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VI UPDATE U.S. Virgin Islands Public Records TRANSCRIPT OF PUBLIC PROCEEDINGS 09-15-25 Committee on Rules and Judiciary Legislature USVI September 15, 2025 · 3.1 hours · gov Source recording https://youtu.be/dlFkxFlTeYI Status This is a working transcript produced by machine from a recording of a public proceeding. It is a finding aid, not an official record of the Legislature. Transcribed by VI Update, using OpenAI Whisper large-v3-turbo, run locally. Not reviewed by a person. Reliability Automatic transcription, UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording before relying on it. Speech recognition splits spoken digits and wraps figures mid-number, so a dollar amount, a vote count or a bill number can be wrong in a way that reads as correct. Speakers are not identified: automatic speaker labelling was measured unusable and removed. 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We'll see you next time. Thank you. We'll be right back. Thank you. Good morning, colleagues, Senate and central staff, and our listening and viewing audience. The 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands Committee on Rules and Judiciary hearing for Monday, September 15, 2025, is hereby called to order. This morning, we will be considering and acting on one of the most critical aspects of our work as legislators. funding of the government of the virgin islands as well as non-profit organizations for fiscal year 2026. the 31 bills we will be taking action on today is a culmination 0:13:30 of the hard work performed over the summer by our legislature committee on budget appropriation and Finance, led by the Honorable Novel E. Francis Jr., Vice Chair Marvin L. Blyden, as well as committee members to include Senators Kurt Violet, Duane DeGraff, Hubert Fredericks, Ray Fonseca, as well as Maurice James, and also non-committee members to include the Honorable Avery L. Lewis and myself. I would be remiss if I did not note the heavy lifting performed by our exemplary post-audit team led by our post auditor Dr. Theodora Phillip, Assistant Post Auditor Ms. Nakia Fleming and the remaining outstanding post-audit support staff Ms. Amika Hyman, Ms. Odette Gordon, Ms. Ashley Watley, Ms. Christina Colburn and Ms. Shirley Foy. The bills before us today is presented as a balanced budget. That's one of our charges as legislators to make sure that we pass a balanced budget. It include the increased raising of the minimum salary for our lowest paid government workers and it focuses on health care for all of us as well as looking at organization to help build our workforce and 0:26:42 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 1 of 19 Legislature USVI · 09-15-25 Committee on Rules and Judiciary our young people and also to assist with our aging population this is a monumental achievement and it is truly reflective of the legislature's commitment to providing funding where it counts and to give our people something that they can feel positive about Before we begin our meeting, I'd like to take a moment to recognize the passing of an iconic musician, beloved teacher and mentor, Mr. Lewis B. Taylor Jr., who left us on Friday, September 12. Mr. Taylor was a proud son of the soil, a man who dedicated his life to music, to the education of young minds for many years he taught music at joseph gomez elementary school and i was fortunate to be one of his students during my time there and so we want to really thank him for all his work he was also a great tennis player and we we we are losing a lot of our i say star wars those persons who have played such a critical role in our lives and nurturing but know that his legacy lives on in many of us and we have to and we are compelled to demonstrate all of the teachings that he invested in us. Madam Clerk, kindly proceed to roll call. 0:28:34 one moment madam clerk yes go ahead madam clerk kindly proceed to roll call one moment madam clerk your mic is not on can you proceed now madam clerk to roll call okay good morning. Senator Carla J. Joseph? Present. Senator Joseph? Present. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins? Senator Gittins? Absent. Senator Alma Francis Halliger? Excused. Senator Angel L. Bocas, Jr. Madam Clerk, excuse me, uh we don't have, we haven't read any excuse call the names based on who is on the list and note that either they're present here to answer or not okay okay i'm sorry about that apologize okay senator alma francis halliga absent senator Angel L. Bocas Jr. Present. Senator Bocas Jr. Present. Senator Clifford A. Joseph. Senator Clifford Joseph absent. Senator Avery L. Lewis. Senator Lewis present. Senator Milton E. Potter. 0:30:25 Here. Senator Potter, present. Madam Chair, we have four present and three absent. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Madam Clerk, do we have any correspondences? Yes, Madam Chair, we have two correspondences. Kindly proceed with reading those correspondences into the record. September 15, 2025, Honorable Carla J. Joseph, 36th Legislature, Chairperson on Rules and Judiciary. Greetings, Senator Joseph. Please note for the records, I will be tardy to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, scheduled for 10 a.m. on Monday, September 15, 2025, in the Earl B. Attlee Legislative Hall. Due to a previously scheduled appointment, I will arrive as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding. Regards, Alma Francis Halliger, Senator Alma Francis Halliger 36th legislature member committee on rules and judiciary thank you so much madam clerk is there another correspondence yes there is kindly read that correspondence into the record as well okay september 15 2025 honorable carla j joseph chair committee on Rules and Judiciary, 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, Capitol Building, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands 00804. Dear Madam Chair, please accept this correspondence as a formal notice of my late arrival to today's Committee on Rules and Judiciary meeting scheduled to begin at 10 a.m. in the Earl B. Utley Legislative Chambers on St. Thomas. 0:32:02 With limited inter-island travel options, I will be traveling at the start of the meeting and I will not be able to join remotely. Please have all circulated documents placed on my desk for my review upon arrival. Respectfully, Senator Clifford Joseph. Honorable Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., member, Committee on Rules and Judiciary, 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Does that conclude all correspondences, Madam Clerk? 0:34:07 Yes, Madam Chair, that concludes the reading of all the correspondence. Thank you. Kindly indicate on the rolled, excused, tardy for Senators Joseph and Francis Heiliger. We will recognize them once they appear in person. Okay. Thank you. Madam Clerk, kindly proceed to read Block 1 of today's agenda into the record. Committee on Rules and Judiciary Agenda, 36th legislature of the Virgin Islands, Committee on Rules and Judiciary, scheduled a hearing for Monday, September 15, 2025, at 10 a.m. in the Earl B. Utley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas. The purpose of the hearing is to consider the bills pertaining to the fiscal year 2026 budget. Block number one, Bill number 36-0154, an act providing a lump sum appropriation from the Health Revolving Fund to the Virgin Islands Department of Health and contributions to the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands for fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. 0:34:48 sponsored by Senators Milton E. Potter and Novo E. Francis Jr. Block number bill number 36-0155 an act providing a lump sum appropriation from the general fund to the Virgin Isles Fire and Emergency Medical Services Fund for the fiscal October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026, sponsored by Senators Milton E. Potter and Nova E. Francis, Jr. Bill number 36-0156, an act providing an appropriation from the Business and Commercial Properties Revolving Fund to the Virgin Islands Department of Property and Procurement for operating expenses for the fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through October 30th, 2026, sponsored by Senators Milton E. Potter and Novo E. Francis, Jr. Bill number 36-0157, an act providing an appropriation from the Virgin Islands Lottery as a contribution to the general fund of the Treasury of the Virgin Islands for the fiscal year October 1st through September 30th, sponsored by Senators Milton E. Potter and Nova E. Francis, Jr. Bill number 36-0158, an act providing an appropriation for the District Public Road Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands to the Department of Public Works for operating expenses for the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, sponsored by Senators Milton E. Potter and Nova E. Francis Jr. Okay. Bill number 0:36:18 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 2 of 19 Legislature USVI · 09-15-25 Committee on Rules and Judiciary 36-0159, an act providing an appropriation from the indirect costs fund for the operating expenses of the office of management and budget the virgin islands division of personnel the virgin islands department of property and procurement and the virgin islands department of finance for the fiscal year october 1st 2025 through october 30th 2026 sponsored by senators milton e potter and novel e francis jr bill number 36 0160, an act provided an appropriation from the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands to the St. Croix Capital Improvement Fund and the St. Thomas Capital Improvement Fund for the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Sponsored by Senators Milton E. Potter and Nova E. Francis, Jr. Bill number 36-0161, an act appropriating $25,500,000 to the legislature of the Virgin Islands in the fiscal year October 1st, 2025 to September 30th, 2026, sponsored by Senators Milton E. Potter and Nova E. Francis, Jr. Bill No. 36-0162, an act appropriating $20 million from the Virgin Islands Insurance Guarantee Fund as a contribution to the general fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands in the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. 0:38:52 Sponsored by Senators Milton E. Potter and Nova E. Francis Jr. Bill number 36-0167, an act providing an appropriation for salaries and expenses of the Virgin Islands Board of Elections and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections in the fiscal year, October 1st through September 30, 2026, sponsored by Senators Milton E. Potter and Novel E. Francis Jr. Madam Chair, this concludes the reading of Block No. 1. Thank you so much, Madam Clerk. And that's a lot of reading that you have to do today because we have a total of 31 bills that we're going to be considering today, and all of them are about fiscal year 2026 budget for the government. I also want to recognize the chairman of the Committee on Budget Appropriations and Finance, whose work, along with post-audit colleagues, the executive branch, as well as legal counsel workers that we are going to be looking at today and vetting. those bills have already been vetted properly vetted properly marked up in the committee of jurisdiction i know we're going to have a few minor just clean up amendments but at this time i would like to recognize us the chairperson of the committee on budget appropriations and finance and welcome senator francis to the committee on rules and judiciary thank you very much madam chair good morning to you good morning to my colleagues good morning to central staff and of course a good morning to the people of the versions as well as good morning to those in in the audience here today um on the behalf of the committee of budget appropriations and finance 0:40:24 i'd like to again thank you for this opportunity where we are moving the bills uh the budget bills again in the Committee of the Clearinghouse, but in the Rules and Judiciary Committee this morning. As you have indicated in your opening statement, that in fact there's 31 bills that will be moved today along the process. And these bills are presented after 22 hearings were held over the last three months, extensive questioning, follow-up, and critical deliberation. As the chair of the committee, I've entered into the budget process, mindful of the federal environment and the trickle-down effect on our local program services and the community from cutbacks in federal funding. With this in mind, this budget presents both fiscal caution and optimism for the upcoming fiscal year. I'm proud of the work that has been done by the committee, the post audit division, central staff, my staff to get us to this point. I also recognize all of the non-committee members who participated in the process. I would also like to thank the collaboration extended to the committee by the OMB director, Julia Reimer, Finance Commissioner Kevin McCurdy, and the governor's financial team. I must say that there's a few amendments that will be offered this morning as well. 0:42:27 As you have indicated, there's just cleanup