All Roll Calls
Yes: 14 • No: 0
Virgin IslandsBill No. 36-030136th Legislature of the Virgin Islands (2025-2026)legislature
An act amending title 14 Virgin Islands Code prohibiting incarcerated persons from possessing or using electronic communication or recording devices
Sponsored By: Kenneth L. Gittens
Enacted
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
Corrections staff face new device duties
Starting 90 days after enactment, the Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections must implement policies to find and seize banned devices. These policies include signal-detection technology, physical searches, and closer monitoring. All correctional officers must receive yearly training on finding and handling banned devices.
Incarcerated people face new device penalties
Starting 90 days after enactment, people in Virgin Islands Bureau of Corrections custody cannot knowingly and intentionally possess banned devices inside correctional facilities. These include cellphones, electronic recording devices, wireless communication devices, and equipment that records, transmits, or broadcasts audio or video. Possession includes knowing about a device and having the ability and intent to control it, alone or with others. Violations are felonies carrying 1 to 5 years in prison, a fine up to $5,000, or both. The ban excludes equipment expressly approved by the Bureau Director for legitimate institutional, educational, medical, rehabilitative, vocational, legal, investigative, or administrative purposes. Approved equipment remains subject to policies and procedures the Director sets.
New felonies tied to prison violence
Starting 90 days after enactment, people who help or conspire to use banned devices to record, transmit, or share violence or disturbances inside correctional facilities are charged as principal offenders, not just helpers. Knowingly taking part in violence near a banned device is also a felony. Allowing that violence to be recorded without reporting it or trying to prevent it is also a felony. Reports go to the Warden or designee, Bureau Director, or a correctional officer assigned to the facility. These violence-related felonies carry 1 to 5 years in prison, a fine up to $5,000, or both.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Kenneth L. Gittens
legislature
Cosponsors
Angel L. Bolques, Jr.
legislature
Avery L. Lewis
legislature
Clifford A. Joseph, Sr.
legislature
Franklin D. Johnson
legislature
Hubert L. Frederick
legislature
Kurt A. Vialet
legislature
Novelle E. Francis, Jr.
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
6/11/2026legislature
Bill Text
Enacted Act
10/7/2026
Amendment
9/25/2026
Bill Text
6/11/2026
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
Bill No. 36-0331, An act approving the lease agreement modification and extension between the Government of the Virgin Islands, acting through the Commissioner of the Department
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. 36-0339, 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
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