36th Virgin Islands Legislature

36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands
Members of the 36th Legislature in January 2025
Leadership
President	Milton E. Potter (D)
Vice President	Kenneth Gittens (D)
Majority Leader	Kurt Vialet (D)
Minority Leader	Dwayne M. DeGraff (I)
Structure
Seats	15
Length of term	2 years

The 36th Virgin Islands Legislature is the current meeting of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. It convened in Charlotte Amalie on January 13, 2025 and ends on January 11, 2027.

In the 2024 elections, the Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands retained their majority, securing two open seats which were held by Senators Donna Frett-Gregory ^[1] and Javan James who did not seek reelection. ^[2] The Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands gained one seat from Senator Samuel Carrion, who lost reelection. ^[3]

Major events

• January 13, 2025: The 36th Legislature convenes into session.
• January 27, 2025: Governor Bryan delivered his seventh State of the Territory Address.
• January 28, 2025: Oath of office ceremony for Sixth Constitutional Convention takes place at Earle Ottley Legislative Hall.
• February 3, 2025: Senate President Milton Potter calls for urgent meeting with Governor Bryan to address federal funding freeze.
• April 4, 2025: Senator Ray Foncesa calls for emergency declaration amid hospital shortage of medical staff and supplies.
• April 14, 2025: Senate held special session to discuss hospital crisis in the territory.
• April 15, 2025: Legislature establish Committee on Ethical Conduct to investigate complaint filed against Senator at-large Angel Bolques Jr.
• May 23, 2025: Senators express concern over pay raises for both governor and lieutenant governor.
• May 28, 2025: Senior citizens held mock session on Senate floor in recognition of Older Americans Month.
• May 30, 2025: The Committee on Ethical Conduct recommends legislative hearing on misconduct allegations against Senator at-large Angel Bolques Jr.
• June 4, 2025: Senators voted 14-0 to rescind pay raises for the Governor, Lt. Governor and other government officials recommended by the Virgin Islands Public Officials Compensation Commission.
• June 27, 2025: Senators voted 15-0 to override Governor Albert Bryan veto on bill repealing his salary increase.
• July 2, 2025: Senate President Milton Potter criticize Governor Albert Bryan for lack of communication prior to publicly calling for a special session to address his legislative proposals. ^[4]
• July 24, 2025: Senator at-large Angel Bolques Jr., entered a no contest plea to a charge of violating his oath of office.
• August 1, 2025: Senate voted 13-0 to remove two measures offered by Governor Albert Bryan during a special session.
• August 4, 2025: Senator at-large Angel Bolques Jr. clarify his concerns related to WAPA fuel contract with Empire Gas de Puerto Rico.
• August 7, 2025: Senators attend renaming ceremony of the Finance Dept. building in downtown St. Thomas in honor of Former Commissioner Bernice Turnbull.
• August 14, 2025: Senate voted 7-6 to approve a reprimand and 30-day suspension for Senator at-large Angel Bolques Jr., following findings by the Committee on Ethical Conduct related to his sexual harassment allegations. ^[5]
• August 29, 2025: Senate President Milton Potter lambast Governor Albert Bryan response over Legislature’s decision to deny Summer’s End Marina permit.
• September 4, 2025: Senate President Milton Potter responds to Governor Albert Bryan criticism of the legislative process amid the denial of Summer’s End Marina permit extension. Potter emphasize the Legislature doesn’t work for ‘outside investors’.

• September 6, 2025: Legislature staff participate in the Battle of the Agencies event on St. Croix.

