Government

Bryan Signs Nearly Two Dozen Bills Into Law, Vetoes 6, Including Measure Giving PSC More Oversight Power Over WAPA

Government House said Tuesday that Governor Albert Bryan on Monday signed 23 bills into law while vetoing six measures, including a bill aimed at giving the Public Services Commission more oversight strength over the V.I. Water and Power Authority.  Bill No. 33-0055, sponsored by Senator Janelle Sarauw in collaboration with a number of other lawmakers, also sought to give the commission oversight of wireless telecommunication providers, though that authority would be limited to service issues only. For example, if the PSC reasonably suspects a pattern of customer abuse, the commission may, on its own motion, initiate investigations into the activities of wireless telecommunications providers offering cellular service. According to Government House, Mr. Bryan vetoed Bill No. 33-0055 because it is “overly punitive and overly expensive” and because “its overreach conflicts with federal law.” The governor said one of his biggest concerns with the bill is that it sets up the PSC as an aut...