Postponed, Committee on Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety

Please be advised that the 35^th Legislature’s Committee on Homeland Security, Justice, & Public Safety has scheduled a legislative committee hearing for 10:00 am, Wednesday, August 14, 2024, in the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas.

 The agenda is as follows:

BLOCK I           10:00 A.M.

Bill No. 35-0031      An Act amending title 5, V.I.C., subtitle 3, part I, by adding a new chapter 301A, creating the Child Victims’ and Child Witnesses’ Rights Act and repealing chapter 301, subchapter IV, section 3510.

 Department of Justice Operational Status Update: This update intends to provide a comprehensive overview of the current operational status of the Department of Justice. Key highlights will include but not be limited to an update on caseloads, encompassing criminal, civil matters and white-collar crimes and on the construction of the new morgue on St. Croix.

Invited Testifiers:

Gordon Rhea, Esq., Attorney General Nominee, Department of Justice

Honorable Averil George, Commissioner, Department of Human Services

Dr. Clema Lewis, Director, Women’s Coalition of St. Croix

Darian Torrice-Hairston, Director, Nana Baby Children’s Home

BLOCK II           1:30 P.M.

Bill No 35-0271        An Act amending title 20 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 43, subchapter I by adding a section 494b establishing school speed zones, signage, and enforcement measures to promote student and pedestrian safety near schools.

Department of Public Works, Office of Highway Safety, and Traffic Investigation Bureau Operational Status Update: This update intends to provide an overview of the current operational status of the Department of Public Works and the VIPD’s Office of Highway Safety and Traffic Investigation Bureau. The update will include, but not be limited to any ongoing projects, key initiatives aimed at enhancing roadway safety and infrastructure. Additionally, information on progress made in traffic investigations and plans for future improvements will be discussed.

Invited Testifiers:

Honorable Derek Gabriel, Commissioner, Department of Public Works

Honorable Dionne Wells-Hedrington, EdD., Commissioner, Department of Education

Mario Brooks, Acting Commissioner, VI Police Department

Elise P. Menzies, Principal, St. Croix Christian Academy