An act amending title 23 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 10 to establish civil penalties for disregarding marine advisories and to create the Territorial
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Enacted
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.
Fines for ignoring marine warnings
The law fines anyone who knowingly or negligently ignores a marine advisory and causes an emergency response. A marine advisory can come from the U.S. Coast Guard, National Weather Service, DPNR, VIPD, or VITEMA. Fines are $1,500 for the first incident, $3,000 for the second, and $5,000 for the third and later. Each day a continuing violation adds another $5,000. Police or DPNR can issue citations after documenting the rescue and sending verification to the Commissioner of Finance.
You can appeal marine citations
You can appeal a citation within 20 calendar days. The agency assigns a hearing officer, who must issue a written decision within 30 days. You do not have to pay while the appeal is pending. After that decision, you may ask the Superior Court for a Writ of Review within 30 days.
Marine safety fund for rescues
The law creates the Territorial Marine Safety Fund to hold civil penalties. The Commissioner of Finance manages the fund and keeps detailed accounts. Money is paid out when a responding agency asks and can only cover marine emergency response, like equipment and vessel upkeep. Nonprofit rescue groups, including St. Croix Rescue, St. John Rescue, and St. Thomas Rescue, can receive funds if they meet Title 2, section 29 rules. Each year, Finance reports total penalties, payments to each recipient, and the fund’s unobligated balance to the Governor and Legislature.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsors
There is no primary sponsor on record.
Cosponsors
Avery L. Lewis
legislature
Hubert L. Frederick
legislature
Ray Fonseca
legislature
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Enacted
3/26/2026legislatureTo Governor
3/20/2026legislatureFloor
3/18/2026legislatureFloor
1/12/2026legislatureIntroduced
11/17/2025legislature
Bill Text
Enacted Act
3/26/2026
Bill Text
11/17/2025
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