An act amending title 23 Virgin Islands Code. chapter 17, subchapter II by adding new sections 1331 through 1336 mandating lethal weapon training for security
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Enacted
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Required training for armed security workers
Private security workers who carry lethal weapons must complete a Commissioner‑approved program and get certified. The Commissioner sets courses and fitness tests, certifies schools and instructors, inspects yearly, and can charge reasonable student fees. Full‑time police officers who already passed VIPD physical and psychological exams do not have to retake those tests. You must have a valid certificate while on duty or traveling with a weapon; the Commissioner can revoke it for fraud or ineligibility. Employers must notify the Commissioner within five days after firing an employee for cause.
Waivers for active and retired police
Active police officers are waived from the training requirements. A nondisabled retired officer with at least 10 years of full‑time service who retired in good standing and now works as a private agent is exempt from training and testing. These retired officers do not pay the $150 application fee but must pay the certification fee.
Fees and background checks for certification
You must be at least 18 and submit a signed application with fingerprints and two photos. Pay a $150 postal money order unless you are a full‑time police officer; you also pay any FBI fingerprint fee. After you finish training, pay up to $50 for a photo certificate that lasts five years. Renew no later than six months before it expires and pay up to $50. Carry the certificate while on duty or going to and from duty with a weapon.
Security firms barred from running training
Private security employers, except colleges and universities, cannot own, run, or help run the required training program. The Commissioner or approved public partners handle the program. This limits private control over training.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
Avery L. Lewis
legislature
Ray Fonseca
legislature
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Enacted
11/10/2025legislatureTo Governor
10/31/2025legislatureFloor
10/30/2025legislatureRules
10/9/2025legislatureIntroduced
8/26/2025legislatureCommittee
3/10/2025legislature
Bill Text
Enacted Act
11/10/2025
Bill Text
8/26/2025
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