amendments to make sure that we're moving these bills as complete as possible the bills will also be moved under a closed rule order which again disallow any further adjustments to the bills because of course we want to move these bills under a balanced budget and we don't want any movement in that that will impact the bottom line numbers of the bill i'm asking for my colleague supporters i'm not a member of this committee in moving these bills forward and later on this week we'll be again considering this during the general session of the legislature of the Virgin Islands there's a tremendous amount of work that has gone into this bill and of course getting us to this point and as you have indicated this is one of our responsibility here as senators is to ensure that we're vetting the government bills making sure that we're good stewards of the government funds and moving these things forward i can't impress the importance of ensuring that our revenues continue to be collected um in a meaningful manner that helps to balance our budget and make sure that we're paying for services salaries associated with with the budget movement as well as the disaster recovery um you know programs that that's earmarked there's some 139 million dollars that's earmarked to be collected as a result of our disaster recovery project and it's critical it's of most utmost importance that we're able to see those projects move to fruition you know so that in fact we could continue to see the revenues coming into the conference of the government of the virgin house so again thank you very much for this opportunity and i ask for my colleagues support in moving these bills forward thank you madam chair thank you so much senator Francis for that very diligent summation of the hard work that your committee has done from the beginning of this summer until about two weeks ago. We worked diligently even into the late night and I really appreciate the hard lifting that you as well as all of us did and a legal 0:43:54 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 3 of 19 Legislature USVI · 09-15-25 Committee on Rules and Judiciary Council to get these bills before us colleagues at this time I would give us two minutes because these bills have been vetted properly in the committee of jurisdiction well vetted and we all had an opportunity to have discussions on the bill two minutes to talk on all of the bills that is on the agenda and from there we will proceed with making the motions in this first block to move the bills on to the legislative agenda for further consideration and action this time I would recognize Mr. Secretary, the Honorable Avery L. Lewis. You're recognized for your two minutes remarks. Thank you, Madam Chairwoman, and good morning colleagues. Good morning to the people of the Virgin Islands. Good morning to everyone. It's a beautiful day in paradise. 0:46:05 i rise in support of all these bills and again i'd like to thank publicly to senator novel francis jr the chair of budget appropriations and finance for allowing me to participate in these sessions especially budget markup budget overview it's a learning process i thank you publicly senator francis to you and your committee thank you um i raise the support of all the bills as we said i'm glad that we had an opportunity to crack down and really get to the nuts and bolts of some of the tough vaccine issues of the virgin islands especially we're able to give more monies to DPW for roads, to the hospitals, even to the legislature to fix our aging building and different stuff going on. You know, we were able to give to a lot of our non-profits organizations, and for that I'm grateful for, so they could continue a lot of the valuable work that they continue to do in this community. 0:47:16 could we do it all no but we was as generous and as uh caution as as we can be um we did our best and i for that i'm happy and i thank all my colleagues who participated in this um financial act um and a lot of people had questions even pertaining and that's coming up soon pretty soon about our health insurance and this body too will take some responsible actions and move forward with that so madam chair the appropriate time i will be voting in affirmative and for all these bills in block one block two block tree and i thank you very much i thank you so much senator lewis i believe mr vice chair Senator Kenneth Gittins has arrived in the Legislative Conference Room in St. Croix. Madam Clerk, kindly mark Senator Kenneth Gittins as present, and then give me the tally of the number of members that we have, our voting force. 0:48:34 Thank you. Madam Chair five members present two members absent thank you so much madam clerk I appreciate it as Senator Angel Boquez jr. you're recognized for your two minutes Good morning, Madam Chair. Good morning, colleagues. Good morning to the listening and viewing audience. Good morning to central staff. I just want to state for the record that I am in support of all of the measures in this block and look forward to voting at the appropriate time. 0:49:52 Thank you madam chair. Thank you so much Senator Bulkets for those succinct words and remarks. At this time I would like to recognize the Senate President Milton E Potter. You are recognized for your two minutes remarks. Kindly, media kindly, recognize the mic of Senator Milton Potter. 0:50:49 Thank you so very much, Madam Chair. Good afternoon, good morning, colleagues. Special good morning to the members of central staff. I just want to really start by extending kudos, congratulations, and gratitude to the chairman of the Committee on Budget Appropriation and Finance and his team, as well as the members members of our illustrious post-added division for the tremendous work that went into putting this FY2026 budget together. You know, when something happens seamlessly, we take a lot for granted as to the effort that takes place behind the scenes to make things happen. So kudos to Chairman of the Budget Appropriation and Finance Committee, kudos to the members of the committee, as well as non-members of the committee who had an opportunity to participate in these very lengthy budget hearings that took place throughout this summer. You know, budget is something that is significant. It is perhaps the most important thing that we as legislators are asked to do. The decisions that we make really speaks to what we consider the people's priorities. The decisions that we make today will determine whether schools have the resources that they need, whether healthcare is accessible, whether infrastructure is strengthened, whether public servants are fully supported to fulfill their duties. Supporting this budget is essential to maintaining stability, accountability, and progress for our territory. At the appropriate time, Madam Chair, I plan to vote in the affirmative for all of the budget bills that are before us today. 0:51:20 Thank you very much. And thank you so much, Mr. President, for those remarks. At this time, the Chair will recognize Vice-Chair Kenneth Gittins for your two minutes. Senator Gittins, you are recognized for your two minutes remarks. Thank you, Madam Chair, and good morning to all. I too just want to extend my gratitude and thanks to the Finance Committee, the Finance Scheer and his team, the Posada Division, and all non-committee members of the Legislature who joined in participating and making sure that we have a balanced budget. 0:53:24 Thank you all for the exceptional work that you did in this year's bill process. At the appropriate time, I too will cast my vote. Thank you. And thank you so kindly, Senator Gittins, for those remarks. This chair, at this time, I will present my remarks. Two minutes for me as well, Madam Clerk. Think the process that we go through every year to ensure that there is a level of parity and individuals in our government system and those in non-profit can see what the taxpayers' money are spent on is a critical component of the legislative process and is a critical job and work we do. 0:54:21 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 4 of 19 Legislature USVI · 09-15-25 Committee on Rules and Judiciary I cannot extend the amount of heavy lifting that we had to endure, especially when we are receiving from post-audit analysis that are coming in 2 o'clock in the morning because other executive branch members, they are doing other work, and so they're sending in this. But our post-audit team did an awesome job. i want to also highlight the staff of the chairman of the committee on budget appropriations and finance for their diligence and assurance that we were getting these this information post-added analysis is a critical component that we look at in a legislature to actually pass the budget and to balance the budget based on the information that we have received from the executive branch i want to highlight one of the some of the areas that we were able to put funding for which include health care as well as elderly care for our our seniors home makers so to provide that additional support that some of our seniors are in need of because they do not have and we We do not have a long-term, skilled nursing facilities here in the Virgin Islands. It's a critical issue. 0:55:23 And so I really have to say that we have worked diligently, I'll just wrap up, in putting together a very comprehensive but conservative budget for this legislature as well as for the executive branch as well as the judicial branch for fiscal year 2026 at this time i will take a brief At this time, I would recognize, actually, I recognize the chairman of the Committee on Budget Appropriations and Finance, and then after that, we'll take a really brief recess. Mr. Chairman, Senator Francis, you are recognized for your closing. 0:56:55 Thank you very much, Madam Chair, and again, I want to thank my colleagues for their kind comments in regards to moving this budget process forward. I just wanted to advise the public that, again, there is a tremendous amount of information that's available as we endeavor to create transparency and accountability. Of course, under the legislative website, there is all of the information relative to the budget and the budget bills, as well as you can look under the Department of Finance, as well as Bureau of Internal Revenue, where you get to see all of the revenues that's collected on the behalf of the government of Arizona. So there is no need to guess what's transparent there. There's a level of transparency and accountability that's available to you so you could view exactly what's transparent. Just real quickly, in some of the budget, I know my colleagues spoke about some of the items that we try to ensure that we are providing for FY 2026. In addition to that, I want to say that we have increased the health and hospitals budget by $2.5 million to provide for some additional monies to the Charlotte Kimmelman Center as well as the cardiac center. We have done some interior roads because we know that we have Gavi funds that's available for some of the federal roads there as well as street light. Street light have been of concern for quite some time now and there was a presentation made by the Virgin Islands Water and Power which we have considered in terms of funding street lights so that we could light up the territory. Of course, the $35,000 increase to government employees is making under $35,000. As the health insurance, there is at most a $27 million price tag associated with the health insurance, Cigna Health Insurance, United Health Care insurance that will be going up. And certainly we have provided at least $20.5 million available to support that. The budget is a projection that's made on an annual basis base and revenues that's coming in and it's simple it's this really is this you know revenues versus expenditures is what gives us our budget so it's very important that we're able to collect our revenues so that we can be able to make the expenditures that's required from the behalf of the services to this community so thank you very much madam chair for the time and opportunity and again i look forward to your support as we move this budget process forward thank you and thank you so much mr chairman uh we were going to take a break but uh my colleague says to push on regardless and so we pushing on and pressing on regardless motion mr secretary 0:57:47 thank you madam chair i move I move Bill number 36.0154, an act providing a lump sum appropriation from the Health Revolving Fund to the Virgin Island Department of Health and a contribution to the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands for fiscal year October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026. be voted favorably in this committee and reported to the full body for further consideration subject to the closed rule subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b4 of the rules of the 36 legislature of the virgin islands i so move second Second. 