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LISTEN LOCAL RADIO WVSE 91.9 FM STAY INFORMED VIYA CH 26 & 526 or LEGVI.ORG VIEW IN PERSON STT: Capitol Building STJ: St. John Annex STX: Estate Golden Rock REGULAR SESSION - OFFICIAL AGENDA - REVISED Date: Monday, January 12, 2026 Time: 10:00 A.M. Location: Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall Call to Order: Honorable Milton E. Potter Senate President, 36th Legislature Anthems: National Anthem and Virgin Islands March Invocation: Reverend Charles L. Brown, Jr., Chaplain Roll Call: Honorable Avery L. Lewis, Legislative Secretary Committee Reports: CONSIDERATION OF NOMINATION Pedro Williams, Esq. Judge, Superior Court, District of St. Thomas/St. John CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTION Bill No. 36-0208 A resolution recognizing United States Senator Mike Crapo for his instrumental role in securing the historic increase in the rum cover over tax reimbursement for the Virgin Islands. CONSIDERATION OF LEASES Bill No. 36-0089 An act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and PEO Productions, LLC d/b/a WSTA Radio, for Parcel No. 121 Submarine Base, No. 6, Southside Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Parcel No. 167 Sub Base, No. 6, Southside Quarter, St. Thomas and Parcel No. 171 Sub Base, No. 6, Southside Quarter, St. Thomas. 2 LISTEN LOCAL RADIO WVSE 91.9 FM STAY INFORMED VIYA CH 26 & 526 or LEGVI.ORG VIEW IN PERSON STT: Capitol Building STJ: St. John Annex STX: Estate Golden Rock Bill No. 36-0092 An act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and St. John Taxi Services Corporation, for Parcel No. D-2 Estate Cruz Bay Town, Cruz Bay Quarter, St. John, Virgin Islands. CONSIDERATION OF BILLS Bill No. 36-0030 An act amending title 24 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, section 4, increasing the Virgin Islands minimum wage. Bill No. 36-0105 An act amending title 7 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 13, subchapter III to prohibit the possession, sale, or manufacture of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, delta-6 THC, delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC products in the Virgin Islands and for other related purposes. Bill No. 36-0134 An act repealing and reenacting title 18 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, section 2 relating to government employees’ eligibility for elected offices, to allow government employees to run for political office while actively employed, unless specifically prohibited by federal or other laws. Bill No. 36-0184 An act amending title 22 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 14, The Virgin Islands Insurance Holding Company System Regulatory Act to implement revisions that were made to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. Bill No. 36-0209 An act amending title 23 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 10 to establish civil penalties for disregarding marine advisories and to create the Territorial Marine Safety Fund. Bill No. 36-0210 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. Bill No. 36-0217 An act approving the sale of Parcel No. 20-A Hospital Street, Christiansted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands, by and between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Z Property VI LLC for the sum of $260,000. 3 LISTEN LOCAL RADIO WVSE 91.9 FM STAY INFORMED VIYA CH 26 & 526 or LEGVI.ORG VIEW IN PERSON STT: Capitol Building STJ: St. John Annex STX: Estate Golden Rock The 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands stands in recess until 6:30 P.M. to receive The State of the Territory Address from The Honorable Albert Bryan, Jr., Governor of the Virgin Islands. Time: 6:30 P.M. Call to Order: Honorable Milton E. Potter Senate President, 36th Legislature Quorum Call: Honorable Avery L. Lewis Legislative Secretary Invocation: Father Anthony Abraham Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church CONSIDERATION OF FLOOR AGENDA: The 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands will receive The State of the Territory Address from The Honorable Albert Bryan, Jr., Governor of the Virgin Islands. Introduction of The Honorable Stacey E. Plaskett, Esq. Delegate to the United States House of Representatives Introduction of The Honorable Tregenza A. Roach, Esq. Lieutenant Governor of the Virgin Islands Introduction of The Honorable Albert Bryan, Jr. Governor of the Virgin Islands COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, VETERANS AFFAIRS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION 01/08/2026-REPORTED OUT TO THE FLOOR 12/02/2025-AMENDED AND REPORTED OUT TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND JUDICIARY BILL NO. 36-0208 Thirty-Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands November 17, 2025 A resolution recognizing United States Senator Mike Crapo for his instrumental role in securing the historic increase in the rum cover over tax reimbursement for the Virgin Islands PROPOSED BY: Senator Avery L. Lewis Co-sponsor: Ray Fonseca WHEREAS, on July 4, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed legislation into law that 1 increased the rum cover over tax reimbursement for the Virgin Islands from $10.50 to $13.25 2 per proof gallon; 3 WHEREAS, the increase represents a significant step forward in supporting the 4 economy of the Virgin Islands, helping to service public debt, and providing critical assistance 5 to stabilize the Government Employees Retirement System; 6 WHEREAS, the enactment of the legislation reflects years of advocacy and 7 determination by numerous stakeholders, including the Governor of the Virgin Islands, the 8 Legislature, the Delegate to Congress, and members of the U.S. Senate and U.S. House of 9 Representatives; 10 2 WHEREAS, it is fitting and proper for the Legislature of the Virgin Islands to formally 1 recognize and honor United States Senator Mike Crapo for his dedication, leadership, and 2 extraordinary efforts in helping to secure this long-awaited and transformative bill; Now, 3 Therefore, 4 Be it resolved by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands: 5 SECTION 1. The Legislature of the Virgin Islands, on behalf of the people of the Virgin 6 Islands, honors and commends United States Senator Mike Crapo for his instrumental role in 7 achieving the historic increase in the rum cover over tax reimbursement that will have a positive 8 impact on the Virgin Islands economy, public finances, and pension system. 9 SECTION 2. In recognition and appreciation of his contributions, the President of the 10 Legislature, or the President’s designee, shall present a perma plaque copy of this resolution to 11 United States Senator Mike Crapo along with a locally produced item from the Virgin Islands. 12 SECTION 3. The sum of $2,000 is appropriated from the General Fund of the Treasury 13 of the Government of the Virgin Islands. in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, to the 14 Legislature of the Virgin Islands to purchase a locally produced item such as a Crucian bracelet 15 or a local painting to present to United States Senator Mike Crapo. 16 BILL SUMMARY 17 This resolution honors and commends United States Senator Mike Crapo for his 18 instrumental role in securing the historic increase in the rum cover over tax reimbursement for 19 the Virgin Islands. 20 BR25-0779/November 10, 2025/PFA 21 S:\AMENDS\36th Legislature\LEWIS, AVERY L\Amendment 36-642\36-642- 22 DRAFTED ON YELLOW.docx 23 COMMITTEE ON BUDGET, APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCE 01/08/2026-REPORTED OUT TO THE FLOOR 11/17/2025-REPORTED OUT TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND JUDICIARY 05/23/2025-HELD IN COMMITTEE BILL NO. 36-0089 Thirty-Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands May 8, 2025 An act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and PEO Productions, LLC d/b/a WSTA Radio, for Parcel No. 121 Submarine Base, No. 6, Southside Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Parcel No. 167 Sub Base, No. 6, Southside Quarter, St. Thomas and Parcel No. 171 Sub Base, No. 6, Southside Quarter, St. Thomas PROPOSED BY: Senator Milton E. Potter, by Request of the Governor Co-sponsor: Marvin M. Blyden WHEREAS, on March 19, 2025, the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through 1 the Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Property and Procurement, and PEO 2 Productions, LLC d/b/a WSTA Radio, entered into a lease agreement for Parcel No. 121 3 Submarine Base, No. 6, Southside Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, consisting of 12,160.35 4 U.S. sq. ft. or 0.279 U.S. acres, more-or-less, of improved land zoned “I-2” (Industrial-Light), 5 as shown on P.W.D Drawing No. D9-1220-T74, Parcel No. 167 Sub Base, No. 6, Southside 6 Quarter, St. Thomas, consisting of 2,971.58 U.S. sq. ft. or 0.0682 U.S. acres, more-or-less, of 7 improved land zoned “I-2” (Industrial-Light), as shown on P.W.D Drawing No. D9-2626-T84, 8 and Parcel No. 171 Sub Base, No. 6, Southside Quarter, St. Thomas, consisting of 1,437.75 9 2 U.S. sq. ft. or 0.033 U.S. acres, more-or-less, of improved land zoned “I-2” (Industrial-Light), 1 as shown on P.W.D Drawing No. D9-2718-T84; 2 WHEREAS, on April 1, 2025, the Governor of the Virgin Islands approved the lease 3 agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and