This Week’s Senate Calendar December 16-20

: The Legislature of the Virgin Islands Capitol Building (Source photo by Bethaney Lee)

33rd Legislature of the Virgin Islands Senate Calendar

Monday, December 16
No meetings will be held today.

Tuesday, December 17
10 a.m.
Committee on Finance
Virgin Islands Cardiac Center, Gov. Juan F. Luis Hospital, St. Croix
Agenda
The committee has scheduled a meeting to receive testimony and to consider the following bills:
BLOCK I
Bill No. 33-0064 — An Act appropriating $500,000 from the Anti-Litter and Beautification Fund to the Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority to be used exclusively for the purchase of surveillance cameras to be installed at selected bin sites. (Sponsored by Sen. Marvin A. Blyden)
Bill No. 33-0190 — An Act amending Title 3, chapter 13, section 218(a) and Title 21, chapter 2, section 103 of the Virgin Islands Code transferring various duties and responsibilities from the Department of Property and Procurement and to the Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority. (Sponsored by Senator Marvin A. Blyden)
Bill No. 33-0145 — An Act amending Title 2, chapter 2, section 22 of the Virgin Islands Code by requiring the Director of the Office of Management and Budget to conduct a mid-year review of the budget and to report the review findings to the Chair of the Committee on Finance and the Post Audit Division of the Legislature. (Sponsored by Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory)
Bill No. 33-0137 — An Act authorizing the Virgin Islands Bureau of Economic Research, the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources, and the Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority to create a plan to assist the U.S. Virgin Islands in developing a sustainable blue economy within the territory. (Sponsored by Sen. Allison L. DeGazon)
Bill No. 33-0034 — An Act amending Title 23, chapter 19, subchapters I and III of the Virgin Islands Code relating to benefits and insurance coverage for officers and members of the National Guard of the Virgin Islands to provide for pay comparable to those serving in the armed forces of the United States and to ensure that the territorial active duty members have insurance to cover any illness or injury sustained while on active duty not covered by other health insurance coverage. (Sponsored by senators Dwayne M. DeGraff and Kurt A. Vialet; co-sponsored by senators Donna Frett-Gregory, Stedmann Hodge Jr. and Steven D. Payne Sr.)
Bill No. 33-0219 — An Act establishing a 180-day amnesty period for the waiver of penalties for payment of outstanding income taxes and the waiver of interest and penalties for payment of outstanding gross receipt taxes for tax years 2017 and 2018 to assist taxpayers recovering from the aftermath of catastrophic hurricanes Irma and Maria and to require the director of the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue to publish information on this amnesty. (Sponsored by Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory; co-sponsored by Sen. Kurt A. Vialet)
Bill No. 33-0069 — An Act amending Title 3, chapter 1 of the Virgin Islands Code relating to the issuance of and usage of government credit cards. (Proposed by Sen. Dwayne M. DeGraff)

Wednesday, December 18
10 a.m.
Special Session
Earle B. Ottley Legislature Hall, St. Thomas
Anthem: National Anthem and Virgin Islands March
Roll Call: Sen. Alicia V. Barnes
Pursuant to Section 7 (a) of the revised Organic Act of 1954, as amended for the United States Virgin Islands, the 33rd Legislature will convene in Special Session called by Honorable Albert Bryan Jr., Governor of the United States Virgin Islands.

The Thirty-Third Legislature will receive testimony from a member of the Governor’s Team on the proposed legislation:
To amend Title 19, chapter 34 of the Virgin Islands Code to expand the legalization of medicinal cannabis.

Thursday, December 19
10 a.m.
Regular Session
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, St. Thomas
Call to Order: Novelle E. Francis Jr., Senate President
Anthem: National Anthem and Virgin Islands March
Roll Call: Sen. Alicia V. Barnes, Legislative Secretary
Committee Reports: Chairpersons of Standing Committees

