USVI Public Records

Document text

P a g e | 1 Rules and Judiciary Committee Report September 15,2025 Memorandum: 25-021 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: September 19, 2025 SUBJECT: Committee Report for Monday, September 15, 2025 Hearing Please find attached the report for the Committee on Rules and Judiciary hearing held on Monday, September 15, 2025 Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas. CC: All Senators Chief Legal Counsel Archive Division Journal Division P a g e | 2 Rules and Judiciary Committee Report September 15,2025 RULES AND JUDICIARY September 15, 2025 COMMITTEE HEARING REPORT The Committee on Rules and Judiciary held its hearing on for Monday, September 15, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas. The Committee considered the following bills pertaining to the Fiscal Year 2026 Budget:  Bill No. 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 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  Bill No. 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 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  Bill No. 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 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  Bill No. 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 the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  Bill No. 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 the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  Bill No. 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 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  Bill No. 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 30, 2026 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  Bill No. 36-0161 -- An act appropriating $25,500,000 to the Legislature of the Virgin Islands in the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr. P a g e | 3 Rules and Judiciary Committee Report September 15,2025  Bill No. 36-0162 -- An act appropriating $20,000,000 from the Virgin Islands Insurance Guaranty 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 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  Bill No. 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 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  Bill No. 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 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  Bill No. 36-0165 -- An act appropriating $6,000,000 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 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  Bill No. 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 30, 2026 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  Bill No. 36-0167 -- 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 30, 2026 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  Bill No. 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 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  Bill No. 36-0169 -- An act appropriating the sum of $1,000,000 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 Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  Bill No. 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 the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through P a g e | 4 Rules and Judiciary Committee Report September 15,2025 September 30, 2026 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  Bill No. 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 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  Bill No. 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 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle 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, 2025 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  Bill No. 36-0175 -- An act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Public Services Commission for the fiscal year October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  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 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  Bill No. 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 Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  Bill No. 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 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle 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 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  Bill No. 36-0180 -- An act providing an appropriation to the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission for the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr. P a g e | 5 Rules and Judiciary Committee Report September 15,2025  Bill No. 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 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  Bill No. 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 the fiscal year October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026 Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  Bill No. 36-0186 -- An act appropriating $6,014,209 from the GVI/JPMC Charitable Fund to the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands Sponsored by: Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr.  Bill No. 36-0120 -- An act appropriating the sum of $341,460 from the Virgin Islands Education Initiative Fund to the Virgin Islands Department of Education for the purpose of conducting evaluations to determine students’ eligibility for special education services Sponsored by: Senator Kurt A. Vialet and Clifford A. Joseph Sr.  Bill No. 