Major legislation

Enacted

• April 28, 2025: Act No. 8982 (Bill No. 36-0028): An Act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Tropical Marine, Inc., for Parcel No. 37-1 Estate Nadir, No. 2 Red Hook Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands and a portion of unsurveyed Estate Nadir, No. 2. Red Hook Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Act No. 8983 (Bill No. 36-0038): An Act amending title 29 V.I. Code, chapter 10, subchapter III, section 551, subsection (a) by increasing the limit for outstanding bonds for the Virgin Islands Port Authority from $100 million to $500 million. Act No. 8984 (Bill No. 36-0040): An Act approving the lease agreement between GVI and Charles M. Kim V.I. Foundation, Inc. d/b/a Virgin Islands Museum of Art, for a portion of Lot No. 48b Norre Gade, Kings Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Act No. 8985 (Bill No. 36-0047): An Act amending Act 8920 to appropriate $25,000,000 from the Southern Trust Company Settlement Fund to pay retroactive wages for former and active government employees, and for other purposes.

• June 13, 2025: Act No. 8987 (Bill No. 36-0021): An Act amending title 19 Virgin Islands Code, part III, chapter 29, subchapter I relating to opioids and requiring that a practitioner discuss certain information with a patient when prescribing opioids. Act No. 8986 (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. Act No. 8990 (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. Act No. 8991 (Bill No. 36-0063): An Act amending title 33, Virgin Islands Code subtitle 1, chapter 3, sections 41, 42(a), and 43(a) and (c) to clarify that gross receipts taxes must be paid by all contractors doing business in the Virgin Islands regardless of physical location.

• July 9, 2024: Act No. 8998 (Bill No. 36-0024): An Act amending title 14 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 85 by adding section 1710 declaring a person incapable of consent to sexual relations while the person is in police custody. Act No. 9001 (Bill No. 36-0043): An Act amending title 19 Virgin Islands Code, part VI, chapter 53, subchapter IV, section 1481 by increasing the penalties for violation of sanitation laws. Act No. 9004 (Bill No. 36-0062): An Act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through its Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement, and the United States Department of Commerce, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for a portion of the telecommunications tower located on Parcel R-22 of Tract 1 Estate Nazareth, No. 1 Red Hook Quarter, St. Thomas. Act No. 9005 (Bill No. 36-0064): An Act amending title 33 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 111, section 3100i to align the disbursement and spending limitations of funds allotted to public schools from the Education Initiative Fund with the realities of academic planning, ensuring that funds are used to maximize student success. Act No. 9006 (Bill No. 36-0090): An Act amending title 1 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 11 by adding section 200m to declare the week beginning the Monday before the first Friday in June as the Virgin Islands Gun Violence Awareness Week.

Proposed (but not enacted)

• Bill No. 36-0000: An Act establishing adequate access and rest areas in public buildings for senior citizens and physically disabled persons.

