P a g e | 1 Comm. On Rules and Judiciary Report October 9, 2025 Memorandum: 25-024 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: October 9, 2025 SUBJECT: Committee Report for Thursday, October 9, 2025 Hearing Please find attached the report for the Committee on Rules and Judiciary hearing held on Thursday, October 9, 2025 in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas. CC: All Senators Chief Legal Counsel Archive Division Journal Division P a g e | 2 Comm. On Rules and Judiciary Report October 9, 2025 RULES AND JUDICIARY OCTOBER 9, 2025 COMMITTEE HEARING REPORT The Committee on Rules and Judiciary held its hearing on Thursday, October 9, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas. The Committee considered the following legislative measures: • Bill No: 36-0144 - An act amending title 14 Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 113 to define and prohibit assault rifles, ban suppressors and silencers, and requiring safety training for licensed rifles and shotgun holders; prohibiting large capacity magazines and preventing the illegal sales of firearms, firearm accessories and ammunition. Sponsored by: Senator Clifford A. Joseph, Sr. and Marise James • Bill No: 36-0105 - An act amending title 7 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 13, subchapter III by prohibiting the possession, sale, or manufacture of tetrahydrocannabinol acid, delta-6 THC, delta-8 THC and delta-10 THC products in the Virgin Islands and for other related purposes. Sponsored by: Senator Clifford A. Joseph, Sr. • Bill No. 36-0123 - An act amending title 20 Virgin Islands Code, part II, chapter 43, subchapter I, section 493 making it unlawful for a person who has 0.04 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his blood to operate a commercial motor vehicle, and making it unlawful for a person under the age of 21 years who has any detectable amount of alcohol in his blood, to operate a motor vehicle. Proposed by: Senator Ray Fonseca • Bill No. 36-0136- An act amending title 23 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 17, subchapter II by adding new sections 1331 through 1336 mandating lethal weapon training for security guards and investigators. Proposed by: Senator Avery L. Lewis • Bill No. 36-0099 which proposes amendments to Title 34, Chapter 15 of the Virgin Islands Code to improve the territory's responsiveness to elder abuse cases. The bill mandates the creation of an Elder Anti-Abuse Multidisciplinary Team within the Department of Human Services and requires collaboration with the Department of Justice to facilitate protective order requests through the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands. Proposed by Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr. • Bill No. 36-0061 - An Act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 27, section 706 and chapter 28A, section 755 allowing retirees who are receiving an annuity from the Government Employees Retirement System who are subsequently employed by the University of the Virgin Islands (“UVI”), to continue to receive their GERS annuity while receiving their salary from the University if the retiree enrolls in a different retirement plan. Proposed by Senator Carla J. Joseph • Bill No. 36-0058 An Act honoring and commending Dennis “Pumpa” Lennox Leroy Liburd, Jr. for his many contributions to the Virgin Islands culture and music industry as a Soca artist by awarding him the Official key to the Territory and naming the main entrance of 6-Y Peters Rest Road, Christiansted, St. Croix in his honor. Proposed by Senators Marise C. James, Angel L. Bolques, Jr. and Avery L. Lewis P a g e | 3 Comm. On Rules and Judiciary Report October 9, 2025 • Bill No. 36-0107 A resolution honoring and commending Dr. Alfred Lee Anduze for his outstanding achievements and significant contributions to the fields of medicine, science, public health, and community empowerment. Proposed by Senators Milton E. Potter and Novelle E. Francis, Jr. • Bill No. 36-0121 An act to rename the Peter Carl Limpricht Park the TSK Park in honor of the Ten Sleepless Knights quelbe band and making an appropriation to effectuate that change. Proposed by Senators Marise C. James, Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., Avery L. Lewis, Kenneth L. Gittens, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Kurt A. Vialet, and Franklin D. Johnson • Bill No. 36-0110 An Act amending title 20 Virgin Islands Code, part I, chapter 1 to require a permit from the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works before the excavation of any public roadway. Proposed by Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr. • Bill No. 36-0039 An Act amending title 33 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 4, section 75 by increasing the costs to bring containers or flat rack containers into the Virgin Islands and reallocating how monies collected pursuant to section 75 allocated. Proposed by Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr. The meeting was called to order by the Committee Chair, Sen. Carla J. Joseph at 10:02 a.m. Committee Members Present Non-Committee Members Present Sen. Carla J. Joseph, Chair Sen. Kenneth L. Gittens, Vice Chair Sen. Avery L. Lewis Sen. Milton E. Potter Sen. Angel L. Bolques, Jr. Sen. Alma Francis Heyliger Sen. Clifford A. Joseph, Sr. Office of the Executive Director Mr. Charles Brown, Jr. Ms. Jevon Ottley Sergeant-At-Arms Mr. Walton Jack Mr. Delvin Fleming Public Affairs/Media Mr. Bernard Mathews Ms. Malissa Gustave Ms. Diana Cruz Ms. Jamal Potter Mr. Barry Leerdam Ms. Chaunte Herbert Sen. Ray Fonseca Legislative Reporters Ms. Tricia D. Sealey Mrs. Vashti Gerald-Berry Clerk/Timekeeper Ms. Shania Nieves Supporting Staff Mrs. Delekah Callwood Daniel Legal Counsel Amos Carty, Jr., Esq. Ms. Sharline L. Rogers, Esq. Public Affairs/Media cont’d. Mr. Omari Kicks Mr. Kashief Hamilton Ms. Saieah Sekou Mr. Dequan Milliner P a g e | 4 Comm. On Rules and Judiciary Report October 9, 2025 In block one of the agenda, the Committee was set to consider Bill No. 36-0144 Senator Kenneth L. Gittens made a motion to remove Bill Nos. 36-0144 and 36-0105 from the agenda and returned to the Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety. The motion was seconded by Senators Avery Lewis and Alma Francis Heyliger and objected by Senator Carla Joseph. The Chair asked for a roll call on the motion the vote was six (6) yeas one (1) nay. The motion carried. In block three, senators conducted one (1) round of discussion, with each senator having three (3) minutes to speak on each bill. After all senators had spoken on a bill, a vote was taken. Please see the below chart for the list of bills and the actions taken: Bill Number Short Title Amendment Motion Vote 36-0123 An act amending title 20 Virgin Islands Code, part II, chapter 43, subchapter I, section 493 making it unlawful for a person who has 0.04 percent or more, by weight, of alcohol in his blood to operate a commercial motor vehicle, and making it unlawful for a person under the age of 21 years who has any detectable amount of alcohol in his blood, to operate a motor vehicle. Proposed by: Senator Ray Fonseca Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr. motioned that Bill No. 36-0123, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action The motion was seconded by Senators Avery L. Lewis and Milton E. Potter. 4 yeas (Senators Bolques, Jr., Carla Joseph, Lewis and Potter) 3 absent (Senators Gittens, Francis Heyliger, Joseph, Sr.) 36-0136 An act amending title 23 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 17, subchapter II by adding new sections 1331 through 1336 mandating lethal weapon training for security guards and investigators. Proposed by: Senator Avery L. Lewis Senator Avery L. Lewis. motioned that Bill No. 36-0136, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action The motion was seconded by Senators Milton E. Potter and Angel L. Bolques, Jr. 4 yeas (Senators Bolques, Jr., Carla Joseph, Lewis and Potter) 3 absent (Senators Gittens, Francis Heyliger, Joseph, Sr.) P a g e | 5 Comm. On Rules and Judiciary Report October 9, 2025 Bill Number Short Title Amendment Motion Vote 36-0099 An Act amending title 34 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 15 expanding the Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse Prevention Act. Proposed by Senators Angel L. Bolques, Jr. and Marvin Blyden Senator Bolques, Jr. offered Amendment No. 36-561 which was. seconded by Senators Lewis and Potter Senator Lewis Motioned to waive the reading of Amendment No. 36-561 which was seconded by Senators Bolques, Jr. and Potter. Both motions carried. Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr. motioned that Bill No. 36-0099 as amended, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action The motion was seconded by Senator Avery L. Lewis 4 yeas (Senators Bolques, Jr., Carla Joseph, Lewis and Potter) 3 absent (Senators Gittens, Francis Heyliger, Joseph, Sr.) 36-0061 An Act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 27, section 706 and chapter 28A, section 755 allowing retirees who are receiving an annuity from the Government Employees Retirement System who are subsequently employed by the University of the Virgin Islands (“UVI”), to continue to receive their GERS annuity while receiving their salary from the University if the retiree enrolls in a different retirement plan. Proposed by Senator Carla J. Joseph Senator Carla Joseph offered Amendment No. 36-557 which was seconded by Senator Lewis Senator Carla J. Joseph motioned that Bill No. 36-0123 as amended, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action The motion was seconded by Senators Avery L. Lewis 4 yeas (Senators Bolques, Jr., Carla Joseph, Lewis and Potter) 3 absent (Senators Gittens, Francis Heyliger, Joseph, Sr.) 36-0058 An Act honoring and commending Dennis “Pumpa” Lennox Leroy Senator Avery L. Lewis motioned that Bill No. 36-0058, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on 4 yeas (Senators Bolques, P a g e | 6 Comm. On Rules and Judiciary Report October 9, 2025 Bill Number Short Title Amendment Motion Vote Liburd, Jr. for his many contributions to the Virgin Islands culture and music industry as a Soca artist by awarding him the Official key to the Territory and naming the main entrance of 6-Y Peters Rest Road, Christiansted, St. Croix in his honor. Proposed by Senators Marise C. James, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Avery L. Lewis, Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., Carla J. Joseph, and Kurt A Vialet Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action The motion was seconded by Senators Angel L. Bolques, Jr. and Milton E. Potter. Jr., Carla Joseph, Lewis and Potter) 3 absent (Senators Gittens, Francis Heyliger, Joseph, Sr.) 36-0107 A resolution honoring and commending Dr. Alfred Lee Anduze for his outstanding achievements and significant contributions to the fields of medicine, science, public health, and community empowerment. Proposed by Senators Kurt A. Vialet, Avery Lewis, Marise C. James, Kenneth L. Gittens, and Clifford A. Joseph, Sr. Senator Avery L. Lewis motioned that Bill No. 36-0107, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action The motion was seconded by Senators Angel L. Bolques, Jr. and Milton E. Potter. 4 yeas (Senators Bolques, Jr., Carla Joseph, Lewis and Potter) 3 absent (Senators Gittens, Francis Heyliger, Joseph, Sr.) 36-0121 An act to rename the Peter Carl Limpricht Park the TSK Park in honor of the Ten Sleepless Knights quelbe band and making an appropriation to effectuate that change. Proposed by Senators Marise C. James, Clifford A. Joseph, Sr., Avery L. Lewis, Kenneth L. Gittens, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Carla J. Jospeh Kurt A. Vialet, and Franklin D. Johnson Senator Lewis offered Amendment No. 36-548 It was seconded by Senator Bolques, Jr. Senator Avery L. Lewis motioned that Bill No. 36-0058 as amended, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action The motion was seconded by Senators Angel L. Bolques, Jr. and Milton E. Potter. 4 yeas (Senators Bolques, Jr., Carla Joseph, Lewis and Potter) 3 absent (Senators Gittens, Francis Heyliger, Joseph, Sr.) P a g e | 7 Comm. On Rules and Judiciary Report October 9, 2025 Bill Number Short Title Amendment Motion Vote 36-0110 An Act amending title 20 Virgin Islands Code, part I, chapter 1 to require a permit from the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works before the excavation of any public roadway. Proposed by Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr. Senator Lewis offered Amendment No. 36-542 which was seconded by Senator Bolques, Jr. Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr. motioned that Bill No. 36-0110, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action The motion was seconded by Senator Milton E. Potter. 4 yeas (Senators Bolques, Jr., Carla Joseph, Lewis and Potter) 3 absent (Senators Gittens, Francis Heyliger, Joseph, Sr.) 36-0039 An Act amending title 33 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 4, section 75 by increasing the costs to bring containers or flat rack containers into the Virgin Islands and reallocating how monies collected pursuant to section 75 allocated. Proposed by Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr. Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr. motioned that Bill No. 36-0039, be favorably voted upon in the Committee on Rules and Judiciary and forwarded to the full body for further consideration and action The motion was seconded by Senator Milton E. Potter. 4 yeas (Senators Bolques, Jr., Carla Joseph, Lewis and Potter) 3 absent (Senators Gittens, Francis Heyliger, Joseph, Sr.) The Chair, Sen. Carla J. Joseph, adjourned the Committee on Rules and Judiciary hearing at 2:20 p.m.