1:00:29 Motion properly moved by Senator Avery L. Lewis and seconded by Senator Carla Joseph and Milton E. Potter. Roll call on Bill Number 36-0154. Senator Carla J. Joseph yes Senator Joseph yay Senator Kenneth L. Gittins yes Senator Gittins yay Senator Alma Francis Heidegger yes Senator Francis Heidegger yay Senator Sen. Angel L. Bocas, Jr., Sen. Bocas, Jr., absent. 1:01:30 Sen. Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., Sen. Joseph, Sr., absent. Sen. Avery L. Lewis. Yes. Sen. Lewis. Yes. Sen. Milton E. Potter. Yes. Sen. Potter. Yes. five members five yay. Madam Chair. Madam Clerk, Senator Boquez. Yes I had some microphone issues and my vote is yay. Senator Angel L. Boquez Jr. yay. Madam Chair, six yays, one absent. Thank you, Madam Clerk. 1:02:26 Bill number 36-0154, an act providing a lump sum appropriation from the Health Revolving Fund to the Virgin Islands Department of Health and a contribution to the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands for fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026 has been favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules 1:03:10 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 5 of 19 Legislature USVI · 09-15-25 Committee on Rules and Judiciary and Judiciary. We will take a one minute recess. The committee stands in recess for one minute. Thank you. Thank you. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. And we are back on the record. 1:04:25 now before we go to the motion we need to finalize the whole process we had some questions asked but let me finalize the whole process bill number 36-0154 an act providing a lump sum appropriation from the health revolving fund to the virgin islands department of health and a contribution to the general fund of the treasury of the government of the virgin islands for fiscal year october 1st 2025 through september 30th 2026 has been favorably approved in the committee and rules and judiciary and will be reported to the full body for further consideration subject to the closed rule under rule 314 b4 of the rules of the 36th legislature of the virgin islands now i just want before we take in the next um the next motion and i entertain the next motion so that the listening public knows uh we were having just a little conversation to make sure we are moving these uh bills properly and we will be able to address those uh items uh correctly do i hear motion motion you're recognized senator lewis for your motion madam chair i move bill number three six that's zero one five five an act providing a lump sum appropriation from the general fund to the virgin virgin island fire and emergency medical services fund for the fiscal year 1:07:52 october 1 2025 through september 30 2026 be voted upon favorably in this committee of rules and judiciary to the full body for further consideration subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. I so move. Second. Bill number 36-0155 has been properly moved by Senator Avery Lewis and seconded by Senator Milton Potter. 1:09:47 Roll call on Bill number 36-0155. Senator Carla J. Joseph? Yes. Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins, yes. Senator Gittins, yay. Senator Alma Francis Heiliger, yes. Senator Francis Heiliger, yay. Senator Anya L. Bocas, Jr., yay. Senator Bocas, Jr., yay. Senator Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., absent. Senator Avery L. Lewis, yes. Senator senator lewis yay senator milton e potter yes senator potter yay madam madam chair six yeas one absent bill number 36-0155 an act providing a lump sum appropriation from the general fund to the virgin islands fire and emergency medical services fund for the fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026 has been favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and will be reported to the full body for further consideration subject to the closed rule under Rule 314B4 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands motion senator Avery Lewis you are recognized for your motion thank you madam chair madam chair I move that bill number three six that's zero one five six an act providing an appropriation from the business and commercial properties revolving fund to the Virgin Island Department of Property procurement for operating expenses for fiscal year october 1 2025 through september 30 2026 be voted upon favorably in this committee rules and judiciary to the full but and be forwarded 1:10:26 to the full body for further consideration subject subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b section 4 of the rules of the 36th legislature of the virgin islands i so move Bill number 36-0156 has been properly moved by Senator Avery Lewis and seconded by Senator Milton Potter. Roll call on bill number 36-0156. Senator Carla J. Joseph? Yes. 1:12:36 Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins? Yes. Yes. Senator Gittins, yay. Frances Heilegger. Yes. Senator Frances Heilegger. Yes. Senator Angel L. Bocas Jr. Yes. Senator Bocas Jr. Yes. Senator Clifford A. Joseph. Senator Joseph absent. Senator Avery L. Lewis. Yes. Senator Lewis. Yes. Senator Milton E. Potter. Yes. Senator Potter. Yes. Madam Chair, six yays, one absent. bill number 30 thank you so much madam clerk bill number 36-0156 an act providing an appropriation from the business and commercial properties revolving fund to the virgin islands department of property and procurement for operating expenses for the fiscal year october 1st 2025 through september 30th 2026 has been favorably voted upon in the committee and rules and judiciary and will be reported to the full body for further consideration subject to the closed rule under rule 314 b4 of the rules of the 36th legislature of the virgin islands do i hear a motion that's right motion senator avery l lewis you are recognized for your motion thank you madam chair madam chair i move that bill number three six that zero one five seven an act providing an appropriation for the virgin islands lottery as a contribution to the general fund of the treasury of the government of the virgin islands for the fiscal year october 1 2025 through september charity 2026 be voted upon favorably in this committee rules and judiciary to the full body for further consideration subject to the closed rule under rule section under rule 314 section b 1:13:12 section 4 of the rules of the 36 legislature of the virgin islands i so move second bill number 36 36-0157 has been properly moved by Senator Lewis and seconded by Senator Potter. Roll call on Bill 36-0157. Senator Carla J. Joseph? Yes. Senator Joseph? Yes. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins? 1:15:19 Yes. Senator Gittins? Yes. Senator Alma-Francis Heiliger? Yes. Senator Francis Heiliger? Yes. Senator Anyetlel Bocas Jr.? Yes. Senator Bocas Jr.? Senator Clifford A. Joseph? Senator Joseph, absent. Senator Avery L. Lewis? Yes. Senator Lewis, yay. Senator Milton E. Potter? Yes. Senator Potter, yay. Madam Chair, six yays, one absent. Thank you, Madam 1:15:47 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 6 of 19 Legislature USVI · 09-15-25 Committee on Rules and Judiciary Clerk. Bill number 36-0157, an act providing an appropriation from the Virgin Islands Lottery as a contribution to the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands for fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, has been favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under Rule 314B4 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Do I hear a motion? Yes. Senator Avery L. Lewis, you are recognized for your motion. Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, I move that Bill number 36.0158, an act providing an appropriation from the district public road fund of the government the virgin islands to the department of public works for operating expenses for the fiscal year october 1 2025 through september 30 2026 be voted upon favorably in this committee rules and judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration subject to the closed rule rule 314 section b section 4 of the rules of the 36 legislature of the virgin islands i so move bill number 36-0158 has been properly moved by senator avery lewis and seconded by senator milton potter roll call on bill number 36-0158 Senator Carla J. Joseph? 1:17:03 Yes. Senator Joseph? Yes. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins? Yes. Senator Gittins? Yes. Senator Alma Francis Hyliger? Yes. Senator Francis Hyliger? Yes. Senator Anya L. Bocas Jr.? Yes. Senator Bocas Jr. Yes. Senator Clifford A. Joseph Sr.? Yes. Senator Joseph Sr.? Absent. Senator Avery L. Lewis? Yes. Senator Lewis? Yes. Senator Milton E. Potter? Senator Potter, yay. Madam Chair, six yays, one absent. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Bill number 36-0158, an act providing an appropriation from the District Public Road Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands to the Department of Public Works for operating expenses for fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026 has been favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the Closed Rule under 314 of the Rules of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Do I hear a motion? Motion. Motion, Senator Milton Potter. Madam Chair, I move that bill number 36-0159, an act providing an appropriation from the indirect cost fund for for the operating expenses of the Office of Management and Budget, the Virgin Islands Division of Personnel, the Virgin Islands Department of Property and Procurement, and the Virgin Islands Department of Finance for the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, be favorably voted upon by the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, subject to the closed rule under Rule 314B, four of the rules of the 36th legislature of the Virgin Islands and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action. I so move. 1:18:13 Bill number 36-0159 has been properly moved by Senator Milton Potter and seconded by Senator Avery Lewis, roll call on bill number 36-0159. Senator Carla J. Joseph? Yes. Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins? Yes. Senator Gittins, yay. Senator Alma Frances Heiliger? Yes. Senator Frances Heiliger, yay. Senator Angel L. Boquez, Jr. 1:20:45 Media, please recognize Senator Bocas Jr., yay. Senator Clifford A. Joseph Sr., Senator Joseph Sr., absent Senator Avery L. Lewis, yes. Senator Lewis, yay. Senator Milton E. Potter, yes. Senator Potter, yay. Madam Chair, six yays, one absent. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Bill number 36-0159, an act providing an appropriation from the indirect cost fund for the operating expenses of the Office of Management and Budget, the Virgin Islands Division of Personnel, the Virgin Islands Department of Property and Procurement, and the Virgin Islands Department of finance for the fiscal year october 1st 2025 through september 30th 2026 has been favorably voted upon in the committee and rules and judiciary and will be forwarded to the full body for the further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314b4 of the rules of of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Do I hear a motion? 1:21:25 Amendment. Amendment. Senator Potter, you're recognized for your amendment. Thank you. Madam Chair, I move amendment number 36 dash, I offer, Madam Chair, I offer amendment number 36 dash 548 to bill number 36 dash 0160. Bill number 36-0160 is amended in section 1, line 3, by striking $3 million and inserting $3,500,000. I so move. 1:22:50 Amendment number 36548 has been properly moved by Senator Potter and seconded by Senator Lewis. Hearing no objection, so ordered. Motion. Senator Potter, you're recognized for your motion. Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that Bill Number 36-0160, an act providing an appropriation from the general fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands to the St. Croix Capital Improvement Fund and the St. Thomas Capital Improvement Fund for fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30th, 2026, as amended, be favorably voted upon by the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, subject to the closed rule under Rule 314B-4 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands and forward it to the full body for further consideration and action. 1:23:35 I so move. Bill number 36-0160 has been favorably, has been moved, as amended, has been moved by Senator Milton Potter and seconded by Senator Avery Lewis. roll call on bill number 36-0160 as amended. Senator Carla J. Joseph? Yes. Senator Joseph, yay. 1:24:44 Senator Kenneth L. Gittins? Yes. Senator Gittins, yay. Senator Alma Francis Heiliger? Yes. Senator Francis Heiliger, yay. Senator Angel L. Bocas, Jr.? Yeah. Senator Bocas, Jr., yay. Senator Clifford A. Joseph, Sr.? Senator Joseph Senior, 1:25:16 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 7 of 19 Legislature USVI · 09-15-25 Committee on Rules and Judiciary absent. Senator Avery L. Lewis? Yes. Senator Lewis, yay. Senator Milton E. Potter? Yes. Senator Potter, yay. Madam Chair, six yays, one absent. