Bryan Vetoes Wire Transfer Fee and Epstein Settlement Bills, Approves Budget Measures

Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has vetoed two controversial bills passed by the 35th Legislature, including legislation that proposed a 3% wire transfer fee and another concerning the allocation of funds from the Jeffrey Epstein estate settlement. The first bill, Bill No. 35-0375, sought to impose a 3% fee on money transfers as a means to establish the Money Laundering and Electronic Transaction Enforcement Fund. Governor Bryan, however, vetoed this measure, citing its potential negative impact on residents and concerns over its practical implementation. The matter garnered negative feedback from the community following an article published on the Consortium, leading Governor Bryan to seek community feedback before making a decision.  The second vetoed bill, Bill No. 35-0380, aimed to appropriate funds from the settlement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and the estate of Jeffrey Epstein, as well as a separate settlement with Leon Black. The proposed allocation of these funds ...