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 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 and amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter27 requiring legislative approval for increased employer and employee contribution amounts to the Government Employees Retirement System Sponsored by: Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr. The meeting was called to order by the Committee Chair, Sen. Carla J. Joseph at 10:10 a.m. Committee Members Present Non-Committee Members Present Sen. Carla J. Joseph, Chair Sen. Kenneth L. Gittens, Vice Chair Sen. Angel L. Bolques, Jr. Sen. Alma Francis Heyliger Sen. Clifford A. Joseph, Sr. Sen. Avery L. Lewis Sen. Milton E. Potter Office of the Executive Director Mr. Charles Brown, Jr. Ms. Jevon Ottley Sergeant-At-Arms Mr. Delvin Fleming Mr. Walton Jack Sen. Novelle E. Francis, Jr. Legislative Reporters Mrs. Nataya Munoz-Melchoir Ms. Tricia D. Sealey Mrs. Vashti Gerald-Berry Clerk/Timekeeper Ms. Neta Christopher Mrs. Shenika Dowe-Serrano Legal Counsel Attorney Amos Carty, Jr. Attorney Augustin Ayala P a g e | 6 Rules and Judiciary Committee Report September 15,2025 Public Affairs/Media Ms. Diana Cruz Mr. Barry Leerdam Mr. Jamal Potter Ms. Chaunte Herbert Mr. Omari Hicks Mr. Kahsief Hamilton Mr. Bernard Mathew Mr. Alwyn Baptiste Jr. Ms. Melissa Gustave The Chair of the Committee, recognized the Chairman of the Committee on Budget, Finance and Appropriation, Sen. Novelle E. Francis, Jr. to introduce all of the FY 2026 Budget Bills. Following the introduction, the Chair allowed each Senator present to proceed with one (1) round of two (2) minutes to provide remarks pertaining to all the bills on the agenda. In block one of the agenda, the Committee took the following action: Bill Number Short Title Amendment Motion Vote 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 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Senator Avery L. Lewis motioned that Bill No. 36-0154, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senators Carla J. Joseph and Milton E. Potter. 6 yeas— 1 absent 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 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Senator Avery L. Lewis motioned that Bill No. 36-0155, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senator Milton E. Potter. 6 yeas— 1 absent 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 Senator Avery L. Lewis motioned that Bill No. 36-0156, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th 6 yeas— 1 absent P a g e | 7 Rules and Judiciary Committee Report September 15,2025 Bill Number Short Title Amendment Motion Vote operating expenses for the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senator Milton E. Potter. 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 the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Senator Avery L. Lewis motioned that Bill No. 36-0157, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senator Milton E. Potter. 6 yeas— 1 absent 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 the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Senator Avery L. Lewis motioned that Bill No. 36-0158, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senator Milton E. Potter. 6 yeas— 1 absent 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 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Senator Milton E. Potter motioned that Bill No. 36-0159, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senator Avery L. Lewis. 6 yeas— 1 absent 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 Senator Potter offered Amendment No. 36-548 It was seconded by Senator Senator Milton motioned that Bill No. 36-0160 as amended, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 6 yeas— 1 absent P a g e | 8 Rules and Judiciary Committee Report September 15,2025 Bill Number Short Title Amendment Motion Vote Fund and the St. Thomas Capital Improvement Fund for fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Avery L. Lewis 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senator Avery L. Lewis. 36-0161 An act appropriating $25,500,000 to the Legislature of the Virgin Islands in the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Senator Milton Potter motioned that Bill No. 36-0161, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senator Avery L. Lewis. 6 yeas— 1 absent 36-0162 An act appropriating $20,000,000 from the Virgin Islands Insurance Guaranty 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 Senator Milton E. Potter motioned that Bill No. 36-0162, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senator Avery L. Lewis. 6 yeas— 1 absent 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 Senator Milton E. Potter motioned that Bill No. 36-0163, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senators Avery L. Lewis. 6 yeas— 1 absent In block two of the agenda, the Committee took the following action: Bill Number Short Title Amendment Motion Vote 36-0164 An act providing a lump- sum appropriation from the School Construction, Maintenance and Capital Fund to the Bureau of School Construction and Senator Alma Francis Heyliger motioned that Bill No. 36-0164, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action 7 yeas P a g e | 9 Rules and Judiciary Committee Report September 15,2025 Bill Number Short Title Amendment Motion Vote Maintenance for repair, renovation and maintenance of public schools and facilities in fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senators Avery L. Lewis and Clifford Joseph, Sr. 36-0165 An act appropriating $6,000,000 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 Senator Alma Francis Heyliger motioned that Bill No. 36-0165, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senators Milton E. Potter and Avery L. Lewis. 7 yeas 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 30, 2026 Senator Alma Francis Heyliger motioned that Bill No. 36-0166, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senators Milton E. Potter, Clifford Joseph, Sr. and Avery Lewis. 7 yeas P a g e | 10 Rules and Judiciary Committee Report September 15,2025 Bill Number Short Title Amendment Motion Vote 36-0167 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 30, 2026 Senator Alma Francis Heyliger offered Amendment No. 36-547 It was seconded by Senators Lewis, Potter, and Joseph Sr. Senator Alma Francis Heyliger motioned that Bill No. 36-0167 as amended, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senator Milton E. Potter. 