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Bill number 36-0160, an act providing an appropriation from the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands to the St. Croix Capital Improvement fund and the st thomas capital improvement fund for fiscal year october 1st 2025 through september 30th 2026 as amended has been favorably voted upon in the committee on rules and judiciary and will be reported out to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under Rule 314B4 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Motion. Motion, Senator. Potter, you're recognized. 1:25:43 Thank you. Madam Chair, I move that Bill 36-0161, an act appropriating $25,500,000 to the legislature of the virgin islands in the fiscal year october 1 2025 through september 30th 2026 be favorably voted upon by the committee on rules and judiciary subject to the closed rule under rule 314 b4 of the rules of the 36th legislature of the virgin islands and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action i so move Bill number 36-0161 has been properly moved by Senator Milton Potter and seconded by Senator Avery Lewis. Roll call on bill number 36-0161. Senator Collard J. Joseph? Yes. Senator Joseph? 1:26:42 yay senator kenneth l gettens yes senator gittins yay senator alma francis heiliger senator francis heiliger yay senator aniel l bocas jr yay senator bocas jr yay senator clifford a joseph senior senator joseph senior absent senator avery l lewis yes senator lewis yay senator milton e potter yes senator potter yay madam chair six yeas one absent thank you madam clerk bill number 36-0161 an act appropriating 25 million five hundred thousand dollars to the legislature of the virgin islands in the fiscal year october 1st 2025 through september 30th 2026 has been favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, subject to the closed rule under Rule 314B4 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, and will be reported out to the full body for further consideration and action. Do I hear a motion? 1:27:41 Motion. Senator Potter, you're recognized for your motion. Thank you, Madam Chair. I moved to Bill 36-0162, an act appropriating $20 million from the Virgin Islands Insurance Guarantee Fund as a contribution to the general fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands in the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, be favorably voted upon by the Committee on Rules and Judiciary subject to the closed rule under Rule 314B-4 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action. I so move. 1:29:00 Second. Bill number 36-0162 has been properly moved by Senator Milton Potter and seconded by Senator Avery Lewis. Roll call on Bill 36-0162. Senator Carla J. Joseph? Yes. Senator Joseph? Yay. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins? Yes. 1:29:46 Senator Gittins? Yay. Senator Alma Frances Heiliger? Yes. Senator Frances Heiliger? Yay. Senator Angel L. Bocas, Jr.? Yay. Senator Bocas, Jr.? Yay. Senator Clifford A. Joseph Senior. Senator Joseph Senior absent. Senator Avery L. Lewis. Yes. Senator Lewis, yay. Senator Milton E. Potter. Yes. Senator Potter, yay. Madam Chair, six yays, one absent. Thank you, Madam Clerk. 1:30:12 Bill number 36-0162, an act appropriating $20 million from the Virgin Islands Insurance Guarantee Fund as a contribution to the general fund of the treasury of the government of the Virgin Islands in the fiscal year, October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026 has been favorably voted upon in the committee and rules and judiciary and will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration subject to the closed rule under Rule 314B4 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. 1:30:39 Do I hear a motion? Motion. Senator Potter, you are recognized. Thank you, Madam Chair. I move that Bill number 36-0163, an act providing an appropriation for salaries and expenses of the Virgin Islands Board of Elections and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections in the fiscal year October 1, 2025, through September 30, 2026, be favorably voted upon by the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, subject to the closed rules under Rule 314B-4 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action. I so move. 1:31:26 Avery. Second. Bill number 36-0163 has been properly moved by Senator Potter and seconded by Senator Avery Lewis. Roll call on bill number 36-0163. Senator Carla J. Joseph? Yes. Senator Joseph? Yes. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins? Yes. 1:32:11 Senator Gittins? Yes. Senator Alma Francis-Hyliger? Yes. Senator Francis-Hyliger? Yes. Senator Ángel L. Bocas, Jr.? Yeah. Senator Bocas, Jr., yeah. Senator Clifford A. Joseph, Sr.? Senator Joseph, Sr., absent. Senator Avery L. Lewis? Yes. Senator Lewis, yeah. Senator Milton E. Potter? Yes. Senator Potter, yeah. Madam Chair, six yays, one absent. Thank you, Madam Clerk. 1:32:39 Bill number 36-0163, an act providing an appropriation for salaries and expenses of the Virgin Islands Board of Elections and the Office of the Supervisor of Elections in the fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026 has been favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary Subject to the closed rule under Rule 314B4 of the Rules 1:33:05 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 8 of 19 Legislature USVI · 09-15-25 Committee on Rules and Judiciary of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, and will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action. Colleagues, this concludes Block 1 of the agenda. We have 21 more bills to go. so let's keep it rolling madam clerk kindly proceed with reading block two into the agenda and before you proceed madam clerk I would like to recognize committee member Clifford a Joseph senior who arrived safely from the big Island of St. Croix. Kind of give us our voting power. Madam Chair, seven members present. Thank you so much Madam Clerk. We have a a strength of seven, members strong. Kindly proceed, Madam Clerk, with reading block two of today's agenda into the record. Block number two, bill number 36-0164, an act providing a lump sum appropriation from the School Construction, Maintenance, and Capital Fund to the Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance for repair, renovation, and maintenance of public schools and facilities in fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026. Sponsored by Senators Milton E. Potter and Senator Novelli Joseph, Sr. 1:34:49 Bill number 36-0165. Sponsored by Senators Milton E. Potter and Nouvelle E. Francis Jr. Bill number 36-0165, an act appropriating $6 million from the Caribbean Basin Initiative Fund as a contribution to the general fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands in fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026. Sponsored by Senators Milton E. Potter and Novell E. Francis, Jr. Bill number 36-0166, an act providing an appropriation from the Tourism Advertising Revolving Fund to the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, the Office of the Governor, the Virgin Islands Department of Education, the Virgin Islands Police Department, The Virgin Islands Department of Public Works, the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture, the Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation, the Virgin Islands Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, the Virgin Islands Public Broadcasting System, and the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism during fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026, sponsored by Senators Milton E. Potter and Novell E. Francis Jr. Bill number 36-0167, an act providing an appropriation for the salaries and expenses of the University of the Virgin Islands for the fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026, sponsored by Senators Milton E. Potter and Novell E. Francis, Jr. bill number 36 as 0168 an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the public employees relations board and the virgin islands labor management committee for the fiscal year october 1st 2025 through september 30 2026 sponsored by senators milton e potter and and Novel E. Francis, Jr., Bill number 36.0169, an act appropriating the sum of $1 million 1:35:37 from the Virgin Islands Education Initiative Fund to the Bureau of School Construction, Maintenance, and Capital... Let me start over. Bill number 36.0169, an act appropriating the sum of $1 million from the Virgin Islands Education Initiative Fund to the School of Construction, Maintenance, and Capital Fund for the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, sponsored by Senators Milton E. Potter and Novell E. Francis Jr. Bill number 36.0170, an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Waste Management Authority from the Sewer Waste Water Fund of the Government of the Virgin Islands for fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026, sponsored by Senators Milton E. Potter and Novell E. Francis, Jr. Bill number 36-0171, an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Virgin Islands Hospital and Health Facilities Corporation from the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026. Sponsored by Senators Milton E. Potter and Novell E. Francis Jr. 1:38:06 Bill number 36-0172, an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Virgin Islands Office of the Inspector General from the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands for the fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026. Sponsored by Senators Milton E. Potter and Novell E. Francis, Jr. Bill No. 36-0173, an act providing an appropriation for the operation of the judicial branch of the Government of the Virgin Islands, the Judicial Council, and the Office of the Territorial Public Defender during the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026. Sponsored by Senators Milton E. Potter and Novell E. Francis, Jr. Madam Chair, this concludes the reading of Block No. 2. 1:39:33 Thank you, Madam Clerk. That is a mouthful. And this, in this block, do I... We will stand in recess for a minute. The committee stands in recess for one minute. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. Thank you. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. 1:40:24 Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. 1:44:20 the committee on rules and judiciary is back on the record do i hear a motion motion senator frances heiliger you're recognized for your motion thank you madam chair i move bill number 36-0164 an act providing a lump sum appropriation for the school construction maintenance and capital fund to the bureau of school construction and maintenance for repair renovation and maintenance of public schools and facilities in the fiscal year october 1 2021, 2025 through September 30th, 2026, sponsored by Senator Milton Epot, to be favorably reported to the full body for further consideration, subject to the closed rule under Rule 314B4 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. 1:46:50 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 9 of 19 Legislature USVI · 09-15-25 Committee on Rules and Judiciary I so move. Bill number 36-0164 has been moved by Senator Francis Heiliger, seconded by Senator Avery L. Lewis. Did I hear a second from Senator Clifford Joseph? Roll call on bill number 36-0164. Senator Carla J. Joseph? Yes. Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins? 1:48:08 Yes. Senator Gittins, yay. Senator Alma Frances Heilegger? Yes. Senator Frances Heilegger, yay. Senator Angel L. Bulkech, Jr.? Yeah. Senator Bulkech, Jr., yay. Senator Clifford A. Joseph, Sr.? Yes. Senator Joseph Senior, yay. Senator Avery L. Lewis. Yes. Senator Lewis, yay. Senator Milton E. Potter. Yes. Senator Potter, yay. Madam Chair, seven yeas. Bill number 36-0164, an act providing a lump sum appropriation from the School Construction maintenance and capital fund to the Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance for repair and renovation and maintenance of public schools and facilities in fiscal year October 1st 2025 through September 30th 2026 has been favorably approved in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary subject to the closed rule under rule 314 b4 of the rules of the 36 legislature of the virgin islands and will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action do i hear motion motion senator francis heiliger you are recognized for your motion thank you Madam Chair I move bill number 36-0165 an act appropriating six million dollars from the Caribbean Basin Initiative Fund as a contribution to the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands in fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 for it to be moved to the full body for consideration subject to the Closed Rule 314B4 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. I so move. 1:48:52 Bill number 36-0165 has been properly moved by Senator Francis Heiliger, seconded by Senators Milton, Potter, and Avery Lewis. Roll call on Bill number 36-0165. Senator Carla J. Joseph? Yes. Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins? Yes. 1:51:01 Senator Gittins, yay. Senator Alma Francis-Heiliger? Yes. Senator Francis-Heiliger, yay. Senator Anya L. Bocas, Jr.? Yay. Senator Bocas, Jr., yay. Senator Clifford A. Joseph, Sr. Yes. Senator Joseph, Sr., yay. Senator Avery L. Lewis. Yes. Senator Lewis, yay. Senator Milton E. Potter. Yes. Senator Potter, yay. Madam Chair, seven yays. