An act appropriating the sum of $4,000,000 from the Virgin Islands Insurance Guaranty Fund to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority for the repair,
Sponsored By: Kurt A. Vialet
Enacted
Personalized for You
How does this bill affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this bill means for your household, plus every other piece of legislation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
Funds to fix streetlights and debts
The government provides $4 million from the Insurance Guaranty Fund to the Water and Power Authority for streetlights in the fiscal year ending September 30, 2026. $1.8 million is for St. Croix, $1.2 million for St. Thomas/St. John, and $1 million to pay outstanding bills. WAPA must submit a streetlighting plan to the Legislature within 45 days of enactment before it can use this money. The funds stay available until they are all spent.
Defines what counts as serious illness
The law defines 'serious illness' for rules that use section 590b. It means a diagnosed condition with a high risk of death. It must also greatly cut daily function or quality of life, or require major caregiving. This definition guides who can qualify under those rules.
New fingerprint checks and privacy rules
If you apply for a first-time professional license under Title 27, chapter 4B, you must give fingerprints for a criminal history check. The Virgin Islands Police Department runs a local check and then sends your prints to the FBI. Boards can use the results to screen initial applicants. The law keeps these records confidential and for official use only. Agencies and private groups cannot share them for other purposes.
Updates rental vehicle rules and oversight
The law replaces the old term 'drive-yourself cars' with 'rental vehicles.' It moves oversight from the Director of Motor Vehicles to the Police Commissioner, who must consult the licensing commissioner. This change affects how rental vehicle rules are set and enforced.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Kurt A. Vialet
legislature
Cosponsors
Avery L. Lewis
legislature
Clifford A. Joseph, Sr.
legislature
Kenneth L. Gittens
legislature
Novelle E. Francis, Jr.
legislature
Roll Call Votes
No roll call votes available for this bill.
Actions Timeline
Enacted
1/23/2026legislatureTo Governor
1/14/2026legislatureFloor
1/12/2026legislatureIntroduced
11/17/2025legislature
Bill Text
Enacted Act
1/23/2026
Amendment
1/12/2026
Bill Text
11/17/2025
Related Bills
Bill No. 36-0393, An act amending Act No. 9035 to reprogram funds within the 2026 fiscal year budget for Virgin Islands Department of Health to provide a $2,500,000 appropriation
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. 36-0192, An act amending title 34 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 15 to enact the Senior Financial Protection and Promissory Note Abuse Prevention Act of 2025
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)
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,
Bill No. 36-0392, An act amending title 33 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 111 creating the Virgin Islands Contractor Bonds Cost Revolving Loan Fund