CONSIDERATOION OF FLOOR AGENDA
CONSIDERATION OF NOMINATIONS:
NOMINEES
Virgin Islands Cannabis Advisory Board: Dr. Catherine A. Kean MD, Dr. Nicole A. Craigwell-Syms Ph.D., Miguel Tricoche and Hugh Roller II
Virgin Islands Cannabis Advisory Board: Christopher T. Jones, Disability Advocate Representative
Virgin Islands Cannabis Advisory Board, District of St. Thomas-St. John: Dr. Gary Jett MD, Health Care Practitioner Representative
District of St. Croix Board of Dental Examiners: Laureen Gewinner, Dr. Trevor Connor DDS, Dr. Emmanuel O. Delano DDS and MS
Virgin Islands Taxi Cab Commission District of St Thomas-St. John: Loretta V. Lloyd, Vincent Georges, Myrna George
Board of Career and Technical Education District of St. Croix: Genevieve R. Whitaker JD, Dr. Michael Francois Ph.D., Dr. Anatasie Jackson Ed.D.
Virgin Islands Historic Preservation Commission District of St. Thomas-St. John: Kurt G. Marsh Jr.
Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management Commission District of St. Thomas-St. John: Kurt G. Marsh Jr., Jawanza Wllace-Hilaire, Edward Foerstel (check out)
Government Employees Retirement Board of Trustees District of St. Thomas-St. John: Nellon Bowry
Government Employees Services Commission District of St. Thomas-St. John: Andre’ T. Dorsey and Lorraine Gumbs-Morton
Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority Board of Directors District of St. Thomas-St. John: Daphne Harley
Compact Administrator, State Council of Interstate Compact for Supervision of Adult Offender/Commissioner, Interstate Commission for Adult Offender Supervision: Wynnie Testamark, director
Virgin Islands Board of Pharmacy District of St. Thomas-St. John: Danson Nagana and Dr. Vernique Caswell Pharm. D.
Virgin Islands Board of Pharmacy District of St. Croix: Laura M. Forbes
Virgin Islands Board of Chiropractic Examiners District of St. Croix: Dr. Jason B. Williams
Compact Administrator Virgin Islands Interstate Compact on the Placement of Children (ICP): Eavey-Monique C. James CSW, CPM and Charisse V. Hart
Virgin Islands Public Finance Authority Board of Directors District of St. Croix: Keith C. O’Neale Jr.
Virgin Islands Board of Psychology Examiners District of St. Thomas-St. John: Dr. Ramona J. Moss Ph.D., NCSP and Dr. Nicolette Cutright Ph.D.
Virgin Islands Board of Licensed Counselors and Examiners District of St. Thomas-St. John: Curtis E. Callendar, MS, LMHC, NCC Substance Abuse Counselor
Virgin Islands Board of Optometrical Examiners District of St. Croix: Dr. Lisa E. Adams-Mahepath, O.D.
Virgin Islands Board of Examiners for Practice of Veterinary Medicine District of St. Thomas-St. John: Dr. Laura Palminteri, VMD
Virgin Islands Board of Medical Examiners: Dr. Mavis Matthew, MD
Virgin Islands Board of Medical Examiners District of St. Thomas-St. John: Dr. Frank A. Odlum, MD., FACS,
Virgin Islands Board of Psychology Examiners District of St. Croix: Dr. Lindsy Yarger-Wagner
Virgin Islands Board of Chiropractic Examiners District of St. Thomas-St. John: Dr. Robert J. De Bonis, DC, FICA
Government Employees Service Commission District of St. Croix: Dr. Kisha Christian, Pharm.D.
Government Employees Retirement System Board of Trustees District of St. Thomas-St. John: Carol A. Callwood
Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission Representative of the Department of Tourism District of St. Croix: Assistant Commissioner Elizabeth Hansen Watley
Virgin Islands Housing Finance Authority Board of Directors District of St. Thomas: Lawrence A. Aqui
Virgin Islands Waste Management Authority Board of Directors District of St. Croix: Laurence J. Richards PE
Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Governing Board District of St. Croix: Jed John Hope
Virgin Islands Board of Career and Technical Education District of St. Thomas and Virgin Islands Board of Career and Technical Education District of St. Croix: Dr. Suzanne Darrow-Magras Ph.D. and Jo Ann Allen Murphy
Virgin Islands Public Broadcasting System Board of Directors District of St. Thomas-St. John: Jose Raul Carrillo and Osbert E. Potter

CONSIDERATION OF RESOLUTIONS
Bill No. 33-0110 – A Resolution honoring and commending the Rising Stars Youth Steel Orchestra for their musical contributions and dedication to the youth of our community and for being cultural ambassadors abroad
Bill No. 33-0113 – A Resolution to posthumously honor and commend Lee “Lee Vee” Vanterpool, a native son, for contributions to the Virgin Islands Community as a consummate media professional and mentor, and for his contribution of time and professional skills to numerous nonprofit organizations and events that have benefitted the Virgin Islands
Bill No. 33-0151 – An Act amending Title 15, part II, chapter11, section 167 of the Virgin Islands Code, increasing the threshold for summary administration of estates in the Virgin Islands

CONSIDERATION OF LEASE AGREEMENTS
Bill No. 33-0203 – An Act approving the Lease Agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Total Auto Package LLC for Parcel No. 128A Estate Submarine Base, No. 6 Southside Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

Bill No. 33-0204 – An Act approving the Lease Agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Commercial Property Management LLC for Parcel No. 40 Estate Submarine Base No. 6 Southside Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands
Bill No. 33-0205 – An Act approving the Lease Agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Fibernet, Inc. for Parcel No. 95 and 95A Remainder Submarine Base, No. 5 Southside Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands

