ST. THOMAS, U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS — The Committee on Rules and Judiciary, chaired by Senator Carla J. Joseph, convened at the Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall to consider several legislative measures addressing community recognition, public safety, mental health education, and sustainable economic development within the Territory.

During the meeting, lawmakers deliberated on bills honoring the legacies and contributions of community advocates and public servants, including measures aimed at expanding mental health instruction in schools and establishing a Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) program to support energy-efficient commercial development in the Virgin Islands. Approved measures will be forwarded for consideration during the upcoming Legislative Session scheduled for Thursday, May 28, 2026.

Senator Carla J. Joseph emphasized the importance of advancing the Committee’s agenda ahead of the upcoming Legislative Session, noting that the measures under consideration address critical issues impacting the Territory while recognizing individuals who have made meaningful contributions to the Virgin Islands community. In observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, Senator Joseph also underscored the importance of expanding mental health education and ensuring young people have access to supportive resources throughout the Territory.

Lawmakers voted and approved the following measures:

• Bill No. 36-0114 – An Act honoring and commending Dilsa Capdeville for her many contributions to the Virgin Islands community through her roles in various areas of social services and advocacy for abused women and children and to rename the Bolongo Bay Head Start Facility the “Dilsa Capdeville Head Start Facility’ in her honor. The bill is proposed by Senator Carla J. Joseph, Sponsored by Senators Milton E. Potter, Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Avery L. Lewis, Franklin D. Johnson, and Novelle E. Francis, Jr., and Co-sponsored by Senator Ray Fonseca.
• Bill No. 36-0191 – An Act honoring and commending Detective Delberth Phipps, Jr., posthumously for his service with the Virgin Islands Police Department and to the Virgin Islands community, by renaming the portion of Hospital Gade where it intersects with Veterans Drive, at the Alexander Farrelly Criminal Justice Complex, to the beginning of the Maude Proudfoot Drive, the “Detective Delberth Phipps, Jr., Memorial Street.” Proposed by Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr., Sponsored by Senators Avery L. Lewis and Franklin D. Johnson, and Co-sponsored by Senator Ray Fonseca.
• Bill No. 36-0133 – An Act amending Title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 10, section 111(a)(1) providing mental health education and instruction. Proposed by Senator Milton E. Potter.
• Bill No. 36-0248 – An Act amending Title 29 Virgin Islands Code by enacting the Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy (C-PACE) Act. Proposed by Senator Avery L. Lewis, Sponsored by Senator Marise C. James, and Co-sponsored by Senators Hubert L. Frederick and Novelle E. Francis, Jr.

Senators present at the Committee meeting included Carla J. Joseph, Kenneth L. Gittens, Angel L. Bolques Jr., Alma Francis Heyliger, Milton E. Potter, Clifford A. Joseph Sr., and Avery L. Lewis.

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. Visit www.legvi.org.

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