ST. CROIX- Members of the Committee on Rules and Judiciary, chaired by Senator Diane T. Capehart, convened in a meeting at the Fritz E. Lawaetz Conference Room. Lawmakers voted and approved the governor’s nominations and two bills. The measures were thoroughly vetted by the committee of jurisdiction. All approved items on the agenda will be forwarded to the full body for further consideration.

Lawmakers voted in the affirmative for nominees appointed by the Governor of the United States Virgin Islands to serve in various positions. Governor Albert Bryan forwarded the nominations to the Legislature in accordance with Title 3, Section 65a, of the Virgin Islands Code and Section 16 of the Revised Organic Act of 1954. The nominations are as follows:

• Maurice K. Muia, the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority Board of Directors
• May A. Cornwall, the Virgin Islands Coastal Zone Management in the District of St. Croix

The following item was removed from the agenda: the nomination of Rodney Francis Querrard to serve on the Opioid Abatement Committee in the District of St. Thomas.

Senator Capehart thanked all the nominees for their willingness to serve the community. Regarding Nominee Maurice K. Muia, Senator Capehart noted that she looks forward to updated policy and procedures, rules and regulations, and an overall improvement of the operations of WAPA in the Territory. Concurringly, Senator Carla Joseph noted that WAPA plays a very critical role in helping to improve the lives of the people of the Virgin Islands. As legislators, it was necessary to amend the law to include Virgin Islanders who are abroad to be eligible to serve and improve the community.

Separately, policymakers voted and approved the following:

• Bill No. 35-0116: A Resolution honoring and commending Lieutenant Colonel Leayle Gerard Galiber for his leadership in the Virgin Islands National Guard and his dedication to his country and the people of the Virgin Islands. Sponsored by: Senator Novelle E. Francis, Jr.
• Bill No. 35-0178: An Act amending Title 5 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 314, to add a section 3732a to allow for the automatic expungement of arrest records upon a finding that the arrest lacked probable cause and amending Title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 33, section 881(g), item 9 relating to public records to designate expunged criminal records as confidential records. Sponsored by: Senators Javan E. James, Sr. Franklin D. Johnson, and Angel L. Bolques, Jr.

The following senators attended the meeting: Diane T. Capehart, Franklin D. Johnson, Carla J. Joseph, Angel Bolques, Jr., Novelle E. Francis, Jr., Marise C. James, Milton E. Potter, and Kenneth L. Gittens.

The Division of Public Affairs is committed to providing the community with accurate information on legislative proceedings and other events at the Legislature of the Virgin Islands.

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