PEO Productions, LLC d/b/a 4 WSTA Radio; 5 WHEREAS, the premises is leased for an initial term of 20 years, with an option to renew 6 for two additional terms of five years each, at an initial annual rent of $30,000 payable in equal 7 monthly installments of $2,500; 8 WHEREAS, the premises will be used to operate a radio station, radio tower and for 9 other related purposes; 10 WHEREAS, title 31 Virgin Islands Code, part II, chapter 21, section 205, subsection (c) 11 provides that in addition to the Governor's approval of a lease, the Legislature of the Virgin 12 Islands must also approve the lease; Now, Therefore, 13 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands: 14 SECTION 1. Pursuant to 31 V.I.C. § 205(c), the Legislature of the Virgin Islands 15 approves the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and PEO 16 Productions, LLC d/b/a WSTA Radio, for Parcel No. 121 Submarine Base, No. 6, Southside 17 Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin .Islands, consisting of 12,160.35 U.S. sq. ft. or 0.279 U.S. acres, 18 more-or-less, of improved land zoned “I-2” (Industrial-Light), as shown on P.W.D Drawing 19 No. D9-1220-T74, Parcel No. 167 Sub Base, No. 6, Southside Quarter, St. Thomas, consisting 20 of 2,971.58 U.S. sq. ft. or 0.0682 U.S. acres, more-or-less, of improved land zoned “I-2” 21 (Industrial-Light), as shown on P.W.D Drawing No. D9-2626-T84, and Parcel No. 171 Sub 22 Base, No. 6, Southside Quarter, St. Thomas, consisting of 1,437.75 U.S. sq. ft. or 0.033 U.S. 23 acres, more-or-less, of improved land zoned “I-2” (Industrial-Light), as shown on P.W.D 24 3 Drawing No. D9-2718-T84, for an initial term of 20 years, with an option to renew for two 1 additional terms of five years each, at an initial annual rent of $30,000 payable in equal monthly 2 installments of $2,500. The premises will be used to operate a radio station, radio tower and for 3 other related purposes. 4 Bill Summary 5 The bill approves a 20-year lease between the Government of the Virgin Islands and PEO 6 Productions, LLC d/b/a WSTA Radio, for Parcel No. 121 Submarine Base, No. 6, Southside 7 Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, Parcel No. 167 Sub Base, No. 6, Southside Quarter, St. 8 Thomas, V.I., and Parcel No. 171 Sub Base, No. 6, Southside Quarter, St. Thomas, V.I., to 9 operate a radio station, radio tower and for other related purposes. 10 BR25-0601/April 23, 2025/GC 11 G36-007 12 COMMITTEE ON BUDGET, APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCE 01/08/2026-REPORTED OUT TO THE FLOOR 11/04/2025-REPORTED OUT TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND JUDICIARY 06/18/2025-HELD IN COMMITTEE BILL NO. 36-0092 Thirty-Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands May 19, 2025 An act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and St. John Taxi Services Corporation, for Parcel No. D-2 Estate Cruz Bay Town, Cruz Bay Quarter, St. John, Virgin Islands PROPOSED BY: Senators Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Marvin A. Blyden and Avery L. Lewis by Request of the Governor WHEREAS, on May 5, 2025, the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through the 1 Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Property and Procurement, and St. John 2 Taxi Services Corporation, entered into a lease agreement for Parcel No. D-2 Estate Cruz Bay 3 Town, Cruz Bay Quarter, St. John, consisting of 2,700 U.S. sq. ft. or 0.062 U.S. acre(s) of land, 4 more-or-less, zoned “W-1” (Waterfront Pleasure), as shown on O.L.G. No. D9-8844-T014; 5 WHEREAS, on May 12, 2025, the Governor of the Virgin Islands approved the lease 6 agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and St. John Taxi Services 7 Corporation; 8 WHEREAS, the premises is leased for an initial term of 20 years, with an option to renew 9 for two additional terms of five years each, at an initial annual rent of $9,600 payable in equal 10 monthly installments of $800; 11 2 WHEREAS, the premises will be used to operate a taxi stand and for other related 1 purposes; 2 WHEREAS, title 31 Virgin Islands Code, part II, chapter 21, section 205, subsection (c) 3 provides that in addition to the Governor's approval of a lease, the Legislature of the Virgin 4 Islands must also approve the lease; Now, Therefore, 5 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands: 6 SECTION 1. Pursuant to 31 V.I.C. § 205(c), the Legislature of the Virgin Islands 7 approves the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and St. John Taxi 8 Services Corporation, for Parcel No. D-2 Estate Cruz Bay Town, Cruz Bay Quarter, St. John, 9 consisting of 2,700 U.S. sq. ft. or 0.062 U.S. acre(s) of land, more-or-less, zoned “W-1” 10 (Waterfront Pleasure), as shown on O.L.G. No. D9-8844-T014, for an initial term of 20 years, 11 with an option to renew for two additional terms of 5 years each, at an initial annual rent of 12 $9,600 payable in equal monthly installments of $800. The premises will be used to operate a 13 taxi stand and for other related purposes. 14 Bill Summary 15 The bill approves a 20-year lease between the Government of the Virgin Islands and St. 16 John Taxi Services Corporation, for Parcel No. D-2 Estate Cruz Bay Town, Cruz Bay Quarter, 17 St. John, to operate a taxi stand and for other related purposes. 18 BR25-0408/May 15, 2025/GC 19 G36-015 20 COMMITTEE ON BUDGET, APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCE 01/08/2026-REPORTED OUT TO THE FLOOR 11/17/2025-AMENDED AND REPORTED OUT TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND JUDICIARY BILL NO. 36-0030 Thirty-Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands February 27, 2025 An act amending title 24 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, section 4, increasing the Virgin Islands minimum wage PROPOSED BY: Senator Franklin D. Johnson Sponsors: Marvin A. Blyden, Dwayne M. DeGraff and Avery L. Lewis Co-sponsors: Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Marise C. James and Ray Fonseca WHEREAS, the Government of the United States first established a minimum wage in 1 1938 with the enactment of the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938; and 2 WHEREAS, the minimum wage has proven to be one of the most effective and enduring 3 public policy tools to ensure that working people enjoy an acceptable standard of living and 4 quality of life; and 5 WHEREAS, studies have demonstrated that increases in the minimum wage improve 6 worker productivity and workplace retention, and positively affects consumer demand; and 7 WHEREAS, although the federal minimum wage has been raised an average of every 8 three years between 1938 and 2009, it remains stagnant at $7.25 per hour since 2009; and 9 2 WHEREAS, the Virgin Islands and thirty-three other states and territories of the United 1 States have found it necessary to enact minimum wage increases through legislation or 2 automatic mechanisms for periodic increase; and 3 WHEREAS, studies have found that the highest rates of child poverty exist in states that 4 have not raised their minimum wages above the federal standard; and 5 WHEREAS, an economic impact study undertaken by the Virgin Islands Bureau of 6 Economic Research found that the minimum wage increases enacted by Act No. 7856 improved 7 conditions for both workers and businesses in the Virgin Islands; and 8 WHEREAS, Act No. 7856 mandated the appointment of members to the Wage Board 9 which is tasked with periodically reviewing and revising the minimum wage; and 10 WHEREAS, the failure of successive governors to appoint members to the Wage Board 11 has resulted in the Virgin Islands minimum wage remaining at $10.50 since 2018; and 12 WHEREAS, housing market studies have found that housing rents rose by an average of 13 nearly 100% between 2017 and 2023; and 14 WHEREAS, the combination of rising prices and wage stagnation have created an 15 affordability crisis wherein many Virgin Islands families simply cannot meet their daily needs; 16 and 17 WHEREAS, a low minimum wage contributes to an emigration of labor and a reduction 18 in workforce capacity in the Virgin Islands; Now, Therefore 19 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands: 20 SECTION 1. Title 24 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, section 4, is amended as follows: 21 (a) In subsection (a): 22 (1) By inserting a comma after “students”; 23 (2) By striking “$8.35” and inserting “$12.00; 24 3 (3) By striking “$9.50” and inserting “$14.00”; 1 (4) By striking “June 1, 2017” and inserting “June 1, 2027”; 2 (5) By striking “$10.50” and inserting “$15.00”; 3 (6) By striking “June 1, 2018” and inserting “June 1, 2028”; 4 (7) By striking “June 1, 2019 and inserting; “June 1 2029”; 5 (8) By striking “2020” and inserting “2030”; and 6 (9) By inserting at the end of the subsection “, whichever is greater”. 7 (b) In subsection (b) by striking “December 31, 2018” and inserting “December 31,” 8 2029”. 9 BILL SUMMARY 10 This bill amends title 24 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, section 4 by increasing the 11 Virgin Islands minimum wages. 12 BR25-0269/February 24, 2025/LMW 13 ..\..\..\..