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Bill number 36-0165, an act appropriating $6 million from the Caribbean Basin Initiative Fund as a contribution to the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands in fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026 has been favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary subject to the closed rule under Rule 314B4 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands and will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action. 1:51:30 Do I hear a motion? Motion. Senator Frances Heiliger, you are recognized for your motion. Thank you. Madam Chair, I move Bill 36-0166, an act providing an appropriation from the Tourism Advertising Revolving Fund to the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, the Office of the Governor, the Virgin Islands Department of Education, the Virgin Islands Police Department, the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works, the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture, the Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation, the Virgin Islands Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, the Virgin Islands Public Broadcasting System, and the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism during the fiscal year October 1, 2025, through September 30th, 2026 be favorably reported to the full body for further consideration subject to the Closed Rule 314B-4 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. I so move. 1:52:44 Bill number 36-0166 has been properly moved by Senator Francis Heiliger, seconded by Senators Milton Potter, Clifford Joseph, and Avery Lewis. Roll call on Bill number 36-0166. Senator Carla J. Joseph? Yes. Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins? 1:53:52 Yes. Senator Gittins, yay. Senator Alma Frances Heiliger? Yes. Senator Frances Heiliger, yay. yea. Senator Angel L. Bocas Jr. yea. Senator Bocas Jr. yea. Senator Clifford A. Joseph Sr. yea. Senator Joseph Sr. yea. Senator Avery L. Lewis yea. Senator Lewis yea. Senator Milton E. Potter yea. Senator Potter yea. Madam Chair, seven yays. Thank you so much, Madam Clerk, Bill number 36-0166, an act providing an appropriation from the Tourism Advertising Revolving Fund to the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority, the Office of the Governor, the Virgin Islands Department of Education, the Virgin Islands Police Department, the the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works, the Virgin Islands Department of Agriculture, the Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks and Recreation, the Virgin Islands Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs, the Virgin Islands Public Broadcasting System, and the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism during the fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026 has been favorably approved in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and will be reported out to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under Rule 314B4 of the rules of the 36th legislature of the virgin islands 1:54:21 amendment senator francis heiliger you're recognized for your amendment thank you madam chair i move to offer an amendment amendment number 36 547 amendment to bill number 36 0167 offered by senator novelle e francis jr bill number 36.0167 is amending as follows. One, page two, section one, line nine, after increases, inserts, pursuant to act number eight, nine, nine, five, and two, page five, section 20, line 12, strike $1 million and insert $500,000 ISA move 1:56:12 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 10 of 19 Legislature USVI · 09-15-25 Committee on Rules and Judiciary Amendment number 36-547 has been properly moved by Senator Francis Heiliger seconded by Senator Lewis and Joseph did I hear Potter? and Potter hearing no objections so ordered motion Senator Francis Heiliger, you're recognized for your motion. Thank you. Madam Chair, I move bill number 36, that's 0167, an act providing an appropriate, 167 as amended, an act appropriate, an act providing an appropriation for the salaries and expenses of the University of the Virgin Islands for the fiscal year, October 1, 2025 through September 30th, 2022. 26 be favorably reported to the full body for further consideration subject to the closed rule 314 before of the rules of the 36 legislature of the virgin islands i so move bill number 36-0167 as amended has been properly moved by senator francis heiliger seconded by senator potter joseph and lewis roll call on bill number 36-0167 as amended senator carla j joseph yes senator joseph yay senator kenneth l gittins yes senator gittins yay senator alma francis hylager yes senator francis hylager yay senator thank you madam clerk bill number 36-0167 an act providing an appropriation for the salaries and expenses of the university of the virgin islands for the fiscal year october 1st 2025 through september 30th 2026 as amended has been favorably voted upon in the committee on rules and judiciary and will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration an action subject to the closed rule rule three one four b four of the rules of the 36th legislature 1:57:29 of the virgin islands do i hear motion motion senator francis heiliger you're recognized for your motion madam chair i move bill number 36-0168 an act providing an appropriation for for the operating expenses of the Employees Relations Board and the Virgin Islands Labor Management Committee for the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30th, 2026, be favorably reported to the full body for further consideration subject to the closed rule under Rule 314B4 of the rules of the 36th legislature of the Virgin Islands ISO move. 1:59:51 Second. Bill number 36-0168 has been properly moved by Senator Francis Heiliger, seconded by Senators Clifford Joseph, Potter, and Lewis. Roll call on Bill number 36-0168. Senator Carla J. Joseph? Yes. Senator Joseph? Yay. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins? Yes. 2:00:34 Senator Gittins, yay. Senator Alma Frances Heiliger. Yes. Senator Frances Heiliger, yay. Senator Angel L. Bocas, Jr. Yay. Senator Bocas, Jr., yay. Senator Clifford A. Joseph, Sr. Senator Joseph, Sr., yay. Senator Avery L. Lewis. Yes. Senator Lewis, yay. Senator Milton E. Potter. Yes. Senator Potter, yay. Madam Chair, seven yays. Thank you, Madam Clerk. 2:01:05 Bill number 36-0168, an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Public Employees Relations Board and the Virgin Islands Labor Management Committee for the fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026 has been favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under Rule 314B4 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Do I hear a motion? 2:01:32 Motion. Media kindly recognize the mic of Senator Clifford A. Joseph. Motion. Madam Chair, I move that Bill No. 36-0169, an act approving, appropriating the sum of $1 million from the Virgin Islands Education Initiative Fund to the School of Construction Maintenance and Capital Fund for the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, be favorably reported from the Committee on Rules and Judiciary to the full body, and be favorably reported to the full body for further consideration subject to the Closed Rule 314B4 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. I so move. 2:02:25 Bill number 360169 has been properly moved by Senator Clifford Joseph and seconded by Senator Milton Potter. Roll call on bill number 36-0169. Senator Carla J. Joseph. 2:03:37 Yes. Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins. Yes. Senator Gittins, yay. Senator Alma Frances Heiliger. Yes. Senator Frances Heiliger, yay. Senator Angel L. Bulquez, Jr. Yeah. Senator Bulquez, Jr., yay. Senator Clifford A. Joseph, Sr. Yes. Senator Joseph, Sr., yay. Senator Avery L. Lewis. Yes. Senator Lewis, yay. Senator Milton E. Potter. Yes. Senator Potter, yay. madam chair seven days now thank you so kindly madam clerk bill number 36-0169 an act appropriating the sum of 1 million dollars from the virgin islands education initiative fund to the school construction maintenance and capital fund for the fiscal year october 1st 2025 through september 30th 2026 has been favorably voted upon in the committee on rules and judiciary and will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under Rule 314B-4 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Do I hear motion? Motion, Mother Chair. Senator Clifford Joseph, you're recognized for your motion madam chair i move that bill number 36 2:04:06 zero one seven zero an act providing appropriation for the operating expense of the waste management authority from the sewage waste water fund of the of the government of the virgin islands for the fiscal year october 1 2025 through september 30th 2026 the favor be favorably reported from the committee on rules and judiciary and be favorably reported 2:05:52 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 11 of 19 Legislature USVI · 09-15-25 Committee on Rules and Judiciary to the full body for the for further consideration subject to the closed rule under rule 314 b4 of the rules of the 36 legislature of the virgin islands i so move second bill number 36-0170 has been properly moved by senator clifford a joseph senior and seconded by senator potter roll call on bill number 36-0170 senator carla j joseph yes senator Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins, yes. Senator Gittins, yay. Senator Alma Francis Heiliger, yes. Senator Francis Heiliger, yay. Senator Angel L. Boulkes, Jr., yay. Senator Boulkes, Jr., yay. Senator Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., yes. Senator Joseph, Sr., yay. Senator Avery L. Lewis, yes. Senator Lewis, yay. Senator Milton E. Potter, yes. Senator Potter, yay. madam chair seven years i thank you so kindly madam clerk bill number 36 dash zero one seven zero an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the waste management authority from the sewer wastewater fund of the government of the virgin islands for the fiscal year october 1st 2025 through september 30th 2026 has been voted upon favorably in the committee on rules and judiciary subject to the close rule under rule 314 b4 of the rules of the 36 legislature of the virgin islands and will be reported out to the full body for further consideration and action do i hear an amendment amendment senator clifford joseph yes madam chair i offer amendment number 36-545 to Bill No. 360171 is amended in Section 1 by striking $32,250,000 and inserting $32,750,000. 2:07:28 I so move. Second. Second. Amendment number 36-545 has been properly moved by Senator Joseph, seconded by Senators Potter and Lewis. Hearing no objection, so ordered. Motion. 2:08:56 you're recognized for your motion senator Joseph madam chair I move bill number I move bill number 36 0 1 7 1 an act providing an appropriation for the operating expense of the Virgin Islands Hospital and health facilities cooperation from the general fund of the Treasury of the birth of the government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, as amended. Be favorably reported from the Committee on Rules and Judiciary to the full body. Be favorably reported to the full body for further consideration subject to the Closed rule under Rule 314B, four of the rules of the 36th legislature of the Virgin Islands. I so move. 2:09:25 Bill number 36-0171 has been properly moved by Senator Clifford Joseph, seconded by Senators potter and lewis roll call on bill number 36-0171 as amended senator carla j joseph senator joseph yay senator kenneth l gittins yes senator gittins yay senator alma francis heiliger senator francis heiliger yay senator anghel l bokes jr Yes. Senator Bocas Jr. Yes. Senator Clifford A. Joseph Sr. Yes. Senator Joseph Sr. Yes. Senator Avery L. Lewis. Yes. Senator Lewis. Yes. Senator Milton E. Potter. Yes. 2:10:30 Senator Potter. Yes. Madam Chair, seven yays. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Bill number 36-0171, an act provided an appropriation for the operating expenses of the virgin islands hospital and health facilities corporation from the general fund of the treasury of the government of the virgin islands during the fiscal year october 1st 2025 through september 30th 2026 as amended has been favorably voted upon in the committee on rules and judiciary and will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 b4 of the rules of the 36 legislature of the virgin islands do i hear motion motion senator joseph you're recognized for your motion madam Madam Chair, I move that Bill number 360172, an act providing appropriation from the operating expense of the Virgin Islands Office of Inspector General from the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands for the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, be favorably reported from the Committee on Rules and Judiciary to the full body, be favorably reported to the full body for for further consideration subject to the closed rule under rule 314 b four of the rules of the 36 legislature of the 2:11:20 Virgin Islands I so move bill number 36 dash 0172 has been properly moved by Senator Clifford A. Joseph Sr. and seconded by Senator Milton E. Potter roll call on bill number 36-0172. Senator Carla J. Joseph? Yes. Senator Joseph? Yes. