PUBLIC SAFETY BILLS TO ADDRESS TRAFFIC ENFORCEMENT AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ACCOUNTABILITY FORWARDED

ST. CROIX, VI — The Committee on Homeland Security, Justice, and Public Safety, chaired by Senator Clifford A. Joseph, convened at the Frits E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference Room to consider several key public safety measures. Among the legislations that senators voted in the affirmative were bills aimed at strengthening traffic enforcement and ensuring stricter accountability in domestic violence cases. However, the bill declaring a person incapable of consenting to sexual relations while in police custody was held in committee. All approved items will be forwarded to the Committee on Rules and Judiciary for further consideration.

Bill No. 36-0036 – An Act repealing and reenacting Title 20 Virgin Islands Code, Part II, Chapter 43, Section 512, increasing penalties for traffic violations; establishing a Virgin Islands Police Department Impound Lot; and for other related purposes as amended. The sponsor of the bill, Senator Kenneth Gittens, stated that the effective enforcement of these traffic fines will require law agencies to collaborate and pay attention to details, emphasizing that this will be critical to ensuring the fines are paid. Attorney General Gordon C. Rhea, representing the Department of Justice, supports the bill to update traffic violation fines and fully endorses the establishment of a police impound lot along with the proposed fee structure. Meanwhile, Mario Brooks, Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Police Department, shared the statistics.

Recent data from the Virgin Islands Police Department highlights an alarming trend of persistent traffic violations despite ongoing enforcement efforts. Between FY 2023 and FY 2024, moving citations increased from 6,276 to 7,294, and parking violations rose from 875 to 1,216. Crashes remain high, with over 5,000 incidents recorded each year, and fatalities—while slightly reduced—continue to impact the territory, with 9 already reported in FY 2025. Impaired and unrestrained driving contribute significantly to these figures, underscoring the urgent need for stronger deterrents. The data supports the intent of Bill No. 36-0036, which seeks to increase penalties for traffic violations and create a VIPD impound lot as critical steps toward improving roadway safety across the Virgin Islands. Senator Joseph emphasized that the legislation is a necessary response to the ongoing challenges posed by reckless driving, repeat offenders, and the rising number of traffic incidents in the territory. He noted that enhancing enforcement capabilities and strengthening consequences for violations are essential to saving lives and promoting safer communities.

Bill No. 36-0005 – An Act amending Title 16 Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 2, Section 99, establishing a mandatory minimum bail amount in domestic violence cases. Sponsored by: Senator Angel L. Bolques, Jr. In a continued effort to protect vulnerable individuals and promote justice, lawmakers recently gave favorable votes to legislation aimed at strengthening bail requirements in domestic violence cases. Senator Joseph expressed his support, indicating that the bill represents meaningful steps toward justice and accountability. “This community deserves laws that prioritize safety, dignity, and human rights.”

However, the following bill was held in committee: Bill No. 36-0024 – An Act amending Title 14 Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 85 by adding Section 1710, declaring a person incapable of consenting to sexual relations while in police custody. Sponsored by: Senator Ray Fonseca.

Senators present at today’s Committee meeting included Clifford A. Joseph, Carla J. Joseph, Milton E. Potter, Ray Fonseca, Kenneth L. Gittens, Franklin D. Johnson, Angel L. Bolques Jr., Dwayne M. DeGraff, and Avery L. Lewis.

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Press Contact: Africah N.T. Harrigan

Email: aharrigan@legvi.org