• Bill No. 36-0003: An Act amending Title 19 V.I. Code relating to nursing homes and assisted living facilities by adding a new chapter 76 to establish the services that nursing homes and assisted living facilities are required to provide; establishing limitations on financial charges, requirements for visitation, and the rights of a resident.
• Bill No. 36-0006: An Act appropriating $600,000 to the Department of Agriculture to be used to fund farmers in the Virgin Islands that produce crops and other food products; and for other related purposes.
• Bill No. 36-0009: A Resolution honoring and commending Mr. Steven van Beverhoudt for his years of dedicated service and numerous contributions to the people of the Virgin Islands.
• Bill No. 36-0014: An Act amending title 20 Virgin Islands Code, part II, chapter 43, subchapter I to establish parking for expectant mothers or mothers with newborns.
• Bill No. 36-0019: An Act restricting businesses from imposing a surcharge on the credit card of customers. (failed to pass Committee on Economic Development & Agriculture)
• Bill No. 36-0020: An Act amending title 2 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, section 6 allowing the Police Chief of the Legislature; the Sergeant-of-Arms; or any security officer of the Legislature; who has peace officer status, to arrest a person who neglects or refuses to appear before the Legislature in obedience to subpoena. (held in Committee on Homeland Security, Justice & Public Safety)
• Bill No. 36-0026: An Act to establish the “Virgin Islands Meteorological Office” within VITEMA. (held in Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs & Consumer Protection)
• Bill No. 36-0030: An Act amending title 24 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, section 4, increasing the territory’s minimum wage.
• Bill No. 36-0037: An Act amending title 4 Virgin Islands Code by establishing a Probate Division in the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands.
• Bill No. 36-0049: An Act establishing the Bureau of School Security within the Virgin Islands Department of Education.
• Bill No. 36-0055: An Act honoring and commending Mark Sabino for his outstanding service and commitment to the Virgin Islands people by renaming the West Indian Company Dock in St. Thomas “The Mark Sabino Marine Cruise Facility”.
• Bill No. 36-0067: An Act amending title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 5 by adding a section 41j requiring the Pledge of Allegiance and the Virgin Islands Motto to be recited at the beginning of each school day in public schools, but additionally provides that students may opt out of the recitatation.
• Bill No. 36-0068: An Act appropriating $5 million from the General Fund of the GVI Treasury to the Virgin Islands Police Department for the purchase and installation of rapid-shutter motion cameras throughout the community.
• Bill No. 36-0069: An Act amending title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 9, subchapter 1, section 82, subsection(a) by changing the age a child begins kindergarten from five years of age to four years of age.
• Bill No. 36-0071: An Act amending title 18 Virgin Islands Code, section 232 to provide the process for political parties to choose their nominees for public offices. (bill failed to pass Committee on Government Operations, Veterans Affairs and Consumer Protection)
• Bill No. 36-0072: An Act appropriating $405,000 from the General Fund of the Treasury of the Virgin Islands to the Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services for the purchase of three ambulances.
• Bill No. 36-0073: An Act amending title 18 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, section 4 and title 18 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 3, section 41 relating to the powers of the Supervisor of Elections and the Board of Elections.
• Bill No. 36-0074: An Act amending title 20 Virgin Islands Code, part I by adding a chapter 3 establishing the “Virgin Islands Roadside Property Maintenance and Vegetation Act” to require property owners to maintain roadside vegetation, prevent obstruction of public roads and utility lines, provide for enforcement, penalties, and exceptions, and for other related purposes.
• Bill No. 36-0080: An Act amending title 17 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 5 mandating a daily morning exercise routine for students in all public schools across the Virgin Islands.
• Bill No. 36-0086: An Act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 25, section 590b, the Caregivers Leave Act.
• Bill No. 36-0129: An act amending Official Zoning Map No. SCZ-20 for the island of St. Croix to rezone Plot Nos. 36 and 37 Estate Richmond, St. Croix from C (Commercial) to B-3 (Business-Scattered)
• Bill No. 36-0130: An act ratifying the Governor of the Virgin Islands approval of Major Coastal Zone Permit No. CZMJLW0001-24 issued to Trans America Fiber, U.S., LLC

Vetoed

• Bill No. 36-0053 (now Act 8995): An Act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 25, subchapter V, section 555b to increase the minimum annual salary for full time employees of the Government of the Virgin Islands, its semi-autonomous agencies and independent instrumentalities from $27,040 to $35,000. (governor’s veto overridden on June 27, 2025)

• Bill No. 36-0085 (now Act 8996): An Act to prevent or rescind any automatic implementation of salary adjustments made pursuant to the recommendations of the Virgin Islands Public Officials Compensation Commission, to reclaim unauthorized payments, and to establish enforcement and penalty provisions. (governor’s veto overridden on June 27, 2025)

Major resolutions

• Res 1914: A resolution organizing and establishing the Majority Caucus, electing the officers, and appointing the chairpersons, vice-chairpersons, and members of the standing committees of the Thirty-Sixth Legislature of the Virgin Islands.
• Res 1915: A resolution adopting the Rules of the 36th Legislature of the Virgin Islands.
• Res 1917 (Bill No. 36-0029): A resolution honoring and commending Sonya Hough, the creator of the St. Croix “Crucian” Hook Bracelet and proprietor of one of the first hand-wrought jewelry stores in St. Croix.
• Res 1918 (Bill No. 36-0097): A resolution commending the National Conference of State Legislatures (“NCSL”) on its 50th anniversary and recognizing the NCSL for its commitment to the legislative institution.