7 yeas 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 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Senator Alma Francis Heyliger motioned that Bill No. 36-0168, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senators Clifford Joseph, Sr., Milton E. Potter and Avery L. Lewis. 7 yeas 36-0169 An act appropriating the sum of $1,000,000 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 Senator Clifford Joseph, Sr. motioned that Bill No. 36-0169, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senator Milton E. Potter 7 yeas 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 the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Senator Clifford Joseph, Sr. motioned that Bill No. 36-0170 as amended, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senator Milton E. Potter. 7 yeas P a g e | 11 Rules and Judiciary Committee Report September 15,2025 Bill Number Short Title Amendment Motion Vote 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 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Senator Clifford Joseph, Sr. Offered Amendment No.36-545 It was seconded by Senators Lewis and Potter. Senator Clifford Jospeh, Sr. motioned that Bill No. 36-0171 as amended, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senators Milton E. Potter, and Avery L. Lewis. 7 yeas 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 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Senator Clifford Joseph, Sr. motioned that Bill No. 36-0172, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senator Milton E. Potter. 7 yeas 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, 2025 Senator Clifford Joseph, Sr. motioned that Bill No. 36-0173, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senator Milton E. Potter. 7 yeas In block three of the agenda, the Committee acted on the following bills: Bill Number Short Title Amendment Motion Vote 36-0175 An act providing an appropriation for the operating expenses of the Public Services Commission for the fiscal year October 1, Senator Angel Bolques, Jr. motioned that Bill No. 36-0175, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under 7 yeas P a g e | 12 Rules and Judiciary Committee Report September 15,2025 Bill Number Short Title Amendment Motion Vote 2025 to September 30, 2026 rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senator Kenneth L. Gittens. 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 Senator Angel Bolques, Jr. motioned that Bill No. 36-0176, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senators Kenneth L. Gittens and Avery L. Lewis. 7 yeas 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 Senator Angel Bolques, Jr. motioned that Bill No. 36-0177, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senators Milton E. Potter, Kenneth L. Gittens, and Avery Lewis. 7 yeas 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 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Senator Angel Bolques, Jr. motioned that Bill No. 36-0178 as amended, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senator Kenneth L. Gittens, Milton E. Potter, and Avery Lewis. 7 yeas 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 Senator Angel Bolques, Jr. motioned that Bill No. 36-0179, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by 7 yeas P a g e | 13 Rules and Judiciary Committee Report September 15,2025 Bill Number Short Title Amendment Motion Vote fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Senators Clifford Joseph, Milton E. Potter and Kenneth L. Gittens. 36-0180 An act providing an appropriation to the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission for the fiscal year October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr. motioned that Bill No. 36-0180, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senators Milton E. Potter, Avery Lewis, and Clifford Joseph. 6 yeas-- 1 nay 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 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 Senator Avery Lewis, Sr. motioned that Bill No. 36-0181, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senators Milton E. Potter and Clifford Joseph, Sr. 7 yeas 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 the fiscal year October 1, 2025 to September 30, 2026 Senator Avery L. Lewis motioned that Bill No. 36-0182, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b (4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senator Milton E. Potter. 7 yeas 36-0186 An act appropriating $6,014,209 from the GVI/JPMC Charitable Fund to the General Fund of the Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands Sponsored by: Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr. Senator Avery L. Lewis motioned that Bill No. 36-0186, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senators Milton E. Potter and Clifford Joseph, Sr. 7 yeas P a g e | 14 Rules and Judiciary Committee Report September 15,2025 Bill Number Short Title Amendment Motion Vote 36-0120 An act appropriating the sum of $341,460 from the Virgin Islands Education Initiative Fund to the Virgin Islands Department of Education for the purpose of conducting evaluations to determine students’ eligibility for special education services Senator Avery L. Lewis motioned that Bill No. 36-0120, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senators Clifford Joseph, Sr., and Milton E. Potter. 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 1, 2025 through September 30, 2026 and amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter27 requiring legislative approval for increased employer and employee contribution amounts to the Government Employees Retirement System Senator Avery L. Lewis Offered Amendment No. 36-544 and it was seconded by Senator Milton Potter. Senator Avery L. Lewis motioned that Bill No. 36-0174, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action subject to the closed rule under rule 314 section b(4) of the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands. The motion was seconded by Senator Clifford Joseph, Sr. The Chair, Sen. Carla J. Joseph, adjourned the Committee on Rules and Judiciary hearing at 12:28 p.m.