\AMENDS\36th Legislature\JOHNSON, FRANKLIN D\Amendment 36- 14 622\Amendment No. 36-622 (REVISED I) - DRAFTED ON YELLOW.docx 15 COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, HOSPITALS AND HUMAN SERVICES 01/08/2026-REPORTED OUT TO THE FLOOR 12/04/2025-AMENDED AND REPORTED OUT TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND JUDICIARY 10/09/2025-REASSIGNED TO THE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY, JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY 09/04/2025-AMENDED AND REPORTED OUT TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND JUDICIARY 08/20/2025-REASSIGNED TO THE COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY, JUSTICE AND PUBLIC SAFETY BILL NO. 36-0105 Thirty-Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands June 24, 2025 An act amending title 7 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 13, subchapter III to prohibit the possession, sale, or manufacture of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, delta-6 THC, delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC products in the Virgin Islands and for other related purposes PROPOSED BY: Senators Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., and Marise C. James Co-sponsor: Hubert L. Frederick SECTION 1. Title 7 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 13, subchapter III is amended as 1 follows: 2 (a) In section 200: 3 (1) by striking subsections (d) and (e); and 4 (2) by adding the following definitions alphabetically and redesignating the 5 remaining definitions accordingly: 6 “(__) “Cannabidiol” or “CBD” means a non-psychotropic compound found in 7 Cannabis sativa L. plants that contains not more than 0.3 percent delta-9 8 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) on a dry-weight basis.” 9 2 (__) “Container” means the innermost wrapping, package, or vessel in direct 1 contact with a hemp-derived cannabinoid product and in which the product is 2 enclosed for retail sale, including a jar, bottle, bag, box, packet, can, carton, or 3 cartridge. 4 (__) “Hemp” means all parts and derivatives of Cannabis sativa L. plants, including 5 their extracts, cannabinoids, isomers, acids, salts, and salts of isomers, with a total 6 concentration of delta-9 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), including 7 tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), of not more than 0.3 percent on a dry-weight 8 basis. 9 (__) “Hemp-derived cannabinoid product” means any intermediate or final product 10 derived from hemp that contains cannabinoids in any form and is intended for 11 human or animal use, including for inhalation, ingestion, or topical application. 12 (__) “Industrial hemp” means hemp grown for non-cannabinoid purposes, 13 including fiber, seed oil, and other agricultural or manufacturing uses, and is 14 included within the definition of hemp.” 15 (b) By inserting the following new section 200a: 16 “§ 200a. Unlawful sale, possession, or manufacture of intoxicating hemp products 17 or artificially derived cannabinoids 18 (a) It is unlawful for any person to sell, possess, or manufacture intoxicating hemp 19 products or artificially derived cannabinoids in the Virgin Islands without a valid license or 20 permit issued by the Office of Cannabis Regulation. 21 (b) For purposes of this section, intoxicating hemp products and artificially derived 22 cannabinoids are not included within the definitions of hemp or industrial hemp and include 23 the following: 24 3 (1) Hemp-derived products containing cannabinoids that are not capable of being 1 naturally produced by the Cannabis sativa L. plant; 2 (2) Cannabinoids that can be naturally produced by the Cannabis sativa L. plant 3 but that have been synthesized, chemically altered, or manufactured outside of the plant, 4 including through the isomerization of cannabidiol (CBD), tetrahydrocannabinolic acid 5 (THCA), delta-6 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), delta-8 THC, or delta-10 THC, and any 6 compounds of these structures, regardless of numerical designation, because 7 nomenclature is not standardized; 8 (3) Products containing any quantifiable amount of THCA or other cannabinoids 9 that have, or are marketed to have, similar effects as THC on humans or animals; 10 (4) Any cannabinoid other than delta-9 THC that is naturally derived and that, 11 when introduced into the human body, is reasonably likely to cause intoxication or 12 impairment based on known effects on perception, cognition, or behavior, or that has a 13 psychoactive effect or is marketed or labeled as having euphoric, intoxicating, or 14 psychotropic effects; and 15 (5) “Artificially derived cannabinoid” means a cannabinoid extracted from a 16 hemp plant or hemp plant parts whose chemical composition has been altered after 17 extraction to create a different cannabinoid or other chemical compound by applying a 18 catalyst other than heat or light. The term includes any tetrahydrocannabinol created 19 from cannabidiol (CBD).” 20 (c) In section 201, by striking subsection (g) and inserting: 21 “(g) Before obtaining a business license from the Department of Licensing and 22 Consumer Affairs, a person or entity seeking to sell or manufacture hemp or hemp- 23 derived products, including cannabidiol (CBD) and other non-psychoactive hemp 24 products, shall first obtain a permit from the Commission.” 25 4 (d) Section 203 is amended as follows: 1 (1) in the introductory clause by striking “Commissioner and the University of 2 the Virgin Islands” and inserting “the Commission” and by striking “jointly”; 3 (2) in paragraph (3) by striking “Commissioner’s” and inserting “the 4 Commission’s”; and 5 (3) by redesignating paragraph (5) as paragraph (6) and inserting the following 6 new paragraph (5): 7 “(5) The permit approval process for hemp retailers and manufacturers and 8 for the fees associated with the processing and issuance of the permit.”; 9 (e) In section 204, by striking “for use by the Commissioner” and inserting “to be used 10 by the Commission”; and 11 (f) by adding the following section 209: 12 “§ 209. Penalties 13 (a) If the Commission finds that a person or entity has violated any provision of 14 this subchapter, the Commission shall impose a civil fine of $2,500 for the first offense 15 and not less than $5,000 for a second offense within a twelve-month period. If a person or 16 entity violates the provisions of this subchapter on two or more occasions, the Commission 17 may, after notice and an opportunity to be heard, revoke that person’s or entity’s permit. 18 (b) The Commission shall notify the Department of Licensing and Consumer 19 Affairs when a person or entity has violated the provisions of this subchapter on three or 20 more occasions within an eighteen-month period. After notice and an opportunity to be 21 heard, the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs may revoke that person’s or 22 entity’s business license. A person or business entity has the right to appeal the decision 23 of the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs. 24 5 (c) The Commission shall deposit 25 percent of all monies collected under this 1 section into the Agriculture Revolving Fund, 25 percent into the Consumer Protection 2 Fund, 25 percent into the Cannabis Fund, and 25 percent into the Health Revolving Fund.” 3 SECTION 2. Title 33 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 111, section 3018 is amended as 4 follows: 5 (a) In subsection (c) by inserting the following paragraph (1) after “constituted of:”: 6 “(1) All monies collected by the Industrial Hemp Commission under title 7 7 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 13, subchapter III”; and by redesignating the remaining 8 items accordingly; and 9 (b) In subsection (d), at the end of the first sentence after “industry” by inserting “, 10 except that monies deposited into the Fund under 7 V.IC. § 204 must be used exclusively by 11 the Industrial Hemp Commission to administer and enforce the provisions of 7 V.I.C., ch. 12 13, subch. III.” 13 SECTION 3. Retailers that possess tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), delta-6 14 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), delta-8 THC, delta-10 THC, or other intoxicating cannabinoid 15 products on or after 60 days following the effective date of this act shall, within the 60 day 16 period, submit an inventory list of such products to the Industrial Hemp Commission and the 17 Office of Cannabis Regulation. 18 Each retailer shall have 90 days from the effective date of this act to sell or otherwise 19 dispose of its remaining inventory in accordance with regulations promulgated by the Office 20 of Cannabis Regulation. 21 After the 90 day period, the Office of Cannabis Regulation, in coordination with the 22 Industrial Hemp Commission, shall establish and implement a plan for the lawful disposition 23 of any remaining unsold products. 24 6 SECTION 4. (a) Title 19 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 34, section 776 is amended by 1 adding the following definitions alphabetically and redesignating the remaining definitions 2 accordingly: 3 “(__) “Artificially Derived Cannabinoid” means a cannabinoid extracted from a 4 hemp plant or hemp plant parts whose chemical composition is altered after extraction to 5 create a different cannabinoid or other chemical compound by applying a catalyst other 6 than heat or light. The term includes any tetrahydrocannabinol created from cannabidiol 7 (CBD), and any naturally derived cannabinoid other than delta-9 THC that, when 8 introduced into the human body, is reasonably likely to cause intoxication or impairment 9 based on known effects on perception, cognition, or behavior, or that has a psychoactive 10 effect or is marketed or labeled as having euphoric, intoxicating, or psychotropic effects. 