The Senate Committee on Homeland Security, Justice, and Public Safety, chaired by Sen. Clifford A. Joseph, convened Thursday and advanced several public safety bills, including measures to increase penalties for traffic violations and establish mandatory minimum bail for domestic violence cases.
While lawmakers approved multiple initiatives, a proposal redefining consent laws for individuals in police custody was held for further review. All approved legislation will now move to the Rules and Judiciary Committee for continued consideration, according to the press release.
Bill No. 36-0036, sponsored by Sen. Kenneth L. Gittens, seeks to amend Title 20 of the Virgin Islands Code to raise penalties for traffic offenses, create a Virgin Islands Police Department impound lot, and bolster enforcement mechanisms. Gittens stressed that successful implementation will require coordination across law enforcement agencies to ensure compliance, the press release stated.
“Penalties have not kept pace with inflation nor the seriousness of the offenses,” Gittens said. “It has been more than 13 years since any adjustments were made to traffic penalties. Adjusting the fines will help serve as a deterrent for dangerous driving behavior, encourage drivers to follow the law, and to drive more safely on our roads. It is also important to note the necessity of impound lots to better secure vehicles.”
Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea, representing the Justice Department, voiced support for the bill’s provisions to modernize traffic fines and establish a structured impound system, the release stated.
“This is very important, particularly as more vehicles are being impounded as evidence of crime,” Rhea said. “In those instances, allowing the vehicle to remain outdoors and unsecured allows for evidence to be tampered with or removed from police custody.”
Virgin Islands Police Commissioner Mario Brooks provided statistical support, noting a rise in moving violations from 6,276 in fiscal year 2023 to 7,294 in fiscal year 2024. Parking infractions also increased from 875 to 1,216 over the same period. With over 5,000 crashes reported annually and nine traffic fatalities already recorded in fiscal year 2025, Brooks said impaired and reckless driving remain pressing concerns. Joseph noted the bill’s importance, stating it is “essential for deterring repeat offenders and improving roadway safety.”
“We all share the roadways, and the VIPD is requesting your assistance in increasing fines/fees to prohibitive levels to protect all road users,” Brooks told senators during the hearing.
The committee also approved Bill No. 36-0005, introduced by Sen. Angel L. Bolques Jr., which amends Title 16 of the Virgin Islands Code to establish a mandatory minimum bail amount in domestic violence cases. Joseph praised the legislation, calling it “a meaningful step toward justice and accountability,” and added, “Our community deserves laws that prioritize safety, dignity, and human rights.”
The committee held Bill No. 36-0024, proposed by Sen. Ray Fonseca, for further discussion. The measure seeks to amend Title 14 of the Virgin Islands Code to specify that individuals in police custody are legally incapable of consenting to sexual activity. Further deliberation will be necessary before the bill proceeds, the release stated.
Sens. Clifford A. Joseph, Carla J. Joseph, Milton E. Potter, Ray Fonseca, Kenneth L. Gittens, Franklin D. Johnson, Angel L. Bolques Jr., Dwayne M. DeGraff, and Avery L. Lewis attended the hearing.
