An Act amending title 19 Virgin Islands Code, part VI, chapter 53, subchapter IV, section 1481 by increasing the penalties for violation of sanitation
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Signed by Governor
Your PRIA Score
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Sign up for a PRIA Policy Scan to see your personalized alignment score for this bill and every other piece of legislation we track. We analyze your financial profile against policy provisions to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Risk-based fines for sanitation violations
Violations are graded by risk using illness potential, the food or process, and whether the issue is systemic. Low‑risk fines are up to $250; moderate are $251–$500; high are $501–$1,000 per occurrence. A second violation within 24 months adds $250; a third or later within 36 months adds $500; suspension or revocation may also apply. Imminent health hazards can bring a fine up to $2,000 and immediate suspension. Each day past the fix deadline counts as a new violation. If you had no priority or priority foundation violations in the past 24 months, you can get up to $100 off. Violators must attend a foodborne prevention course run by the Environmental Health Division.
Tougher permit suspensions, clear appeals
The Health Department can suspend a health permit after a violation and keep it suspended until the hazard is fixed and confirmed. You must apply in writing to reinstate; the division reinspects within two business days and reinstates if safe. The Commissioner can suspend immediately, without notice, for an imminent health hazard, and may permanently revoke permits for serious or repeated violations. To contest, you must notify the division in writing within ten business days and send evidence within ten business days; a hearing is set within ten business days with at least five business days’ notice, and a written decision issues within ten business days after the hearing. After the hearing decision, you must file a written notice of appeal within ten business days stating your grounds, and you may also appeal to the Superior Court within 30 days.
Penalty funds and posted inspection grades
Civil penalties go into the Health Revolving Fund to pay for inspections, training, and enforcement by the Environmental Health Division. Health permits now show the facility’s inspection grade on the permit.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Enacted
7/9/2025legislatureTo Governor
7/1/2025legislatureFloor
6/27/2025legislatureRules
6/25/2025legislatureIntroduced
3/28/2025legislatureCommittee
1/28/2025legislature
Bill Text
Enacted Act
7/9/2025
Amendment
6/27/2025
Bill Text
3/28/2025
Related Bills
Lease 36-0098 — An act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through the Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement,
Bill No. 36-0261 — An act establishing a 33-business day amnesty to assist taxpayers and businesses recovering from the aftermath of Hurricanes Irma and Maria and Tropical
Bill No. 36-0198 — An act amending Act No. 9035 by redesignating the funding source for several entities and correcting a typographical error and amending Act No. 9045 by
Bill No. 36-0219 — An act amending title 22 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 31 relating to the Virgin Islands Producer and Adjuster Licensing Act by modifying renewal provisions
Bill No. 36-0199 — An act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through the Commissioner of the Department of Property and Procurement,
Lease 36-0204 — An act approving a multi-year lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through its Commissioner of the Department of Property