11 “(__) “Intoxicating Hemp Product” means a hemp-derived product containing 12 cannabinoids that are not capable of being naturally produced by the Cannabis sativa L. 13 plant; cannabinoids that are capable of being naturally produced by the Cannabis sativa 14 L. plant but that have been synthesized, chemically altered, or manufactured outside of 15 the plant, including through the isomerization of cannabidiol (CBD), 16 tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (THCA), delta-6 tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), delta-8 THC, 17 or delta-10 THC, and, because nomenclature is not standardized, compounds of these 18 structures regardless of numerical designation. The term also includes products 19 containing any quantifiable amount of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid or other cannabinoids 20 that have similar effects, or are marketed to have similar effects, as THC on humans or 21 animals. 22 “(__) “Intoxicating Hemp/Artificially Derived Cannabinoid Retailer License” 23 means a license issued under this chapter authorizing a person to operate a business, as 24 7 described in section 794a of this title, that sells intoxicating hemp and artificially derived 1 cannabinoid products.” 2 (b) Title 19 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 34, section 777(k) is amended by inserting 3 “and Intoxicating Hemp/Artificially Derived Cannabinoid” at the end of the first sentence. 4 (c) Title 19 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 34, section 778(a) is amended: 5 (1) in paragraph (9), by striking “and”; 6 (2) in paragraph (10), by inserting “and” at the end of the sentence; and 7 (3) by inserting the following new paragraph (11): 8 “(11) Intoxicating Hemp/Artificially Derived Cannabinoid Retailer License.” 9 (d) Title 19 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 34, sections 787(b) and 787(d) are 10 amended: 11 (1) in paragraph (1), by striking “and” at the end; 12 (2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and 13 (3) by inserting the following new paragraph (3): 14 “(3) Up to six Intoxicating Hemp/Artificially Derived Cannabinoid 15 Retailer Licenses.” 16 (e) Title 19 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 34, section 787(c) is amended: 17 (1) in paragraph (1), by striking “and” at the end; 18 (2) in paragraph (2), by striking the period at the end and inserting “; and”; and 19 (3) by inserting the following new paragraph (3): 20 “(3) Up to two Intoxicating Hemp/Artificially Derived Cannabinoid 21 Retailer Licenses.” 22 (f) Title 19 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 34 is amended by adding the following new 23 section 794a: 24 8 “§ 794a. Intoxicating Hemp/Artificially Derived Cannabinoid Retailer 1 License 2 (a) An Intoxicating Hemp/Artificially Derived Cannabinoid Retailer License may not 3 be issued to a gas station, convenience store, or grocery store, and a licensee may not operate 4 within 250 feet of a school or church. 5 (b) The Office of Cannabis Regulation shall promulgate regulations within 90 days of 6 the effective date of this section specifying acceptable forms of identification for confirming 7 an individual’s age and residency. 8 (c) The Office of Cannabis Regulation shall promulgate regulations within 90 days of 9 the effective date of this section governing the testing, packaging, and tracking of all 10 intoxicating hemp and artificially derived cannabinoid products sold in the territory. 11 (d) An Intoxicating Hemp/Artificially Derived Cannabinoid Retailer shall implement 12 reasonable measures to verify that all purchasers are 21 years of age or older. 13 (e) All intoxicating hemp and artificially derived cannabinoid products sold by a 14 licensee must be tested by an independent ISO-certified laboratory. Licensees shall partner 15 with the University of the Virgin Islands or contract with accredited laboratories in Puerto Rico 16 or in another jurisdiction approved by the Office of Cannabis Regulation. 17 (f) An Intoxicating Hemp/Artificially Derived Cannabinoid Retailer may not sell any 18 product that mimics candy or snack items, and all product packaging must be child-resistant 19 and tamper-evident.” 20 (g) Title 19 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 34, section 800b(a) and (b) are amended by 21 inserting “and an Intoxicating Hemp/Artificially Derived Cannabinoid Retailer” after 22 “Dispensary.” 23 (h) Title 19 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 34, section 800c(b) is amended: 24 9 (1) in subsection (4) by inserting “and an Intoxicating Hemp/Artificially Derived 1 Cannabinoid Retailer” after “Dispensary.”; and 2 (2) in subsection (5), by striking “; and”; and 3 (3) by inserting the following new subsection (7): 4 “(7) $15,000 for an Intoxicating Hemp/Artificially Derived Cannabinoid 5 Retailer License.” 6 SECTION 5. Nothing in this act prevents the Virgin Islands Police Department, the 7 Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs or the Department of Health from seizing 8 illegal products, making arrests or issuing citations 9 BILL SUMMARY 10 This bill prohibits the possession, sale, or manufacture of tetrahydrocannabinolic acid, 11 delta-6 tetrahydrocannabinol (“THC”), delta-8 THC, or delta-10 THC in the Virgin Islands; 12 provides for the Industrial Hemp Commission to issue permits for the retail sale or manufacture 13 of these products; removes the Commissioner of Agriculture and the University of the Virgin 14 Islands from having rulemaking authority; adds a penalty section for violations of the 15 subchapter; and provides that 50% of monies collected for penalties must be deposited into the 16 Agriculture Revolving Fund to used exclusively by the Hemp Commission to administer and 17 enforce the provisions of the subchapter and 50% to be deposited in the Consumer Protection 18 Fund. 19 BR25-0402/June 23, 2025/SLR 20 ..\..\..\..\AMENDS\36th Legislature\JOSEPH, SR., CLIFFORD A\Amendment 36- 21 565\Amendment 36-565 - DRAFTED ON YELLOW.docx 22 S:\AMENDS\36th Legislature\JOSEPH, SR., CLIFFORD A\Amendment 36- 23 527\Amendment 36-527 - DRAFTED ON YELLOW.docx 24 COMMITTEE ON GOVERNMENT OPERATIONS, VETERANS AFFAIRS AND CONSUMER PROTECTION 01/08/2026-AMENDED AND REPORTED OUT TO THE FLOOR 10/27/2025-AMENDED AND REPORTED OUT TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND JUDICIARY BILL NO. 36-0134 Thirty- Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands August 26, 2025 An act repealing and reenacting title 18 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, section 2 relating to government employees’ eligibility for elected offices, to allow government employees to run for political office while actively employed, unless specifically prohibited by federal or other laws PROPOSED BY: Senators Marise C. James and Clifford A. Joseph Sr. Sponsor: Avery L. Lewis Be it enacted by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands: 1 SECTION 1. Title 18 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, section 2 is repealed and reenacted 2 with amendments as follows: 3 “§ 2. Government personnel candidacy for public office; leaves of absence; service 4 on Boards 5 (a) Except for judicial officers and law clerks as delineated in subsection (f), persons 6 employed in the legislative, executive, or judicial branches of the Government of the Virgin 7 Islands are eligible for nomination as candidates for public office, and no employer may take 8 or threaten to take any personnel action against the employee because of the candidacy. 9 (b) A government employee may become a candidate for public office and remain in 10 active employment status with the Government of the Virgin Islands without taking a leave of 11 absence from governmental duties; except that a government employee seeking public office 12 2 must be granted and take paid leave from their accumulated annual leave 30 days prior to the 1 general election. 2 (c) A government employee retains all the rights and obligations of citizenship 3 provided in the Constitution and the laws of the United States and the laws of the Virgin 4 Islands; however, no government employee may: 5 (1) actively manage a campaign, or campaign for public office or otherwise 6 engage in political activity while on duty or when the employee is expected to perform 7 services for which the employee receives compensation from the Government; or 8 (2) use the authority of the employee’s position, or utilize Government funds, 9 buildings, equipment, or materials, or otherwise misuse the employee’s position in the 10 Virgin Islands Government to secure support for or oppose any candidate, party, or issue 11 in an election involving candidates for office or party nominations or affect the results 12 thereof. 13 (d) A government employee may become a candidate for the Virgin Islands Board of 14 Education, as provided for under 3 V.I.C. § 97, or a candidate for the Virgin Islands Board of 15 Elections, as provided under section 41 of this title, except that no employee of the Board of 16 Education or the Board of Election, if elected to the Board of which the candidate is an 17 employee, may serve as an employee of that Board during his incumbency. 