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins? Yes. Senator Gittins? Yes. Senator Alma Francis Heiliger? Yes. Senator Francis Heiliger? Yes. Senator Angel L. Senator Boquez, Jr. 2:13:11 Yes. Senator Boquez, Jr. Yes. Senator Clifford A. Joseph, Sr. Yes. Senator Joseph, Sr. Yes. Senator Avery L. Lewis. Yes. Senator Lewis. Yes. Senator Milton E. Potter. Yes. Senator Potter. Yes. Madam Chair, 7-8. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Bill number 36-0172, an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of Virgin Islands Office of the Inspector General from the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands for the fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026, has been favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 b4 of the rules of the 36 legislature of the virgin islands do i hear motion motion senator clifford a joseph senior you're recognized for your motion modern chair i move that bill Number 36-0173, an act providing an appropriation for the operation of the judicial branch of the government of the Virgin Islands, the Judicial Council, and the Office of the Territorial Public Defendant during the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, be favorably reported from the Committee on Rules and Judiciary to the full body and be favorably reported to the full body for further consideration subject to the closed rule under Rule 31-4-B-4 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. 2:13:48 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 12 of 19 Legislature USVI · 09-15-25 Committee on Rules and Judiciary I so move. Second. Bill number 36-0173 has been properly moved by Senator Clifford A. Joseph Sr. and seconded by Senator Milton Potter. Roll call on Bill number 36-0173. Senator Carla J. Joseph? Yes. Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins? Yes. 2:15:51 Senator Gittins, yay. senator alma francis heiliger senator francis heiliger yay senator angel l bocas jr yeah senator bocas jr yeah senator clifford a joseph senior yes senator joseph senior yay senator avery l lewis senator lewis yay senator milton e potter yes senator potter yay madam chair seven days thank you madam clerk bill number 36-0173 an act providing an appropriation for the operation of the the judicial branch of the government of the virgin islands the judicial council and the office of the territorial public defender during the fiscal year october 1st 2025 through september 30th 2026 has been favorably voted upon in the committee on rules and judiciary and will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 b4 of the rules of the 36 legislature of the virgin islands colleagues we are going to take a two minute recess the committee stands in recess for two minutes We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. We'll be right back. Thank you. 2:16:20 We'll be right back. Thank you. Thank you. 2:20:24 and we are back on the record Madam Clerk, kindly read into the record the final block of today's hearing, block three. 2:21:54 Block number three. Bill number 36-0175, an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Public Services Commission for the fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through to September 30, 2026, sponsored by Senators Milton E. Potter and Novell E. Francis Jr. Bill 36-0176, an act providing an appropriation from the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands to the St. John Capital Improvement Fund for fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, sponsored by Senators Milton E. Potter and Novell E. Francis Jr. 2:22:35 Bill 36-0177, an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Virgin Islands Board of Education from the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, sponsored by Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelli Francis, Jr. bill number 36-0178 an act providing an appropriation from the transportation trust fund as a contribution to the general fund and for the operating expenses of the virgin islands bureau of motor vehicles and the department of public works during the fiscal year october 1st 2025 through september 30 2026 sponsored by senators milton e potter and Novell E. Francis, Jr. Bill No. 36-0179, an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Virgin Islands Career and Technical Education Board from the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026. Sponsored by Senators Milton E. Potter and Novell E. Francis, Jr. 2:23:17 bill number 36.0180 an act provided an appropriation to the virgin islands taxicab commission for the fiscal year october 1st 2025 through september 30 2026 sponsored by senators milton e potter and novelli francis jr bill number 36.0181 an act providing an appropriation from the anti-litter and beautification fund to the virgin islands waste management authority and the virgin islands department of public works for operating expenses during the fiscal year october 1st 2025 through september 30 2026 sponsored by senators milton e potter and novelle francis jr bill number 36 and 0182 an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the virgin islands waste management authority from the general fund of the treasury of the government of the virgin islands during the fiscal year october 1st 2025 through september 30th 2026 sponsored by senators milton e potter and novelly francis jr bill number 36 at 0186 an act appropriating 6 million 74 209 dollars from the gvi jpmc charitable fund to the general fund of the treasury of the government of the virgin islands for the fiscal year october 1st 2025 through september 30 2026 sponsored by senator novelli francis jr bill number 36 at zero one two zero an act appropriating the sum of three hundred and forty one thousand four hundred and sixty dollars from the virgin islands education initiative fund to the virgin islands department of education at a fiscal year ending september 30th 2025 for the purpose of conducting evaluations to determine students eligibility for special education services sponsored by senator kurt 2:24:32 a vla and clifford a joseph senior bill number 36 0174 an act providing an appropriation from the general fund of the treasury of the government of the virgin islands for the operation of the government of the virgin islands during the fiscal year october 1st 2025 through september 30th 2026 and amending title three virgin islands code chapter 27 requiring legislative approval for increased employer and employee contribution amounts to the government employees retirement system sponsored by senators milton e potter and novelly francis jr. madam chair this concludes the reading of block number three thank you so much madam clerk do i hear a motion motion madam chair senator angel boquez jr you're recognized for your motion thank you madam chair madam chair i move bill number three six dash zero one seven five an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the public services commission for the fiscal year october 1st 2025 to september 30th 2026 to be approved by the committee on rules and judiciary under a closed rule pursuant to rule number 314 subsection b item 4 of the rules of the 36 legislature of the virgin islands and forwarded to the full body for further action i so move second Bill number 36-0175 has been properly moved by Senator Angel Boquez, Jr., and 2:26:23 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 13 of 19 Legislature USVI · 09-15-25 Committee on Rules and Judiciary seconded by Senator Kenneth L. Gittins. Roll call on Bill number 36-0175. Senator Carla J. Joseph? Yes. Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins? Yes. Senator Gittins? Yay. Senator Alma Frances Heiliger? Yes. Senator Frances Heiliger? Yay. Senator Angel L. Bocas Jr.? Yay. Senator Bocas Jr.? Yay. Senator Clifford A. Joseph Sr.? Yes. Senator Joseph Sr.? Yay. Senator Avery L. Lewis? 2:28:16 Yes. Senator Lewis? Yay. Senator Milton E. Potter? Yes. Senator Potter? Yay. Madam Chair, seven yays. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Bill number 36-0175, an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Public Services Commission for the fiscal year October 1st, 2025 to September 30th, 2026, has been favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under Rule 314B4 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Do I hear a motion? Senator Angel Bocquez, Jr., you're recognized for your motion. 2:28:44 Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, I move Bill No. 36-0176, an act providing an appropriation from the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands to the St. John Capital Improvement Fund for fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026, to be approved by the Committee on Rules and Judiciary under a closed rule pursuant to Rule No. 314, subsection B, item 4, of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands and forward it to the full body for further action. I so move. Second. 2:29:41 Bill number 36-0176 has been properly moved by Senator Angel Bocas Jr. and seconded by Senator Kenneth Gittins and Senator Avery Lewis. roll call on bill number 36-0176. Senator Carla J. Joseph? Yes. 2:30:19 Senator Joseph? Yay. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins? Yes. Senator Gittins? Yay. Senator Alma Francis-Heiliger? Yes. Senator Francis-Heiliger? Yay. Senator Anya L. Bocas, Jr.? Yay. Senator Bocas, Jr.? Yay. Senator Clifford A. Joseph, Sr.? Yes. Senator Joseph, Sr.? Yay. Senator Avery L. Lewis? yes senator lewis yay senator milton e potter yes senator potter yay madam chair seven yays thank you madam clerk bill number 36-0176 an act providing an appropriation from the general fund of the treasury of the government of the virgin islands to the saint john capital improvement fund for fiscal year october 1st 2025 through september 30th 2026 has been favorably voted upon in the committee on rules and judiciary subject to the closed rule pursuant to rule number 314 b4 of the rules of the 36th legislature of the virgin islands and will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action motion senator boquez you are recognized for your motion thank you madam chair madam chair i move bill number three six dash zero one seven seven an an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Virgin Islands Board of Education from the general fund of the treasury of the government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026 to be approved by the Committee on Rules and Judiciary under a closed rule pursuant to rule number 314 subsection B item four of the rules of the 36 legislature of the Virgin Islands forward it to the full body for further action. I so move. Second. Bill number 36-0177 has been 2:30:45 properly moved by Senator Angel Boquez Jr. seconded by Senator Kenneth Gittens and Senator Milton E. potter as well as senator avery lewis roll call on bill number 36-0177 senator carla j joseph yes senator joseph yay senator kenneth l gittins yes senator gittins yay senator alma francis heiliger Senator Francis Heiliger Senator Kenneth L Senator Angel L. Bocas Jr. Senator Bocas Jr. Senator Clifford A. Joseph Sr. 2:33:00 Senator Joseph Sr. Senator Avery L. Lewis Senator Lewis Senator Milton E. Potter Senator Potter Madam Chairs Thank you so much Madam Clerk Bill number 36-0177, an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Virgin Islands Board of Education from the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands during fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026, has been favorably approved in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule, which is in accordance to Rule 314B4 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Do I hear a motion? 2:33:46 Motion. motion senator angel boquez jr you're recognized for your motion thank you madam chair madam chair i move bill number three six dash zero one seven eight an act providing an appropriation from the transportation trust fund as contribution to the general fund and for the operating expenses of the virgin islands bureau of motor vehicles and the Department of Public Works during fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026 to be approved by the Committee on Rules and Judiciary under a closed rule pursuant to rule number 314, subsection B, item 4 of the rules of the 36th legislature of the Virgin Islands and forwarded to the full body for further action. I so move. Second. 2:34:57 Bill number 36-0178 has been properly moved by Senator Angel Boquez, Jr., seconded by Kenneth L. Gittins, and Senators Milton Potter, as well as Lewis. Roll call on bill number 36-0178. Senator Connell J. Joseph? 2:35:48 Yes. Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins, yes. Senator Gittins, yay. Senator Alma Frances Heiliger, yeah. Senator Francis Heiliger, yay. Senator Angel L. Bocas, Jr., yay. Senator Bocas, Jr., yay. Senator Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., yes. Senator Joseph, Sr., yay. Senator Avery L. Lewis, yay. Senator Lewis, yay. Senator Milton E. Potter, yes. Senator 2:36:16 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 14 of 19 Legislature USVI · 09-15-25 Committee on Rules and Judiciary Potter, yay. Madam Chair, seven ayes. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Bill number 36-0178, an act providing an appropriation from the Transportation Trust Fund as a contribution to the General Fund and for the operating expenses of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Motor Vehicles and the Department of Public Works during the fiscal year, October 1st, 2025, through September 30th, 2026, has been favorably approved in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and will be reported out to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule pursuant to rule number 314B4 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Do I hear a motion? 2:36:49 Motion. Senator Angel Bocas, Jr., you're recognized for your motion. Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, I move Bill No. 36-0179, an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Virgin Islands Career and Technical Education Board from the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands during fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026 to be approved by the Committee on Rules and Judiciary under a closed rule pursuant to Rule No. 314, subsection B, item 4 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands and forward it to the full body for further action. I so move. 2:37:46 Okay. bill number 36-0179 has been properly moved by senator angel boquez jr seconded by senator joseph senator potter and i believe i heard senator gittins uh roll call uh bill number 36-0179 Senator Carla J. Joseph yes Senator Joseph yay Senator Kenneth L. Gittins yes Senator Gittins yay Senator Angel Alma Francis Heiliger Senator Francis Heiliger yay Senator Angel L. Bocas Jr. yay Senator Bocas Jr. yay Senator Clifford A. Joseph Sr. yes Senator Joseph senior yay senator avery l lewis senator lewis yay senator milton e potter senator potter yay madam chair seven years thank you madam clerk bill number three six dash zero one seven nine an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the virgin islands career and technical education board from the general fund of the treasury of the government of the virgin islands during the fiscal year october 1st 2025 through september 30th 2026 has been favorably voted upon in a committee on rules and judiciary and will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule pursuant to rule 314b4 of the rules of the 36 legislature of the virgin islands do i hear motion motion senator angel boquez jr you're 2:38:29 recognized for your motion uh thank you madam chair madam chair i move bill number three six dash zero one eight zero an act providing an appropriation to the virgin islands taxicab commission for the fiscal year october 1st 2025 through september 30th 2026 to be approved by the committee on rules and judiciary under a closed rule pursuant to rule number 314 subsection b item 4 of the rules of the 36 legislature of the virgin islands and forwarded to the full body for further action i so move bill number three six dash zero one eight zero has been properly moved by senator angel boquez jr seconded by senator milton potter avery lewis and clifford roll call on bill number 36-0180. 2:40:30 Senator Carla J. Joseph? Yes. Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins? No. Senator Gittins, nay. Senator Alma Frances Heiliger? Yes. Senator Frances Heiliger, yay. Senator Angel L. Bocas, Jr. Yes. Senator Bocas, Jr., yay. Senator Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., yes. Senator Joseph, Sr., yay. Senator Avery L. Lewis, yes. 2:41:31 Senator Lewis, yay. Senator Milton E. Potter, yes. Senator Potter, yay. Madam Chair, six yays, one nay. Thank you, Madam Clerk. bill number 36-0180, an act providing an appropriation to the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission for the fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026, has been favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, subject to the closed rule pursuant to Rule 314B4 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, and will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action. 2:42:03 i hear a motion please media recognize the voice of center lewis motion motion center lewis you're recognized for your motion thank you madam chair madam chair i move that bill number three six zero one eight one an act providing an appropriation from the anti-litter and beautification fund to the virgin island waste management authority and the virgin island department of public works for operating expenses during the fiscal year october 1 2025 through september 30 2026 be voted upon favorably in this committee rules and judiciary to the full body and forwarded to the full body for further consideration subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b section 4 of the rules of the 36 legislature of the virgin islands i so move Bill number 36-0181 has been properly moved by Senator Avery Lewis and seconded by Senators Clifford Joseph Sr. and Milton E. Potter. Roll call on Bill number 36-0181. 2:43:01 Senator Carla J. Joseph? Yes. Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Kenneth Elgitins? Yes. Senator Gittins, yay. Senator Alma Frances Heileger, yes. Senator Frances Heileger, yay. Senator Angel L. Bocas, Jr., yes. Senator Bocas, Jr., yay. Senator Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., yes. Senator Joseph, Sr., yay. Senator Avery L. Lewis, yes. Senator Lewis, yay. Senator Milton E. Potter, yes. Senator Potter, yay. Madam Chair, seven yays. Thank you, Madam Clerk. 2:44:19 Bill number 36-0181, an act providing an appropriation from the Anti-Litter and Beautification Fund to the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority and the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works for operating expenses during 2:44:55 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 15 of 19 Legislature USVI · 09-15-25 Committee on Rules and Judiciary the fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026, has been favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, subject to the closed rule in accordance with Rule 314B4 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands, and will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action. Do I hear a motion? Yes, you sure did. Madam Chair, Bill No. No, no, no. Madam Chair, I said motion. Motion. Kindly proceed, Senator Lewis, with your motion. Thank you. Madam Chair, I move Bill No. 360182, an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Virgin Island Waste Management Authority from the general fund to the treasury of the government of the virgin islands during the fiscal year october 1 2025 to september 30 2026 we've voted upon favorably in this committee rules and judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration subject to the closed rule on the rule close rule under rule 314 section b section 4 of the rules of the 36 legislature of the virgin islands iso move bill number 36-0182 has been properly moved by senator avery lewis and seconded by senator milton potter roll call on bill number 36-0182 Senator Carla J. Joseph. Yes. Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins. Yes. Senator Gittins, yay. Senator Alma Frances Heileger. Yes. Senator Frances Heileger, yay. Senator Angel L. Bocas, Jr., yay. Senator Bocas, Jr., yay. Senator Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., yes. Senator Joseph, 2:45:48 senior yay senator avery l lewis yes senator lewis yay senator milton e potter yes senator potter yay madam chair seven days thank you madam clerk bill number 36-0182 an act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the virgin islands waste management authority from the general fund of the treasury of the government of the virgin islands during fiscal year october 1st 2025 to september 30th 2026 has been favorably voted upon in this committee and subject to the closed rule in accordance with rule number 314 before of the rules of the 36th legislature of the virgin islands and will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action do i hear motion motion senator avery l lewis you are recognized for your motion madam chair i move that bill number three six that's zero one eight six and act appropriating six million seventy four thousand two hundred nine dollars from the gvi forward slash jpmc charitable fund to the general fund of the treasury of the government of the virgin islands be voted upon favorably in this committee rules and judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration subject to the closed rule act under rule 314 section b Section 4 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. I so move. 2:47:36 Second. Bill number 36-0186 has been properly moved by Senator Avery L. Lewis, seconded by Senators Milton Potter and Clifford A. Joseph Sr. roll call on Bill No. 36-0186. Senator Carla J. Joseph? Yes. Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins? 2:49:26 Yes. Senator Gittins, yay. Senator Alma Frances Heileger? Yes. Senator Frances Heileger, yay. Senator Angel L. Bocas, Jr.? Yay. Senator Bocas, Jr., yay. Senator Clifford A. Joseph, Sr.? Yes. Senator Joseph Sr., yay. Senator Avery L. Lewis? Yes. Senator Lewis, yay. Senator Milton E. Potter? Yes. Senator Potter, yay. Madam Chair, seven yays. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Bill number 36-0186, an act appropriating $6,074,209 from the GVI-JPMC Charitable Fund to the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands for the fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026 has been favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary subject to the closed rule under Rule 314B4 of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands and will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action. 2:49:57 Do I hear a motion? Senator Avery L. Lewis, you're recognized for your motion. Thank you, Madam Chair. Madam Chair, I move Bill No. 36.0120 and act appropriating the sum of $341,460 dollars from the virgin islands education initiative fund to the virgin island department of education for the purpose of conducting evaluations to determine students eligibility for special education services be voted upon favorably in this committee which is rules and judiciary to and forward it to the full body for further consideration subject to the closed rule on the rule 314 section b section 4 of the rules of the 36 legislature of the virgin islands iso move bill number three six dash zero one two zero has been properly moved by senator avery lewis seconded by senator clifford joseph and milton potter roll call on bill number 36 dash 0 1 2 0 senator carla j joseph yes senator joseph yay senator kenneth l gittins yes senator gittins yay senator alma francis heiliger yes senator francis heiliger yay senator angela boca jr Yes. Senator Bulkas Jr. 2:51:27 Yes. Senator Clifford A. Joseph Sr. Yes. Senator Joseph Sr. Yes. Senator Avery L. Lewis. Avery. Yes. Senator Lewis. Yes. Senator Milton E. Potter. Yes. Senator Potter. Yes. Senator Potter. Yes. Madam Chair, seven yays. Thank you, Madam Clerk. Bill number 36-0120, an act appropriating the sum of $341,460 from the Virgin Islands Education Initiative Fund to the Virgin Islands Department of Education in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025 for the purpose of conducting evaluations to determine students' eligibility for special education services has been voted upon favorably in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, subject to the closed rule under Rule 314B, four of the rules of the 36 legislature of the virgin islands and will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action amendment senator lewis you are recognized for your amendment madam chair i offer amendment number three six dash five four sorry i offer amendment number three six dash five four four to bill number three six that zero one seven four bill 2:53:01 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 16 of 19 Legislature USVI · 09-15-25 Committee on Rules and Judiciary numbers number three six that zero one seven four is amended on page 21 line 12 by inserting the following language before subtotal miscellaneous organization those items identified by an asterisk are funded by the gvi forward slash jpmc charitable fund established in act 8922 section 2 i so move amendment number 36-54 amendment to the amendment Madam Chair? 