CONSIDERATION OF BILLS
Bill No. 33-0019 – An Act amending Title 17, chapter 7, section 61a of the Virgin Islands Code regarding the school year and the amount of instructional hours per school year
Bill No. 33-0033 – An Act to add a new section to Title 3, chapter 16 of the Virgin Islands Code, to reenact the Virgin Islands Tax Study Commission, which will be tasked with reviewing the current laws and tax structure of the Virgin Islands for the purpose of initiating tax reform and maximizing revenue in a fair and impartial manner
Bill No. 33-0068 – An Act to amend Title 20, part II, chapter 32, subchapter I of the Virgin Islands Code by adding a new section to create a process for transferring a vehicle upon death of an individual without going through the probate process
Bill No. 33-0087 – An Act amending Title 33, subtitle I, part 3, sections 44 and 45 of the Virgin Islands Code by requiring monthly filing of gross receipts for all businesses and prohibiting the Virgin Islands Bureau of Internal Revenue from assessing penalties and fees for unpaid gross receipt taxes during the time when a new business’s gross receipts have not yet exceeded $225,000
Bill No. 33-0091 – An Act amending Title 24, chapter 1, section 15 of the Virgin Island Code by adding a requirement that business post required labor law posters, and establishing penalties for violations of the requirement
Bill No. 33-0094 – An Act amending Title 34, chapter 2, section 41 of the Virgin Islands code to include persons suffering with cancer or degenerative diseases in the Department of Human Services’ Pharmaceutical Program
Bill No. 33-0095 – An Act amending Title 34 of the Virgin Islands Code by adding chapter 18 enacting the “Virgin Islands Medicaid Program Act”
Bill No. 33-0100 – An Act amending Title 20, part II, chapter 39, section 43(b)(1) of the Virgin Islands Code by including persons who are disabled within the class of persons exempt from being charged a fee for a disable window deal
Bill No. 33-0107 – An Act authorizing the Commissioner of the Department of Public Works to permit advertisement to be placed on VITRAN buses
Bill No. 33- 0109 – An Act amending the Virgin Islands Code by prohibiting the issuance of marriage licenses to persons under the age of eighteen (18)
Bill No. 33-0116 – An Act amending Title 32 of the Virgin Islands Code as it relates to the Virgin Islands Horse Racing Commission
Bill No. 33-0117 – An Act amending Title 1, chapter 11 of the Virgin Islands Code by adding a new section 200k, establishing Virgin Islands Flag Day
Bill No. 33-0119 — An Act amending Title 27, chapter 9, subchapter I, sections 303 and 304 of the Virgin Islands Code by requiring that businesses licenses be issued within three business days and authorizing the Department of Licensing and Consumer Affairs to hold show cause hearing to refuse to issue, revoke or suspend business licenses when regulatory requirements have not been met
Bill No. 33-0122 – An Act amending Title 7, chapter 1, subchapter 1, section 2 of the Virgin Islands code by expanding the definition of farming and by adding current industry standard terminology
Bill No. 33-0123 – An Act to earmark a percentage of the Government of the Virgin Islands budget to support local agriculture
Bill No. 33-0129 – An Act amending Act No. 7589 to extend the time within which the Enterprise Zone Commission may confer benefits under title 29, chapter 19, subchapter III of the Virgin Islands Code to areas designated as Commercial Zones
Bill No. 33-0130 – An Act amending Title 23, chapter 19, subchapter 1, section 1519 of the Virgin Islands Code by adding a new subsection (c) to protect members of the Virgin Islands National Guard from civil action court proceedings while they are on Territorial active military service or deployment
Bill No. 33-0143 – An Act amending Title 29, chapter 22 of the Virgin Islands Code by clarifying existing provisions of the Tax Incremental Financing Program
Bill No. 33-0152 – An Act amending Title 28, chapter 12, sections 251 and 254 of the Virgin Islands Code relating to construction liens by exempting government-owned property and property of homeowners under government-administered home repair and construction programs from construction liens, and providing protection to certain homesteaders, and for other related purposes
Bill No. 33-0199 – An Act making an appropriation from the St. Croix Capital Improvement Fund to be used as matching funds to acquire federal funds under the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery (TIGER) grant award for the St. Croix Molasses Pier Enhancement Project
Bill No. 33-0201 – An Act amending Title 20, part II, chapter 43, section 504 of the Virgin Islands Code by increasing the punishment for negligent homicide by means of motor vehicle
Bill No. 33-0207 – An Act amending Title 17, chapter 11, section 121 of the Virgin Islands Code by requiring persons teaching children in kindergarten-4 through third grade to have specific early childhood education requirements outlined by the Board of Education, thereby ensuring that primary grade students are receiving a quality education; requiring the Board of Education to promulgate rules and regulations to support the criteria for the minimum requirement; and providing funding for early childhood educators to obtain the minimum requirements
Bill No. 33-0153 – An Act making an appropriation from the District Public Road Fund to the Department of Public Works for the purpose of erecting “keep :eft” signage throughout the territory, establishing a “Keep Left” public information campaign, and mandating that all rental car agencies in the territory provide “Keep Left” signage and public information material in every rental vehicle
Bill No. 33-0200 – An Act amending Title 20, part ii, chapter 43, section 493 of the Virgin Islands Code by increasing the punishment for driving while under the influence of intoxicating liquors or controlled substances
Bill No. 33-0044 – An Act amending Title 3, chapter 16, section 274 of the Virgin Islands Code requiring the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission to implement an electronic monetary payment system

Friday, December 20
10 a.m.
Continuation of Legislative Session
Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall, St. Thomas