Bryan Signs Bill to Raise Tobacco Age, Protect Minors, and Boost Renewable Energy

Government House announced Tuesday that Governor Albert Bryan Jr. signed several bills passed by the 35th Legislature, among them measures related to public safety, healthcare, economic growth, and cultural preservation.  In a statement, Mr. Bryan highlighted the lasting impact of the approved measures, noting, "The measures approved will have a lasting impact on our community, expanding protections for our children, enhancing public health initiatives, supporting economic innovation, and modernizing critical infrastructure." Among the approved bills was Bill No. 35-0031, known as the Child Victims' and Child Witnesses' Rights Act, which strengthens legal protections for minors involved in court cases. Another critical health-focused bill, Bill No. 35-0289, raises the minimum age for purchasing tobacco to 21, aligning local regulations with national public health standards. Governor Bryan also approved Bill No. 35-0257, which introduces an annual U.S. Virgin Islands Beer, Wine, and ...