Bryan signed 22 bills and vetoed casino measure on Dec. 6, 2021

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed 22 bills into law on Dec. 6, 2021, from the 34th Legislature’s Nov. 18 session and vetoed Bill No. 34-0168, a casino measure he said violated the Revised Organic Act of 1954.

In his transmittal letter to Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory, Bryan said Bill No. 34-0168 was unconstitutional because it would remove a licensing requirement in the Virgin Islands Casino and Resort Control Act for the benefit of a specific party.

Among the measures Bryan signed were Bill No. 34-0051, which lowered the minimum amount of fluoride allowed in the public water supply; Bill No. 34-0062, which required gender-balanced memberships on boards and commissions; Bill No. 34-0097, which repealed portions of law relating to corporal punishment of children; Bill No. 34-0099, which raised the mandatory retirement age for firefighters, police officers and corrections officers from 55 to 65; and Bill No. 34-0089, which funded construction of the Cruz Bay Fish Market and related marine improvements on St. John.

Bryan said Bill No. 34-0051 created an unfunded mandate for the Water and Power Authority. He also said Bill No. 34-0062 could be difficult to implement because of challenges in recruiting people to serve on boards and commissions.

On Bill No. 34-0097, Bryan said the measure was overdue but noted that some language was inconsistent and suggested amendments to clarify its intent.

Other bills signed included Bill No. 34-0040 establishing the Nurse Licensure Compact; Bill No. 34-0047 creating a community seed banking program through the Agriculture Department and the University of the Virgin Islands; Bill No. 34-0053 creating an Emergency Medical Services High School Program Fund and appropriating $160,000 to the Education Department; Bill No. 34-0069 directing the Public Works Department to establish a master contract for certain architectural and engineering services; Bill No. 34-0078 transferring government property to the Virgin Islands Port Authority for freight shipping facilities; Bill No. 34-0081 on barbering and cosmetology services; and Bill No. 34-0085 on the importation of snakes and other non-indigenous invasive species.

Bryan also signed Bill Nos. 34-0158 through 34-0165, which amended the official zoning map, and approved measures naming a roadway for Athneil C. "Addie" Ottley and the University of the Virgin Islands Sports and Fitness Center for Eldridge Blake.

He also acknowledged resolutions honoring Hillary "Baga" Rezende, St. Clair Alphonso "Whadablee" DeSilvia and Holland L. Redfield II.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-signs-22-bills-into-law-vetoes-special-interest-casino-bill/