18 (e) No member of the Board of Elections may be a candidate for any other public office 19 during the term for which the member was elected. A member of the Board of Elections must 20 resign his position on the Board before seeking any other public office. 21 (f) This section does not apply to justices of the Supreme Court, judicial officers and 22 law clerks who are governed by 4 V.I.C., subchapter IIA, section 27, the Virgin Islands Code 23 of Judicial Conduct, Sup. Ct. R. 213, and the Virgin Islands Code of Conduct for Law Clerks, 24 Sup. Ct. R. 103, or government employees becoming candidates for party offices or serving as 25 party officers. 26 3 (g) This section does not apply to campaign activity governed solely by federal law. 1 Notwithstanding any contrary provisions of this section, government employees who are paid 2 in whole by federal loans or grants, or whose jobs are related to an activity that receives federal 3 funds, are subject to and must comply with the restrictions imposed under title 5 U.S.C. §§ 4 1501-1508 and by any other applicable law or regulation of the United States.” 5 BILL SUMMARY 6 The bill amends title 18 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, section 2 to allow government 7 employees to run for political office while actively employed, unless specifically prohibited by 8 federal or other laws. 9 BR25-0326/July 25, 2025/SLR 10 S:\AMENDS\36th Legislature\FRANCIS HEYLIGER, ALMA\Amendment 36- 11 610\Amendment No. 36-610 - (REVISED) DRAFTED ON YELLOW.docx 12 S:\AMENDS\36th Legislature\JAMES, MARISE C\Amendment 36-605\Amendment No. 13 36-605-DRAFTED ON YELLOW.docx 14 COMMITTEE ON BUDGET, APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCE 01/08/2026-REPORTED OUT TO THE FLOOR 12/15/2025-REPORTED OUT TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND JUDICIARY BILL NO. 36-0184 Thirty-Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands September 10, 2025 An act amending title 22 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 14, The Virgin Islands Insurance Holding Company System Regulatory Act to implement revisions that were made to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners PROPOSED BY: Senators Milton E. Potter, and Novelle E. Francis, Jr. by Request of the Governor WHEREAS, it is imperative that all United States jurisdictions, including the Virgin 1 Islands, periodically update their insurance laws commensurate with the ever-evolving 2 insurance industry to strengthen the solvency regulation of insurance companies doing business 3 in the United States; and 4 WHEREAS, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (“NAIC”) is a 5 nonprofit organization comprised of all insurance regulators in the United States, has 6 established and continues to establish core accreditation standards and a comprehensive set of 7 laws, known as Model Laws and Regulations, to assist United States jurisdictions in their 8 regulation of their multi-state domestic insurance industry; 9 2 WHEREAS, jurisdictions in the United States that are accredited by the NAIC have been 1 required to adopt, and to continue to adopt, NAIC Model Laws and Regulations, to achieve and 2 maintain accreditation status with the NAIC; 3 WHEREAS, on December 6, 2019, the Virgin Islands, through the Office of the 4 Lieutenant Governor, Division of Banking, Insurance and Financial Regulation (“Division”), 5 was unanimously accredited by the NAIC and on November 16, 2024, was unanimously re- 6 accredited by the NAIC, an achievement of immeasurable significance, which requires the 7 Virgin Islands to enact certain NAIC Model Laws, and to promulgate related NAIC regulations, 8 to maintain its accreditation status; 9 WHEREAS, on July 20, 2017, Act No. 8003, also known as “The Virgin Islands 10 Insurance Holding Company System Regulatory Act”, which is an NAIC Model Law, was 11 signed into law, and was later codified as title 22 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 14; 12 WHEREAS, in 2020 and 2021, the NAIC revised provisions of the Insurance Holding 13 Company System Regulatory Act Model Law, to include provisions that are related to a group 14 capital calculation, liquidity stress test and receivership; 15 WHEREAS, as of February 21, 2025, the provisions that are related to the group capital 16 calculation and liquidity stress test have been adopted as amendments to law in 35 United States 17 jurisdictions, and are currently under consideration in another 10 United States jurisdictions, 18 and the provisions that are related to receivership have been adopted as amendments to law in 19 19 United States jurisdictions, and are currently under consideration in another seven United 20 States jurisdictions; 21 WHEREAS, the amendments to the NAIC’s Insurance Holding Company System 22 Regulatory Act Model Law include provisions that are an NAIC accreditation requirement, and 23 3 as such, the Virgin Islands, as an NAIC accredited jurisdiction, must adopt these provisions for 1 the Virgin Islands to maintain its NAIC accreditation; and 2 WHEREAS, the revisions to the NAIC’s Insurance Holding Company System 3 Regulatory Act Model Law will: 4 (1) enhance the supervision of an insurance group; 5 (2) provide key financial information on an insurance group; 6 (3) quantify risk across an insurance group; 7 (4) support transparency into how capital is allocated in an insurance group; and 8 (5) ensure the continuation of essential services that are provided by affiliates of 9 insurers that may be transitioning to a receivership, to mitigate potential disruptions in 10 insurance operations and protect policyholders; Now, therefore, 11 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands: 12 SECTION 1. Title 22 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 14 is amended as follows: 13 (a) Section 321 is amended by striking “(1), (2), and (3)” of subsection (h), and 14 inserting “(A), (B) and (C)”, respectively; redesignating the subsections as paragraphs (1) 15 through (16), respectively; and by inserting the following definitions in their respective 16 alphabetical order: 17 “Group Capital Calculation Instructions” means the group capital calculation 18 instructions as adopted by the NAIC and as amended by the NAIC from time to 19 time in accordance with the procedures adopted by the NAIC.” 20 “NAIC Liquidity Stress Test Framework” means a separate NAIC publication 21 which includes a history of the NAIC’s development of regulatory liquidity stress 22 testing, the scope criteria applicable for a specific data year, and the liquidity stress 23 4 test instructions and reporting templates for a specific data year, such scope criteria, 1 instructions and reporting template being as adopted by the NAIC and as amended 2 by the NAIC from time to time in accordance with the procedures adopted by the 3 NAIC.” 4 “Scope Criteria” means, as detailed in the NAIC liquidity stress test framework, the 5 designated exposure bases along with minimum magnitudes thereof for the 6 specified data year, used to establish a preliminary list of insurers considered scoped 7 into the NAIC liquidity stress test framework for that data year.” 8 (b) Section 323, subsection (b), paragraph (12) is amended by inserting “(1)” after 9 “section 325(l)”. 10 (c) Section 325 is amended as follows: 11 (1) In subsection (d) by adding a sentence immediately following the last 12 sentence that reads: “The definition of materiality provided in this subsection is not 13 applicable to the group capital calculation or the liquidity stress test framework.” 14 (2) In subsection (l), by designating the existing language paragraph (1) and 15 adding the following paragraphs (2) and (3): 16 “(2) Except as provided below, the ultimate controlling person of every 17 insurer subject to registration shall concurrently file with the registration an annual 18 group capital calculation as directed by the lead state commissioner. The report 19 must be completed in accordance with the NAIC group capital calculation 20 instructions, which may permit the lead state commissioner to allow a controlling 21 person who is not the ultimate controlling person to file the group capital 22 calculation. The report must be filed with the lead state commissioner of the 23 5 insurance holding company system as determined by the commissioner in 1 accordance with the procedures in the Financial Analysis Handbook adopted by the 2 NAIC. Insurance holding company systems described below are exempt from 3 filing the group capital calculation. 4 (A) An insurance holding company system that has only one insurer 5 in its holding company structure, that only writes business and is only 6 licensed in its domestic state and assumes no business from any other insurer. 7 (B) An insurance holding company system that must perform a group 8 capital calculation specified by the United States Federal Reserve Board. The 9 lead state commissioner shall request the calculation from the Federal 10 Reserve Board under the terms of information sharing agreements in effect. 11 If the Federal Reserve Board cannot share the calculation with the lead state 12 commissioner, the insurance holding company system is not exempt from the 13 group capital calculation filing. 