveyed Parcel No. 201 Submarine Base to the Virgin Islands Public Broadcasting System, reinforcing public media’s role in the territory and a lease agreement supporting the St. Croix Science Teachers’ Association on St. Croix, facilitating education and community development efforts.
Local heroes officially honored were musician and producer Bryan “Benny-Demus” Boulai. Bryan presented Boulai with The Official Key to the Virgin Islands, recognizing his outstanding contributions to music and the Virgin Islands community. St. Thomas’ Superior Court building was renamed the Judge Verne A. Hodge Superior Courthouse in honor of Verne Antonio Hodge, a dedicated public servant, for his exceptional contributions to the Virgin Islands legal system, according to Government House.
“The measures approved will have a lasting impact on our community, expanding protections for our children, enhancing public health initiatives, supporting economic innovation, and modernizing critical infrastructure. These actions are a testament to our continued progress as a territory and our commitment to securing a brighter, more sustainable future for all Virgin Islanders,” Bryan said in a written statement.
Bryan vetoed, however, Bill No. 35-0388, which proposed amendments to felony prosecution procedures.
“The bill’s current provisions would place an undue strain on the Territory’s judicial and prosecutorial systems, requiring additional time to implement. The Governor emphasizes the need for a coordinated timeline with prosecutorial offices to ensure a smooth transition without overburdening the courts or risking the swift administration of justice,” Government House said in a written statement.
