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AARP in the Virgin Islands has hailed the signing into law of Bill No. 34-0034 as a win for Virgin Islanders. The measure enacts the Uniform Electronic Legal Material Act, providing for the management of electronic legal information in a manner that guarantees the trustworthiness of and continuing access to important government legal material.
The bill received unanimous support in the 34th Legislature and was signed into law by Governor Albert Bryan on August 16. AARP in the Virgin Islands testified in favor of the measure. The organization thanked lawmakers for their support as well as the governor for his signature of approval.
"In this present era of technology, people have access to the Internet to search for all types of information. The issue is that much of the data needed for research, particularly for developing testimonies during formal legislative or governmental hearings, is not always trustworthy. The Uniform Electronic Legal Material Act amendment allows creating a database that will become the go-to place to access vital government material such as the VI Code and manage this legal information electronically," AARP said.
AARP USVI State Director, Troy de Chabert-Schuster, stated, “As AARP in The Virgin Islands advocates for its members, older adults, and Virgin Islanders, we must obtain correct and up-to-date information to testify on behalf of our constituents effectively. Presently, the access to legal information and the laws is limited. Having a system in place under this Act will address this limitation.”
AARP said it is concerned about fraud and how incorrect information is used to target seniors and the elderly. The organization said it has a Fraud Watch Network that provides a hotline for victimized individuals to report fraud. The network provides resources to learn how to identify scams and for potential victims to protect themselves from identity theft.
"As AARP-VI continues the work, the organization must also access accurate information," stated the release.
