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P a g e | 1 Comm. on Rules and Judiciary April 23, 2026 Committee Report Memorandum: 26-009 TO: Mrs. Kurell A. Sheridan, JD Executive Director 36th Legislature of the V.I. FROM: The Honorable Carla J. Joseph _________________________ Chair Committee on Rules and Judiciary DATE: April 24, 2026 SUBJECT: Committee Report for Thursday, April 23, 2026, Hearing Please find attached the report for the Committee on Rules and Judiciary hearing held on Thursday, April 23rd, 2026, Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas. CC: All Senators Chief Legal Counsel Archive Division Journal Division P a g e | 2 Comm. on Rules and Judiciary April 23, 2026 Committee Report RULES AND JUDICIARY April 23, 2026 COMMITTEE HEARING REPORT The Committee on Rules and Judiciary held its hearing on Thursday, April 23, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas. The Committee considered the following Nominations and Bills: • The Honorable Denise M. Francois– Governor’s Nominee for Justice to the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands • Ms. Renee M. Andre, Esq.– Governor’s Nominee for Judge to the Superior Court of Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas – St. John • Bill No. 36-0194 – A resolution urging the United States Congress and the Office of the United States Trade Representative to expand and modernize the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) to further support economic growth and development in the Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean region. Proposed by Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Sponsored by Senator Carla J. Joseph and Co-Sponsored by Senator Hubert L. Frederick • Bill No. 36-0009 – A Resolution honoring and commending Mr. Steven van Beverhoudt for his years of dedicated service and numerous contributions to the people of the Virgin Islands. Proposed by Senator Milton E. Potter, Sponsored by Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr. and Co-Sponsor by Senator Ray Fonseca • Bill No. 36-0207 – An act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 25, subchapter VI, by adding section 590d and title 24 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, by adding section 24 requiring employers to grant parents or legal guardians of a child with a diagnosed disability, two hours per month of paid leave to attend the child’s medical appointments. Proposed by Senators Avery L. Lewis, Sponsored by Senators Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Clifford Joseph, Sr., Kenneth L. Gittens, and Marise C. James • Bill No. 36-0236 – An act amending title 33 Virgin Islands Code, subtitle 3, chapter 111, section 3061 by increasing the amount of money that is to remain in the Virgin Islands Insurance Guaranty Fund before any interest can be deposited into the General Fund. Proposed by Senator Kurt A. Vialet, Sponsored by Senators Avery L. Lewis, Dwayne M. DeGraff, and Clifford A. Joseph, Sr. • Bill No. 36-0258 – An act reprogramming administrative fees resulting from the bonds issued for the Fortress Investment Group transfer for various projects and initiatives to enhance the economic development of St. Croix and to be deposited into the Budget Stabilization Fund. Proposed by Senator Kurt A. Vialet, Sponsored by Senators Avery L. Lewis, Dwayne M. DeGraff, and Clifford Joseph, Sr. and Co-sponsored by Senator Hubert L. Frederick • Bill No. 36-0232 – An act amending Act No. 8018 to authorize the disposal of green waste using controlled incineration technologies, including air curtain incinerators, and P a g e | 3 Comm. on Rules and Judiciary April 23, 2026 Committee Report for other purposes. Proposed by Senator Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., Sponsored by Senators Avery L. Lewis, Kenneth L. Gittens, and Franklin D. Johnson • Bill No. 36-0149 – A resolution honoring and commending Janeisha John for her outstanding achievements, pioneering spirit, and significant contributions to the fields of entertainment, modeling, and television production, celebrating her role as a cultural ambassador, trailblazer, and inspirational leader of the Virgin Islands. Proposed by Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr. • Bill No. 36-0238 – An act amending title 29, Virgin Islands Code, chapter 23 to redirect hotel development net bond proceeds to the Government Employees’ Retirement System of the Virgin Islands. Proposed by Senator Avery L. Lewis • Bill No 36-0257 – An act transferring Parcel No. 2C Estate Ross, 8 New Quarter, St. Thomas, from the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority to the Virgin Islands Department of Education for use by the Charlotte Amalie High School. Proposed by Senator Avery L. Lewis • Bill No. 36-0275 – An act approving the amended lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through the Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement, and Hearts In Service Association, Inc., for the leasing