Governor Albert Bryan Jr. has recently approved a series of bills passed by the 35th Legislature in its session on December 19, 2023. The governor's approval encompasses a wide range of legislative measures aimed at enhancing various aspects of life in the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Among the bills approved by Mr. Bryan are:
- Bill No. 35-0013: This Act amends the Virgin Islands Code relating to the issuance of operators’ licenses and identification cards, allowing applicants to obtain limited local-purpose identification cards and operators’ licenses without certain federally required documentation.
- Bill No. 35-0045: Establishes Medical Parole Release, Geriatric Parole Release, and Non-Medical Geriatric Parole Release, thereby amending the Virgin Islands Code on parole release eligibility.
- Bill No. 35-0084: Provides businesses operating under a trade name the option of renewing their trade name at 2, 6, or 10-year intervals.
- Bill No. 35-0086: Requires background checks for IT personnel and employees handling confidential information in the Virgin Islands.
- Bill No. 35-0099: Relates to the foreclosure of liens upon real property.
- Bill No. 35-0119: Directs the Department of Health to develop Mobile Integrated Healthcare Programs.
- Bill No. 35-0127: Addresses the invasion of privacy of accident and crime victims by first responders.
The governor has also approved several zoning measures, including:
- Bill No. 35-0189: Granting a zoning variance for various activities on specific plots in St. Croix.
- Bill No. 35-0192: Amending the Official Zoning Map to rezone specific plots in Frederiksted Town.
- Bill No. 35-0214: Granting a zoning use variance for the construction and operation of a guesthouse in Estate Glynn.
- Bill No. 35-0199: Ratifying a permit for the use of submerged lands in Chenay Bay.
Additionally, Mr. Bryan approved:
- Bill No. 35-0102: Honoring Dr. Ralph A. deChabert for his medical and civic contributions.
- Bill No. 35-0109: Commending the late Corporal Kendall Emanuel George for his service in the Vietnam War.
- Bill No. 35-0123: Commissioning a bronze bust of Dr. Alfred O. Heath in Education Park.
- Bill No. 35-0125: Honoring the late Police Lieutenant Melbourne Clarke for his law enforcement service.
The governor also acknowledged the Legislature’s actions on various nominations and overrides, including the confirmation of H. Nathalie Hodge as the commissioner of the Department of Licensing & Consumer Affairs and Dr. Louis E. Petersen as the Commissioner of Agriculture.
Finally, Governor Bryan acknowledged Resolution No. 1909, honoring the St. Croix Majorettes for their 50 years of commitment to youth, community service, and the art of baton twirling.