14 (C) An insurance holding company system whose non-United States 15 group-wide supervisor is in a reciprocal jurisdiction as described in section 16 1443(h) that recognizes the United States state regulatory approach to group 17 supervision and group capital. 18 (D) An insurance holding company system: 19 (i) that provides information to the lead state that meets the 20 requirements for accreditation under the NAIC financial standards and 21 accreditation program, either directly or indirectly through the group- 22 wide supervisor, who has determined that the information is satisfactory 23 6 to allow the lead state to comply with the NAIC group supervision 1 approach, as detailed in the NAIC Financial Analysis Handbook, and 2 (ii) whose non-United States group-wide supervisor who is not 3 in a reciprocal jurisdiction recognizes and accepts, as specified by the 4 Commissioner in regulation, the group capital calculation as the world- 5 wide group capital assessment for United States insurance groups that 6 operate in that jurisdiction. 7 (E) Notwithstanding the provisions of subsection (l), paragraph (2), 8 subparagraphs (C) and (D), a lead state commissioner shall require the group 9 capital calculation for United States operations of any non-United States 10 based insurance holding company system where, after any necessary 11 consultation with other supervisors or officials, it is considered appropriate 12 by the lead state commissioner for prudential oversight and solvency 13 monitoring purposes or for ensuring the competitiveness of the insurance 14 marketplace. 15 (F) Notwithstanding the exemptions from filing the group capital 16 calculation stated in subsection (l), paragraph (2), subparagraphs (A) through 17 (D), the lead state commissioner has the discretion to exempt the ultimate 18 controlling person from filing the annual group capital calculation or to accept 19 a limited group capital filing or report in accordance with criteria as specified 20 by the commissioner in regulation. 21 (G) If the lead state commissioner determines that an insurance 22 holding company system no longer meets one or more of the requirements for 23 7 an exemption from filing the group capital calculation under this section, the 1 insurance holding company system shall file the group capital calculation at 2 the next annual filing date unless given an extension by the lead state 3 commissioner based on reasonable grounds shown. 4 (3) The ultimate controlling person of every insurer subject to registration 5 and scoped into the NAIC liquidity stress test framework shall file the results of a 6 specific year’s liquidity stress test. The filing must be made to the lead state 7 insurance commissioner of the insurance holding company system as determined 8 by the procedures within the Financial Analysis Handbook adopted by the NAIC. 9 (A) The NAIC liquidity stress test framework includes scope criteria 10 applicable to a specific data year. These scope criteria are reviewed at least 11 annually by the NAIC financial stability task force or its successor. Any 12 change to the NAIC liquidity stress test framework or to the data year for 13 which the scope criteria are to be measured is effective on January 1 of the 14 year following the calendar year when the changes are adopted. Insurers 15 meeting at least one threshold of the scope criteria are considered scoped into 16 the NAIC liquidity stress test framework for the specified data year unless the 17 lead state insurance commissioner, in consultation with the NAIC financial 18 stability task force or its successor, determines the insurer should not be 19 scoped into the framework for that data year. Similarly, insurers that do not 20 trigger at least one threshold of the scope criteria are considered scoped out 21 of the NAIC liquidity stress test framework for the specified data year, unless 22 the lead state insurance commissioner, in consultation with the NAIC 23 8 financial stability task force or its successor, determines the insurer should be 1 scoped into the framework for that data year. Regulators wish to avoid having 2 insurers scoped in and out of the NAIC liquidity stress test framework on a 3 frequent basis. The lead state insurance commissioner, in consultation with 4 the NAIC financial stability task force or its successor, shall assess this 5 concern as part of the determination for an insurer. 6 (B) The performance of, and filing of the results from, a specific 7 year’s liquidity stress test must comply with the NAIC liquidity stress test 8 framework’s instructions and reporting templates for that year and any lead 9 state insurance commissioner determinations, in consultation with the NAIC 10 financial stability task force or its successor, provided within the framework.” 11 (d) Section 326, subsection (a) is amended as follows: 12 (1) In paragraph (1), by adding the following subparagraphs (G) and (H): 13 “(G) (i) If the Commissioner determines that an insurer is in a hazardous 14 financial condition as set forth in sections 519 and 520 of this title, or a condition 15 that is grounds for supervision, conservation or a delinquency proceeding as set 16 forth in chapter 51 of this title, the Commissioner may require the insurer to secure 17 and maintain either a deposit, held by the Commissioner, or a bond, as determined 18 by the insurer at the insurer’s discretion, for the protection of the insurer for the 19 duration of the contract or agreement, or the existence of the condition for which 20 the Commissioner required the deposit or the bond. In determining whether a 21 deposit or a bond is required, the Commissioner shall consider whether concerns 22 9 exist regarding the affiliated person’s ability to fulfill the contract or agreement if 1 the insurer were to be put into liquidation. 2 (ii) When the insurer is determined to be in a hazardous financial condition 3 or a condition that is grounds for supervision, conservation or a delinquency 4 proceeding, and a deposit or bond is necessary, the Commissioner shall determine 5 the amount of the deposit or bond, not to exceed the value of the contract or 6 agreement in any one year, and whether the deposit or bond is required for a single 7 contract, multiple contracts or a contract with a specific person. 8 (H)(i) All records and data of the insurer held by an affiliate are and remain 9 the property of the insurer, are subject to control of the insurer, are identifiable, and 10 are segregated or readily capable of segregation, at no additional cost to the insurer, 11 from all other persons’ records and data. This includes all records and data that are 12 otherwise the property of the insurer, in whatever form maintained, including, but 13 not limited to, claims and claim files, policyholder lists, application files, litigation 14 files, premium records, rate books, underwriting manuals, personnel records, 15 financial records or similar records within the possession, custody or control of the 16 affiliate. 17 (ii) At the request of the insurer, the affiliate shall provide that the receiver 18 can obtain a complete set of all records of any type that pertain to the insurer’s 19 business; obtain access to the operating systems on which the data is maintained; 20 obtain the software that runs those systems either through assumption of licensing 21 agreements or otherwise; and restrict the use of the data by the affiliate if it is not 22 operating the insurer’s business. The affiliate shall provide a waiver of any landlord 23 10 lien or other encumbrance to give the insurer access to all records and data in the 1 event of the affiliate’s default under a lease or other agreement. 2 (iii) Premiums or other funds belonging to the insurer that are collected by or 3 held by an affiliate are the exclusive property of the insurer and are subject to the 4 control of the insurer. Any right of offset if an insurer is placed into receivership is 5 subject to chapter 51 of this title.”; and 6 (2) By adding the following paragraph (6): 7 “(6) (A) Any affiliate that is party to an agreement or contract with a domestic 8 insurer that is subject to subsection (a)(2)(D) is subject to the jurisdiction of any 9 supervision, seizure, conservatorship, receivership or delinquency proceeding set 10 forth in chapter 51 of this title against the insurer, and to the authority of any 11 supervisor, conservator, rehabilitator, liquidator or receiver for the insurer 12 appointed pursuant to chapter 51, for the purpose of interpreting, enforcing and 13 overseeing the affiliate’s obligations under the agreement or contract to perform 14 services for the insurer that: 15 (i) Are an integral part of the insurer’s operations, including, but not 16 limited to management, administrative, accounting, data processing, 17 marketing, underwriting, claims handling, investment or any other similar 18 functions; or 19 (ii) Are essential to the insurer’s ability to fulfill its obligations under 20 insurance policies. 21 (B) The Commissioner may require that an agreement or contract under 22 subsection (a)(2)(D) for the provision of services described in (i) and (ii) of this 23 11 paragraph, specify that the affiliate consents to the jurisdiction as set forth in this 1 paragraph.” 