All Roll Calls
Yes: 14 • No: 0
Virgin IslandsBill No. 36-019236th Legislature of the Virgin Islands (2025-2026)legislatureWALLET
An act amending title 34 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 15 to enact the Senior Financial Protection and Promissory Note Abuse Prevention Act of 2025
Sponsored By: Sponsor information unavailable
Enacted
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
7 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.
Seniors can sue for financial abuse
Beginning 90 days after enactment, Virgin Islands victims age 60 or older, or their legal representatives, can sue for violations. Courts may award actual damages and attorney’s fees. Punitive damages can reach three times the economic loss or $50,000, whichever is greater. A Superior Court judge or the Attorney General may order or obtain detailed financial audits for related investigations or lawsuits. Reasonable audit costs may be recovered through damages or restitution, but recovery is not guaranteed.
Seniors protected from forced debt agreements
Beginning 90 days after enactment, this Virgin Islands law protects people age 60 or older from abusive financial agreements. It bans using fraud, coercion, or undue pressure to make them sign. Covered documents include promissory notes, mortgages, reverse mortgages, and other written debt or repayment agreements. Agreements obtained this way are void and cannot be enforced against the senior. Later buyers or holders cannot enforce them, even under protections normally available to good-faith holders.
Support referrals for financially abused seniors
Beginning 90 days after enactment, Virgin Islands Human Services must coordinate help referrals for financial-exploitation victims age 60 or older. Referrals cover available restitution, money counseling, and support through Adult Protective Services and community groups. The law does not guarantee a particular service or payment. Within one year after the law takes effect, Human Services must assess protective-services staffing, training, and technology needs and recommend staffing ratios and funding requests. Pending appropriations, grants, donations, and Senior Financial Protection Fund money may support those needs; no mandatory appropriation is created.
Protective holds can delay seniors’ money
Beginning 90 days after enactment, Virgin Islands financial institutions may pause account transactions when they suspect exploitation of someone 60 or older. These holds can protect money but also delay the senior’s access to it. Institutions must report holds to Human Services within 24 hours. If that deadline falls on a weekend or legal holiday, the report is due the next business day. Holds cannot last longer than seven business days without a court order.
Dedicated fund supports senior abuse services
Beginning 90 days after enactment, the Virgin Islands Treasury has a separate Senior Financial Protection Fund whose money carries forward. It receives punitive damages and civil penalties recovered by the Attorney General, plus restitution and fines collected under this law. It also accepts appropriations, grants, donations, gifts, and bequests, but has no specified starting balance or funding amount. Money supports victim restitution, counseling, support services, financial audits, and Adult Protective Services needs identified by Human Services. Finance administers the fund, pays out money as directed by the Human Services Commissioner or Attorney General, and reports receipts and spending annually to the Legislature.
Felony penalties for senior financial abuse
Beginning 90 days after enactment, knowing violations of this Virgin Islands law are felonies carrying up to 10 years in prison and $10,000 in fines. Courts must increase the prison term, fine, or both when losses exceed $10,000 or offenders have a qualifying prior conviction. Stronger penalties also apply when offenders knowingly exploit diminished capacity or isolation from family or friends; enhanced amounts are not specified. Justice may assign prosecutors or create a dedicated unit as resources allow, without required new staffing or funding. Human Services, Licensing and Consumer Affairs, Police, and Justice must adopt a written coordination plan within 180 days after the law takes effect and review it at least every three years; it covers reports, holds, and investigation or prosecution referrals.
Senior abuse reporting duties and safeguards
Beginning 90 days after enactment, Virgin Islands institutions, caregivers, and individuals must report suspected financial exploitation of people 60 or older. Reports involving promissory notes or similar documents must go to Human Services in writing or electronically, with an activity summary. Good-faith reporters are protected from civil and criminal liability for reporting. Financial institutions must train frontline staff annually; Licensing and Consumer Affairs sets guidance aligned with the federal Senior Safe Act of 2018 and monitors compliance. Human Services and Licensing and Consumer Affairs must share prevention information with elders, families, and caregivers through public facilities, government websites, and public service announcements.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
Alma Francis Heyliger
legislature
Angel L. Bolques, Jr.
legislature
Avery L. Lewis
legislature
Clifford A. Joseph, Sr.
legislature
Marise C. James
legislature
Marvin A. Blyden
legislature
Milton E. Potter
legislature
Roll Call Votes
legislature vote • 9/25/2026
Floor Action
Yes: 14 • No: 0 • Other: 1
Actions Timeline
Enacted
10/7/2026legislatureTo Governor
9/28/2026legislatureFloor
9/25/2026legislatureRules
9/10/2026legislatureIntroduced
10/27/2025legislature
Bill Text
Enacted Act
10/7/2026
Amendment
9/25/2026
Bill Text
10/27/2025
Related Bills
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Lease 36-0311, An act approving a multi-year lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through its Commissioner of the Department of Property
Bill No. 36-0339, 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 36-0293, An act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and The St. Thomas Cricket Association Inc. for Parcel No-2 of Tract
Bill No. 36-0392, An act amending title 33 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 111 creating the Virgin Islands Contractor Bonds Cost Revolving Loan Fund
Bill No. 36-0290, An act granting a zoning use variance for Plot No. 104 Estate Concordia, Westend Quarter, St. Croix from the R-2 (Residential Low Density–One and Two Family)