Zonings

• Act 8988: An Act amending Official Zoning Map No. STZ-9 for the island of St. Thomas to rezone Remainder Parcel No. 19-1-2, Parcel No. 19-1-2-7 (Eastern portion), and Parcel No. 19-1-2-7 (Western portion), Estate Smith Bay, Nos. 1, 2, and 3 East End Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands from A-2 (Agricultural Zone) to B-3 (Business Scattered)
• Act 8989: An Act to amend Official Zoning Map No. STZ-9 to allow for the rezoning of Parcel No. 19-1-2-4 Estate Smith Bay, Nos. 1, 2, and 3 East End Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands, from R-1 (Residential-Low Density) to B-3 (Business-Scattered) and to allow for a use variance from the B-3 (Business-Scattered) zoning designation.
• Act 8994: An act amending Official Zoning Map No. STZ-6, St. Thomas to establish a Planned Area Development on the R-2 zoned Parcel Nos. 4i Remainder and 4J Remainder Estate St. Joseph and Rosendahl, No. 4 Great Northside Quarter.

Leadership

• President of the Senate: Milton E. Potter (D)
• Vice President: Kenneth Gittens (D)
• Majority Leader: Kurt Vialet (D)
• Secretary: Avery Lewis (D)

Members

District	Name	Party	Took office
At-large	Angel Bolques Jr.	Democratic	2022
St. Croix	Franklin D. Johnson	Independent	2021
	Hubert L. Frederick	Democratic	2025
	Clifford A. Joseph, Sr.	Democratic	2025
	Kenneth Gittens	Democratic	2019
	Marise James	Democratic	2023
	Novelle Francis	Democratic	2015
	Kurt Vialet	Democratic	2025
St. Thomas/ St. John	Alma Francis-Heyliger	Independent	2021
	Carla J. Joseph	Democratic	2021
	Avery L. Lewis	Democratic	2025
	Dwayne M. DeGraff	Independent	2017
	Ray Fonseca	Democratic	2023
	Marvin Blyden	Democratic	2015
	Milton E. Potter	Democratic	2021

Committees

Committee	Chair	Vice Chair
Committee of the Whole	Milton E. Potter	Kenneth Gittens
Economic Development and Agriculture	Hubert L. Frederick	Angel Bolques Jr.
Budget, Appropriations and Finance	Novelle Francis	Marvin Blyden
Education and Workforce Development	Kurt Vialet	Avery L. Lewis
Health, Hospitals and Human Services	Ray Fonseca	Hubert L. Frederick
Government Operations, Veteran Affairs and Consumer Protection	Avery L. Lewis	Novelle Francis
Homeland Security, Justice and Public Safety	Clifford A. Joseph, Sr.	Ray Fonseca
Housing, Transportation and Telecommunications	Marvin Blyden	Clifford A. Joseph, Sr.
Culture, Youth, Aging, Sports, and Parks	Angel Bolques Jr.	Carla J. Joseph
Rules and Judiciary	Carla J. Joseph	Kenneth Gittens
Disaster Recovery, Infrastructure and Planning	Marise James	Milton E. Potter

References

1. "Frett-Gregory Announces She Won't Run for Re-election in 36th Legislature". usvi news. 2024-08-22.
2. "Javan James Won't Seek Reelection, Opts for Academic Pursuit".
3. "New Senate Faces on St. Croix as Carrion and Capehart Exit; Joseph and Frederick Secure Seats — Vialet Claims Top Spot".
4. "Senate President Potter Blasts Governor Bryan's Special Session Plans, Calls Remarks Retaliatory and Misleading". The Virgin Islands Consortium. 2025-07-02.
5. "Angel Bolques Censured and Suspended Without Pay After Ethics Probe Into Harassment Allegations". The Virgin Islands Consortium. 2025-08-14.