2:54:53 Amendment to the amendment? Madam Chair, the amendment number 36-544 before us states page 20 and not 21, so we wanted to clarify, make amendment to the amendment to reflect page 20, based on the amendment that we have. uh just just let me give you a clarification uh how the amendment was read in the record page 21 is correct uh that's just a error and out on the part so just a scribbler so the mover of the amendment already made that we made that correction in the reading very well um thank you for the clarification yes and so can you withdraw now the motion to amend the amendment uh i withdraw the amendment to the amendment thank you so move thank you okay it was not seconded to begin with the amendment to the amendment was not seconded Go ahead and say you're so moved now, Avery. 2:55:32 I so move. The amendment number 36-544 has been properly moved by Senator Avery Lewis and seconded by Senator Milton Potter. Hearing no objection, so ordered. Motion. senator lewis you are recognized for your motion thank you madam chair i move that bill number 36 that's 0174 as amended an act providing an appropriation from the general fund of the treasury of the government of the virgin islands for the operation of the government of the virgin islands during the fiscal year october 1 2025 through september 30 2026 and amending title three virgin islands code chapter 27 requiring legislative approval for increased employer and employee contributions amounts to the government employees retirement system is will be as amended be voted upon favorably in this committee rules and judiciary and reported to the full body for further consideration subject to the closed rule rule rule 314 section b section 4 of the rules of the 36 legislature of the virgin islands iso move second second bill number 36 dash 0174 an act providing 7-4 has been properly moved by Senator Avery Lewis and seconded by Senator Potter and Joseph. Roll call on Bill No. 36-0174 as amended. 2:56:47 Senator Carla J. Joseph? Yes. Senator Joseph, yay. Senator Kenneth L. Gittins? Yes. Senator Gittins, yay. Senator Alma Frances Heiliger? Yes. Senator Frances Heiliger, yay. Senator Anya L. Bocas, Jr.? Yes. Yay. Senator Bocas, Jr., yay. Senator Clifford A. Joseph, Sr.? Yes. Senator Joseph, Sr., yay. Senator Avery L. Lewis? Yes. Senator Lewis, yay. 2:58:48 Senator Milton E. Potter? Yes. Senator Potter, yay. Madam Chair, seven yays. Thank you so much, Madam Clerk. Bill number 36-0174, an act providing an appropriation from the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands for the operation of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1st, 2025 through September 30th, 2026 and amending Title III, Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 27, requiring legislative approval for increased employer and employee contribution amounts to the government employees' retirement system as amended has been voted upon favorably in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule in accordance with rule number 314B4 of the rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. 2:59:15 Colleagues and listening and viewing audience, I really want to thank you for all of the hard work that we did to move all 31 bills that were properly vetted in the Committee on Budget Appropriations and Finance. I also want to thank our legal counsel, again, for working very hard to get these bills out. 3:00:37 I also want to say just an advance, Happy Independence Day, the 42nd anniversary independence of the Federation of St. Kitts and Nevis in advance, which will be celebrated on Friday, September 19th. I know the celebrations have already begun yesterday, so I say happy independence to them, to the Federation. I also want to keep a remembrance that this is Constitutional and Citizenship Day, and you have seen the Constitution of the United States of America here today live and direct and this process I want to thank my staff for the hard work that they do day in and day out I only also want to thank our sergeant at arms protocol office sirs as well as our media our stenographer and all members of the central staff for your exceptional work today to make it flow well and to really put this meeting together and all that you do I want to thank my colleagues for being here and for doing the people's work the committee on rules and judiciary committee meeting for Monday September 15, 2025, is hereby adjourned. 3:01:11 We'll see you next time. 3:03:20 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 17 of 19 Legislature USVI · 09-15-25 Committee on Rules and Judiciary People named in this transcript SUSPECTED, and a finding aid only. Names were matched by machine against the spellings used across all 426 of our transcripts, and the title is the one used in the room. Being named here is NOT evidence that a person attended or spoke · only that the name was said. Speech recognition mishears names, so a spelling may be wrong even where no alternative is offered. 80x Senator Carla Joseph the surname alone also matches: Clifford Joseph; Karla J. Joseph heard in this transcript as: Carla J. Joseph, Joseph, Joseph Sr, Joseph Sr. 71x Senator Avery Lewis heard in this transcript as: Avery L. Lewis, Lewis 69x Senator Milton E. Potter heard in this transcript as: Milton Potter, Potter 61x Senator Kenneth L. Gittens heard in this transcript as: Gittins, Kenneth Gittens, Kenneth Gittins, Kenneth L. Gittins 55x Senator Alma Francis-Heyliger heard in this transcript as: Alma Frances Heileger, Alma Frances Heiliger, Alma Francis Halliger, Alma Francis Heiliger, Alma Francis Hyliger, Alma Francis-Heiliger 40x Senator Angel L. Bocas Jr heard in this transcript as: Angel Bocas Jr, Angel Bocas Jr., Angel L. Bocas Jr., Bocas Jr, Bocas Jr. 37x Senator Clifford Joseph heard in this transcript as: Clifford A. Joseph, Clifford A. Joseph Sr, Clifford A. Joseph Sr. 13x Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr. heard in this transcript as: Angel Bocquez Jr., Angel Boquez, Angel Boquez Jr, Angel Boquez Jr., Angel L. Bolques Jr., Angel L. Boquez Jr 6x Senator Anya L. Bocas Jr. heard in this transcript as: Anya L. Bocas Jr 5x Senator Angel L. Bulkes Jr heard in this transcript as: Angel L. Boulkes Jr., Boulkes Jr., Bulkas Jr, Bulkets 4x Senator Francis Heidegger heard in this transcript as: Frances Heilegger 4x Senator Joseph Senior 3x Senator Alma Francis Heidegger heard in this transcript as: Alma Frances Heilegger 2x Senator Clifford A. Joseph Senior 2x Senator Collar J. Joseph the surname alone also matches: Carla Joseph; Clifford Joseph heard in this transcript as: Collard J. Joseph 2x Senator Connell J. Joseph the surname alone also matches: Carla Joseph; Clifford Joseph 2x Senator Novelle Francis heard in this transcript as: Francis 2x Senator Novelli Joseph Sr. the surname alone also matches: Carla Joseph; Clifford Joseph heard in this transcript as: Novelli Joseph Sr Bills and acts referred to Matched by number against our own acts corpus. The number is what the recognition heard, so it may be wrong; where it resolved, the title is the one the Legislature gave the act. Bill 36-0154 Act 9015 · An act providing a lump-sum appropriation from the Health Revolving Fund to the Virgin Islands Department of Health and a contribution to the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands for fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 | Bill 36-0156 Act 9017 · An act providing an appropriation from the Business and Commercial Properties Revolving Fund to the Virgin Islands Department of Property and Procurement for operating expenses for the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 18 of 19 Legislature USVI · 09-15-25 Committee on Rules and Judiciary September 30, 2026 ---0 Bill 36-0157 Act 9018 · An act providing an appropriation from the Virgin Islands Lottery as a contribution to the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands for the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 ---0 Bill 36-0164 Act 9025 · An act providing a lump-sum appropriation from the School Construction, Maintenance and Capital Fund to the Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance for repair, renovation and maintenance of public schools and facilities in fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 | Bill 36-0174 Act 9074 · January 12, 2026 · An act appropriating the sum of $4,000,000 from the Virgin Islands Insurance Guaranty Fund to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority for the repair, replacement, and operation of streetlights throughout the territory; amending the Caregivers Leave Act; amending Act No. 9035 regarding certain miscellaneous appropriations; amending title 27 Virgin Islands Code section 221 pertaining to licensure requirements for specific medical professions; amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, section 8b, subsection (c) regarding the requirement for the burial of veterans and for other purposes Bill 36-0186 Act 9045 · An act appropriating $6,074,209 from the GVI/JPMC Charitable Fund to the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands for the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 ---0 Bill 36-0120 Act 9014 · An act appropriating the sum of $341,460 from the Virgin Islands Education Initiative Fund to the Virgin Islands Department of Education in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025 for the purpose of conducting evaluations to determine students· eligibility for special education services ---0 Act 8922 Act 8922 · September 27, 2024 · An Act providing an appropriation to the Attorney General of the Virgin Islands· Crime Prevention/Prosecution Fund pursuant to Section 6b of the Master Settlement and Release Agreement; establishing a separate and distinct interest-bearing fund to be designated the ·GVI/JPMC Charitable Fund·; and transferring the sum of $5,339,500 to organizations that support vulnerable and disenfranchised individuals Act 9015 Act 9015 · An act providing a lump-sum appropriation from the Health Revolving Fund to the Virgin Islands Department of Health and a contribution to the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands for fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 | Act 9017 Act 9017 · An act providing an appropriation from the Business and Commercial Properties Revolving Fund to the Virgin Islands Department of Property and Procurement for operating expenses for the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 ---0 Act 9018 Act 9018 · An act providing an appropriation from the Virgin Islands Lottery as a contribution to the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands for the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 ---0 Act 9025 Act 9025 · An act providing a lump-sum appropriation from the School Construction, Maintenance and Capital Fund to the Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance for repair, renovation and maintenance of public schools and facilities in fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 | Act 9074 Act 9074 · January 12, 2026 · An act appropriating the sum of $4,000,000 from the Virgin Islands Insurance Guaranty Fund to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority for the repair, replacement, and operation of streetlights throughout the territory; amending the Caregivers Leave Act; amending Act No. 9035 regarding certain miscellaneous appropriations; amending title 27 Virgin Islands Code section 221 pertaining to licensure requirements for specific medical professions; amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, section 8b, subsection (c) regarding the requirement for the burial of veterans and for other purposes Act 9035 Act 9035 · September 17, 2025 · An act providing an appropriation from the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands for the operation of the Government of the Virgin Islands during the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026; amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 27 requiring legislative approval for increased employer or employee contribution amounts to the Government Employees Retirement System; appropriating funds for the outstanding payment for the Paul E. Joseph Stadium project; extending the maturity date on the Line of Credit authorized by Act No. 8701 and for other purposes Act 9045 Act 9045 · An act appropriating $6,074,209 from the GVI/JPMC Charitable Fund to the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands for the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 ---0 Act 9014 Act 9014 · An act appropriating the sum of $341,460 from the Virgin Islands Education Initiative Fund to the Virgin Islands Department of Education in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2025 for the purpose of conducting evaluations to determine students· eligibility for special education services ---0 Referred to but not found in our acts corpus: Bill 36-0155, Bill 36-0158, Bill 36-0159, Bill 36-0160, Bill 36-0161, Bill 36-0162, Bill 36-0167, Bill 36-0163, Bill 36-0165, Bill 36-0166, Bill 36-0171, Bill 36-0172, Bill 36-0173, Bill 36-0168, Bill 36-0169, Bill 36-0170, Bill 36-0175, Bill 36-0176, Bill 36-0177, Bill 36-0178, Bill 36-0179, Bill 36-0180, Bill 36-0181, Bill 36-0182 Machine transcript · UNVERIFIED. Verify every quotation against the recording. Speakers are not identified. VI Update · usvipublicrecords.com · public record, no rights asserted (CC0 1.0) 19 of 19