Governor Bryan Approves Various Bills, Acknowledges Several Resolutions

U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS – Governor Albert Bryan Jr. acted on and approved several bills and acknowledged resolutions passed by the 35th Legislature at its Session on March 25, 2024.

In his April 12 transmittal letter to Senate President Novelle Francis, Governor Bryan wrote that he vetoed Bill No. 35-0115 – an Act repealing title 24 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 17, subchapter II, “Limited Use of Criminal Records in Hiring Practices,” due to concerns regarding “overreaching components in the bill, particularly the severe criminal penalty for employers and the absence of a cap on damages for job applicants.”

“I applaud the Senate for passing such a forward-thinking measure aimed at advancing employment opportunities for individuals in the Territory,” Governor Bryan wrote. “I respectfully request the Legislature to amend the measure by removing the criminal penalty against employers and imposing a cap on damages for applicants/employees. Additionally, the declaration of policy in section 465(b) should align with the language of the Act for consistency. These adjustments would ensure that the measure achieves its intended goal without unduly burdening employers and will provide clarity. I eagerly anticipate the approval of a revised revision of this bill.”