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, Tuesday, September 10, 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:

Honorable Averil George, Commissioner, Department of Human Services

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

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.

 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

Mario Brooks, Acting Commissioner, VI Police Department