of Parcel No. 175C Estate Anna’s Retreat No. 1 New Quarter, St. Thomas for the purpose of providing eligible programs and services to homeless families, individuals, veterans, and at-risk youth and the operation of a soup kitchen and other related purposes. Proposed by Senators Milton E. Potter, Marvin A. Blyden and Avery L. Lewis, by Request of the Governor The meeting was called to order by the Committee Chair, Sen. Carla J. Joseph at 1:15 p.m. Committee Members Present Sen. Carla J. Joseph, Chair Sen. Kenneth L. Gittens, Vice Chair Sen. Alma Francis Heyliger Sen. Avery L. Lewis Sen. Clifford A. Joseph, Sr. Sen. Milton E. Potter Sen. Angel L. Bolques, Jr. Office of the Executive Director Mr. Charles Brown, Jr. Ms. Jervon Ottley Non-Committee Members Present Sen. Ray Fonseca Legislative Reporters Mrs. Nataya Munoz-Melchoir Ms. Tricia D. Sealey Mrs. Vashti Gerald-Berry Mrs. Nadine Coley-Williams P a g e | 4 Comm. on Rules and Judiciary April 23, 2026 Committee Report Sergeant-At-Arms Mr. Delvin Fleming Public Affairs/Media Mr. Bernard Mathews Ms. Malissa Gustave Mr. Barry Leerdam Mr. Jamal Potter Ms. Chaunte Herbert Mr. Alwyn Baptiste Mr. Dequan Milliner Ms. Saidah Sekou Ms. Diana Cruz Mr. Kashief Hamilton Clerk/Timekeeper Mrs. Delekah Callwood Daniel Additional Supporting Staff Ms. Shania Nieves Legal Counsel Mr. Augustin Ayala, Esq. In block one of the Agenda, the Committee considered the Governor’s Nominations: The Honorable Denise M. Francois for Justice to the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands and Ms. Renee M. Andre, Esq. for Judge to the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas – St. John. Senators proceeded with one (1) round of five (5) minutes of questioning time for the nominees. Governor’s Nominee Name Position Placement Motion Vote The Honorable Denise M. Francois Justice Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands Senator Milton Potter motioned that the Honorable Denise M. Francois be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action. The motion was seconded by Senators Avery Lewis, Kenneth Gittens, and Alma Francis Heyliger. 7 yeas Ms. Renee M. Andre, Esq. Judge Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, Division of St. Thomas – St. John Senator Avery Lewis motioned that Ms. Renee M. Andre, Esq., be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action. The motion was seconded by Senators Alma Francis Heyliger, Clifford Joseph, Sr., and Milton Potter. 7 yeas In block two of the Agenda, the Committee heard testimony and considered Bill No. 36-0194. Senators proceeded with one (1) round of four (4) minutes of debate time. P a g e | 5 Comm. on Rules and Judiciary April 23, 2026 Committee Report Bill Number Short Title Amendment Motion Vote 36-0194 A resolution urging the United States Congress and the Office of the United States Trade Representative to expand and modernize the Caribbean Basin Initiative (CBI) to further support economic growth and development in the Virgin Islands and the wider Caribbean region. Proposed by Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Sponsored by Senator Carla J. Joseph and Co- Sponsored by Senator Hubert L. Frederick Senator Angel Bolques, Jr. offered Amendment No. 36-724, which was seconded by Senators Milton Potter and Avery Lewis, the motion was carried. Senator Angel Bolques, Jr. motioned that Bill No. 36-0194 as amended be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action. The motion was seconded by Senators Milton Potter and Avery Lewis. 7 yeas In block three of the Agenda, the Committee considered Bill Nos. 36-0009, 36-0207, 36-0236, 36-0258, 36-0232, 36-0149, 36-0238, 36-0257, and 36-0275. Senators proceeded to voting without any time given for speaking on all the bills in Block III. Bill Number Short Title Amendment Motion Vote 36-0009 A Resolution honoring and commending Mr. Steven van Beverhoudt for his years of dedicated service and numerous contributions to the people of the Virgin Islands. Proposed by Milton E. Potter, Sponsored by Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr. and Co-Sponsor by Senator Ray Fonseca Senator Milton Potter offered Amendment No. 36-722, which was seconded by Senators Avery Lewis, Clifford Joseph Sr., and Alma Francis Heyliger, the motion was carried. Senator Milton Potter motioned that Bill No. 36-0009 as amended, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action. The motion was seconded by Senators Angel Bolques Jr., Avery Lewis, and Alma Francis Heyliger. 