2 (e) Section 330 is amended as follows: 3 (1) In subsection (a), by inserting “are recognized by the Virgin Islands as 4 proprietary and contain trade secrets, and” after “section 329”, and by adding paragraphs 5 (1) and (2) that read as follows: 6 “(1) For purposes of the information reported and provided to the Division of 7 Banking, Insurance and Financial Regulation under section 325(l)(2), the 8 Commissioner shall maintain the confidentiality of the group capital calculation 9 and group capital ratio produced in the calculation and any group capital 10 information received from an insurance holding company supervised by the Federal 11 Reserve Board or any United States group wide supervisor. 12 (2) For purposes of the information reported and provided to the Division of 13 Banking, Insurance and Financial Regulation pursuant to section 325(l)(3), the 14 Commissioner shall maintain the confidentiality of the liquidity stress test results 15 and supporting disclosures and any liquidity stress test information received from 16 an insurance holding company supervised by the Federal Reserve Board and non- 17 United States group wide supervisors.” 18 (2) In subsection (c) by striking paragraph (1) in its entirety and inserting the 19 following new paragraph (1): 20 “(1) The Commissioner may share documents, materials or other 21 information, including the confidential and privileged documents, materials or 22 information subject to subsection (a), including proprietary and trade secret 23 12 documents and materials, with other state, federal and international regulatory 1 agencies, with the NAIC, with any third-party consultants designated by the 2 Commissioner, and with local, state, federal, and international law enforcement 3 authorities, including members of any supervisory college described in section 328, 4 if the recipient agrees in writing to maintain the confidentiality and privileged status 5 of the document, material or other information, and has verified in writing the legal 6 authority to maintain confidentiality.” 7 (3) In subsection (c), paragraph (2), by inserting “(1)” after “section 325(l)” and 8 by striking paragraphs (3) and (4) in their entirety and inserting the following new 9 paragraphs (3) and (4): 10 “(3) The Commissioner may receive documents, materials or information, 11 including otherwise confidential and privileged documents, materials or 12 information, including propriety and trade-secret information from the NAIC and 13 its affiliates and subsidiaries and from regulatory and law enforcement officials of 14 other foreign or domestic jurisdictions, and shall maintain as confidential or 15 privileged any document, material or information received with notice or the 16 understanding that it is confidential or privileged under the laws of the jurisdiction 17 that is the source of the document, material or information; and 18 (4) The Commissioner shall enter into written agreements with the NAIC, 19 and any third-party consultant designated by the Commissioner governing sharing 20 and use of information provided under this chapter consistent with this subsection 21 that must: 22 13 (A) specify procedures and protocols regarding the confidentiality 1 and security of information shared with the NAIC or a third-party consultant 2 designated by the Commissioner, including procedures and protocols for 3 sharing by the NAIC with other state, federal or international regulators. The 4 agreement must provide that the recipient agrees in writing to maintain the 5 confidentiality and privileged status of the documents, materials or other 6 information and has verified in writing the legal authority to maintain such 7 confidentiality; 8 (B) specify that ownership of information shared with the NAIC, or 9 a third-party consultant remains with the Commissioner and the NAIC’s or a 10 third-party consultant’s, as designated by the Commissioner, use of the 11 information is subject to the direction of the Commissioner; 12 (C) excluding documents, material or information reported under 13 section 325(l)(3), prohibit the NAIC or third-party consultant from storing the 14 information shared in a permanent database after the underlying analysis is 15 completed; 16 (D) require prompt notice to be given to an insurer whose confidential 17 information in the possession of the NAIC or a third-party consultant is 18 subject to a request or subpoena to the NAIC or a third-party consultant for 19 disclosure or production; 20 (E) require the NAIC or a third-party consultant to consent to 21 intervention by an insurer in any judicial or administrative action in which the 22 NAIC or a third-party consultant may be required to disclose confidential 23 14 information about the insurer shared with the NAIC or a third-party 1 consultant; and 2 (F) for documents, material or information reporting under section 3 325(l)(3), in the case of an agreement involving a third-party consultant, 4 provide for notification of the identity of the consultant to the applicable 5 insurers.” 6 (4) In subsection (f) by inserting “or a third-party consultant designated by the 7 Commissioner” after “NAIC”. 8 (5) By adding the following subsection (g): 9 “(g) The group capital calculation and resulting group capital ratio required 10 under section 325(l)(2) and the liquidity stress test along with its results and 11 supporting disclosures required under section 325(l)(3) are regulatory tools for 12 assessing group risks and capital adequacy and group liquidity risks, respectively, 13 and are not intended to rank insurers or insurance holding company systems 14 generally. Therefore, except as otherwise provided under this chapter, the making, 15 publishing, disseminating, circulating or placing before the public, or causing 16 directly or indirectly to be made, published, disseminated, circulated or placed 17 before the public in a newspaper, magazine or other publication, or in the form of a 18 notice, circular, pamphlet, letter or poster, or over any radio or television station or 19 any electronic means of communication available to the public, or in any other way 20 as an advertisement, announcement or statement containing a representation or 21 statement with regard to the group capital calculation, group capital ratio, the 22 liquidity stress test results, or supporting disclosures for the liquidity stress test of 23 15 any insurer or any insurer group, or of any component derived in the calculation by 1 any insurer, broker, or other person engaged in any manner in the insurance business 2 is misleading and is therefore prohibited; provided, however, that if any materially 3 false statement with respect to the group capital calculation, resulting group capital 4 ratio, an inappropriate comparison of any amount to an insurer’s or insurance 5 group’s group capital calculation or resulting group capital ratio, liquidity stress test 6 result, supporting disclosures for the liquidity stress test, or an inappropriate 7 comparison of any amount to an insurer’s or insurance group’s liquidity stress test 8 result or supporting disclosures is published in any written publication and the 9 insurer is able to demonstrate to the Commissioner with substantial proof the falsity 10 of the statement or the inappropriateness, as the case may be, then the insurer may 11 publish announcements in a written publication if the sole purpose of the 12 announcement is to rebut the materially false statement.” 13 BILL SUMMARY 14 This bill amends title 22 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 14 to implement revisions to the 15 NAIC’s Insurance Holding Company System Regulatory Act Model Law, to ensure the Virgin 16 Islands continued compliance with NAIC accreditation standards and to strengthen insurance 17 laws to protect policyholders in the Virgin Islands. 18 BR25-0822/September 3, 2025/SLR 19 G36-030 20 COMMITTEE ON BUDGET, APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCE 01/08/2026-REPORTED OUT TO THE FLOOR 12/15/2025-REPORTED OUT TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND JUDICIARY BILL NO. 36-0209 Thirty-Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands November 17, 2025 An act amending title 23 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 10 to establish civil penalties for disregarding marine advisories and to create the Territorial Marine Safety Fund PROPOSED BY: Senator Hubert L. Frederick Sponsor: Avery L. Lewis Co-sponsor: Ray Fonseca Be it enacted by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands: 1 SECTION 1. Title 23 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 10, subchapter I is amended by 2 adding the following new section: 3 “§1018. Marine advisories; civil penalties. 4 (a) For purposes of this section, “marine advisory” means an official advisory, 5 warning, small craft advisories, recreational marine use advisories, coastal hazard warnings, or 6 similar public safety notices issued by the following agencies: 7 (1) the United States Coast Guard; 8 (2) the National Weather Service; 9 (3) the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources (DPNR); 10 (4) the Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD); 11 2 (5) the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (VITEMA); 1 and 2 (6) the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS). 3 (b) Any person, whether operating a vessel, engaging in recreational marine activity, 4 or engaging in shoreline or coastal activity, who knowingly or negligently disregards a marine 5 advisory, as defined in subsection (a), and whose actions result in the deployment of emergency 6 response resources, shall be assessed a civil penalty of $500 per incident. Each incident 7 requiring emergency response constitutes a separate violation. 