7 yeas P a g e | 6 Comm. on Rules and Judiciary April 23, 2026 Committee Report 36-0207 An act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 25, subchapter VI, by adding section 590d and title 24 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, by adding section 24 requiring employers to grant parents or legal guardians of a child with a diagnosed disability, two hours per month of paid leave to attend the child’s medical appointments. Proposed by Senators Avery L. Lewis, Sponsored by Senators Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Clifford Joseph, Sr., Kenneth L. Gittens, and Marise C. James Senator Avery Lewis offered Amendment No. 36-778, which was seconded by Senator Alma Francis Heyliger, the motion was carried. Senator Avery Lewis motioned that Bill No. 36-0207 as amended, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action. The motion was seconded by Senators Alma Francis Heyliger, Milton Potter, Clifford Joseph, Sr., and Angel Bolques Jr. 7 yeas 36-0236 An act amending title 33 Virgin Islands Code, subtitle 3, chapter 111, section 3061 by increasing the amount of money that is to remain in the Virgin Islands Insurance Guaranty Fund before any interest can be deposited into the General Fund. Proposed by Senator Kurt A. Vialet, Sponsored by Senators Avery L. Lewis, Dwayne M. DeGraff, and Clifford A. Joseph, Sr. Senator Clifford Joseph Sr. motioned at Bill No. 36-0236, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action. The motion was seconded by Senators Angel Bolques Jr. and Milton Potter 7 yeas P a g e | 7 Comm. on Rules and Judiciary April 23, 2026 Committee Report 36-0258 An act reprogramming administrative fees resulting from the bonds issued for the Fortress Investment Group transfer for various projects and initiatives to enhance the economic development of St. Croix and to be deposited into the Budget Stabilization Fund. Proposed by Senator Kurt A. Vialet, Sponsored by Senators Avery L. Lewis, Dwayne M. DeGraff, and Clifford Joseph, Sr. and Co-sponsored by Senator Hubert L. Frederick Senator Avery Lewis motioned that Bill No. 36-0258, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action. The motion was seconded by Senators Angel Bolques Jr., and Clifford Joseph Sr. 7 yeas 36-0232 An act amending Act No. 8018 to authorize the disposal of green waste using controlled incineration technologies, including air curtain incinerators, and for other purposes. Proposed by Senator Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., Sponsored by Senators Avery L. Lewis, Kenneth L. Gittens, and Franklin D. Johnson Senator Avery Lewis motioned that Bill No. 36-0232 be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action. The motion was seconded by Senators Gittens and Clifford Joseph, Sr. However, the motion fails, and Bill No. 36-0232 is held in committee. 3 yeas 3 nays 1 not voting 36-0149 A resolution honoring and commending Janeisha John for her outstanding achievements, pioneering spirit, and significant contributions to the fields of entertainment, modeling, and television production, celebrating her role as a cultural Senator Angel Bolques Jr. motioned that Bill No. 36-0149, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action. The motion was seconded by Senator Milton Potter. 7 yeas P a g e | 8 Comm. on Rules and Judiciary April 23, 2026 Committee Report ambassador, trailblazer, and inspirational leader of the Virgin Islands. Proposed by Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr 36-0238 An act amending title 29, Virgin Islands Code, chapter 23 to redirect hotel development net bond proceeds to the Government Employees’ Retirement System of the Virgin Islands. Proposed by Senator Avery L. Lewis Senator Avery Lewis offered Amendment No. 36-800, which was seconded by Senator Angel Bolques Jr., the motion was carried. Senator Avery Lewis motioned that Bill No. 36-0238 as amended be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action. The motion was seconded by Senators Alma Francis Heyliger and Clifford Joseph Sr. 7 yeas 36-0257 An act transferring Parcel No. 2C Estate Ross, 8 New Quarter, St. Thomas, from the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority to the Virgin Islands Department of Education for use by the Charlotte Amalie High School. Proposed by Senator Avery L. Lewis Senator Avery Lewis motioned that Bill No. 36-0257 be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action. The motion was seconded by Senators Angel Bolques Jr. and Alma Francis Heyliger 7 yeas 36-0275 An act approving the amended lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through the Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement, and Hearts In Service Association, Inc., for the leasing of Parcel No. 175C Estate Anna’s Retreat No. 1 New Quarter, St. Thomas for the purpose of providing eligible programs and Senator Milton Potter motioned that Bill No. 36-0275 be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action. The motion was seconded by Senators Angel Bolques Jr. and Alma Francis Heyliger 7 yeas P a g e | 9 Comm. on Rules and Judiciary April 23, 2026 Committee Report services to homeless families, individuals, veterans, and at-risk youth and the operation of a soup kitchen and other related purposes. Proposed by Senators Milton E. Potter, Marvin A. Blyden and Avery L. Lewis, by Request of the Governor The Chair, Sen. Carla J. Joseph, adjourned the Committee on Rules and Judiciary hearing at 5:27 p.m.