8 (c) Citations for violations under this section may be issued by the Commissioner of 9 Police, the Commissioner of DPNR, the Director of VITEMA, the Director of VIFEMS, or 10 their authorized designees. 11 (d) Any individual receiving a citation under this section may contest it by filing an 12 appeal with the issuing agency within 20 calendar days of issuance. The agency shall designate 13 a hearing officer to review the appeal and issue a written determination within 30 calendar days. 14 Payment of the penalty is stayed until the final resolution of the appeal. After the final resolution 15 of an appeal, all penalties collected must be remitted by the issuing agency to the Department 16 of Finance for deposit into the Territorial Marine Safety Fund. 17 (e) There is established in the Treasury of the Virgin Islands a special fund designated 18 the “Territorial Marine Safety Fund,” which is separate and distinct and administered by the 19 Commissioner of Finance. The Fund consists of all monies collected from civil penalties 20 imposed under this section. 21 (f) Monies in the Fund is disbursed at the request of the responding agency as outlined 22 in subsection (a) of this section and must be used solely for: 23 3 (1) the purchase and maintenance of emergency response equipment; 1 (2) vessel maintenance and operations; and 2 (3) other expenses directly related to marine emergency response. 3 (g) Nonprofit rescue organizations, including St. Croix Rescue, St. John Rescue, and 4 St. Thomas Rescue, are authorized to receive disbursements from the Territorial Marine Safety 5 Fund, and must comply with the provisions of title 2 Virgin Islands Code section 29 regarding 6 compliance requirements for the receipt of government funds. 7 (h) The Commissioner of Finance shall maintain a detailed accounting of all monies 8 deposited into and disbursed from the Fund. The Commissioner shall submit an annual report 9 on the financial status of the Fund to the Governor and the Legislature, which must include the 10 total amount of civil penalties collected, the total amount of disbursements made to each agency 11 or authorized recipient, and the unobligated balance of the Fund.” 12 BILL SUMMARY 13 This bill amends title 23 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 10 to establish a civil penalty of 14 $500 for any person who disregards an official marine advisory and causes the deployment of 15 emergency response resources. Citations may be issued by the Virgin Islands Police 16 Department, the Department of Planning and Natural Resources, the Virgin Islands Territorial 17 Emergency Management Agency, or the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services, 18 with appeals handled by the issuing agency. This bill also creates a special revenue fund in the 19 Treasury of the Government of the Virgin Islands, the Territorial Marine Safety Fund, to 20 receive all penalties collected. Monies in the Fund may be disbursed to responding agencies for 21 equipment, vessel maintenance, and other marine emergency response costs. St. Croix Rescue, 22 St. John Rescue, and St. Thomas Rescue are also authorized to receive disbursements from the 23 fund. 24 BR25-0813/September 29, 2025/KEH 25 COMMITTEE ON BUDGET, APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCE 01/08/2026-REPORTED OUT TO THE FLOOR 12/15/2025-REPORTED OUT TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND JUDICIARY BILL NO. 36-0210 Thirty-Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands November 17, 2025 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 PROPOSED BY: Senator Kurt A. Vialet Sponsors: Novelle E. Francis, Jr. and Avery L. Lewis Be it enacted by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands: 1 SECTION 1. Notwithstanding the use restrictions in title 22 Virgin Islands Code, 2 section 237(a)(3)(A), and title 33 Virgin Islands Code, section 3061(b), the sum of $4,000,000 3 is appropriated in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026, from the Virgin Islands Insurance 4 Guaranty Fund to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority for the repair, replacement, 5 and operation of streetlights as follows: 6 (1) $1,800,000 for St. Croix; 7 (2) $1,200,000 for St. Thomas/St. John; and 8 (3) $1,000,000 for payment of outstanding bills. 9 SECTION 2. No later than 45 days after enactment, the Virgin Islands Water and Power 10 Authority shall submit a streetlighting plan to the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. Funds 11 appropriated under section 1 shall be made available only after submission of the plan. 12 2 SECTION 3. The funds appropriated in section 1 remain available until expended. 1 BILL SUMMARY 2 This bill appropriates $4,000,000 from the Virgin Islands Insurance Guaranty Fund to 3 the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority (WAPA) for the repair, replacement, and 4 operation of streetlights. The appropriation is allocated as follows: $1,800,000 for St. Croix, 5 $1,200,000 for St. Thomas/St. John, and $1,000,000 for outstanding bills and requires WAPA 6 to submit a streetlighting plan to the Legislature within 45 days of enactment. 7 BR25-0843/October 29, 2025/KEH 8 COMMITTEE ON BUDGET, APPROPRIATIONS AND FINANCE 01/08/2026-REPORTED OUT TO THE FLOOR 12/15/2025-REPORTED OUT TO THE COMMITTEE ON RULES AND JUDICIARY BILL NO. 36-0217 Thirty-Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands December 15, 2025 An act approving the sale of Parcel No. 20-A Hospital Street, Christiansted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands by and between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Z Property VI LLC for the sum of $260,000 PROPOSED BY: Senator Milton E. Potter and Avery L. Lewis, by Request of the Governor Co-sponsor: Hubert L. Frederick WHEREAS, on December 17, 1997, a Deed of Gift was recorded and entered into the 1 Recorder’s Book for the district of St. Croix, Virgin Islands, wherein Gwyneth Francis Civil 2 conveyed to the Government of the Virgin Islands Parcel No. 20-A Hospital Street, consisting 3 of 2,000 U.S. square feet, more or less, as more fully described on Measured Brief 49329, Folio 4 No. 472, dated July 24, 1997, (Parcel ID No. 2-04904-1102-00) Christiansted St. Croix, Virgin 5 Islands (“Parcel No. 20-A Hospital Street”); 6 WHEREAS, on by letter dated November 12, 2024, Anthony D. Thomas, ATJ 7 Management Solution, on behalf of Z Property VI LLC (“Z Property VI”) made an offer to the 8 Government of the Virgin Islands, through the Virgin Islands Department of Property and 9 Procurement, to purchase Parcel No. 20-A Hospital Street for $260,000 from the Government 10 of the Virgin Islands; 11 2 WHEREAS, on by letter dated November 20, 2025, Lisa M. Alejandro, Commissioner, 1 Virgin Islands Department of Property and Procurement, acting on behalf of the Government 2 of the Virgin Islands, accepted Z Property VI’s offer and forward a Contract of Sale to Z 3 Property VI; 4 WHEREAS, on November 25, 2025, Peter Zielke, Sole Member, Z Property executed 5 the Contract for the Purchase and Sale of Real Property by and between the Government of the 6 Virgin Islands and Z Property VI for Parcel No. 20-A Hospital Street; 7 WHEREAS, on December 5, 2025, the Governor of the Virgin Islands executed the 8 Contract for the Purchase and Sale of Real Property by and between the Government of the 9 Virgin Islands and Z Property VI for Parcel No. 20-A Hospital Steet; and 10 WHEREAS, pursuant to title 31 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 21, section 205, subsection 11 (c), the Legislature of the Virgin Islands must approve the Governor’s sale of real property of 12 the Government of the Virgin Islands; Now, Therefore, 13 Be it enacted by the Legislature of the Virgin Islands: 14 SECTION 1. (a) Pursuant to title 31Virgin Islands Code, chapter 21, section 205, 15 subsection (c), the Legislature of the Virgin Islands approves the Contract for the Purchase and 16 Sale of Real Property for Parcel No. 20-A Hospital Street, consisting of 2,000 U.S. square feet, 17 more or less, as more fully described on Measured Brief 49329, Folio No. 472, dated July 24, 18 1997, (Parcel ID No. 2-04904-1102-00), Christiansted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands for the sum of 19 $260,000, by and between the Z Property VI LLC and the Government of the Virgin Islands, 20 executed by the parties on November 25, 2025, and December 5, 2025, respectively. 21 (b) Not later than 30 days after the enactment of this act, the Government of the Virgin 22 Islands shall convey to Z Property VI LLC, by Quitclaim Deed, Parcel No. 20-A Hospital 23 Street, consisting of 2,000 U.S. square feet, more or less, as more fully described on Measured 24 3 Brief 49329, Folio No. 472, dated July 24, 1997, (Parcel ID No. 2-04904-1102-00), 1 Christiansted, St. Croix, Virgin Islands. 2 BILL SUMMARY 3 The bill approves the Governor of the Virgin Islands approval of the sale of Parcel No. 4 20-A Hospital Street, Christiansted St. Croix, Virgin Islands, to Z Property VI LLC and 5 provides that the property must be conveyed to Z Property VI LLC by Quitclaim Deed not later 6 than 30 days after the Legislature’s approval of the sale. 7 BR25-0942/December 15, 2025/SLR 8 G36-044 9