Mapp signed 14 bills, vetoed three measures from 32nd Legislature

Gov. Kenneth E. Mapp signed 14 bills from the 32nd Legislature into law and vetoed three others, according to a communication sent to Senate President Myron D. Jackson and released on July 12, 2018.

Mapp issued a line-item veto for parts of Bill No. 32-0179. He objected to one section on procurement, saying it would impair a collective bargaining agreement, and rejected Section 13, related to portable electronics insurance, because he said its intent was unclear. He also vetoed Section 15 of the bill, which concerned a requirement that the West Indian Company Limited conduct an appraisal of the Estate Catherineberg property, citing questions about the Legislature's authority in real-property transactions.

Mapp also vetoed a bill that would have allowed registered nurses, physician assistants and nurse practitioners to pronounce death. In his communication, he said he was favorably disposed to the proposal but wanted the Legislature to require the Health Department to issue regulations before the authority could be exercised.

Among the measures Mapp signed were bills requiring the Department of Public Works to replace public parking signs using the term "handicap parking" with signs referring to persons with disabilities; establishing a registry for people age 60 and older with disabilities who live independently; renaming part of General Gade as Irvin "Brownie" Brown Sr. Street; and designating May as Virgin Islands Stroke Awareness Month.

He also approved five bills related to zoning use variances or permits, along with measures addressing human trafficking, nursing-license renewals and minimum standards of care for sheltered animals.

Mapp signed Bill No. 32-0227, which changed from two years to four years the terms for five of the seven members of the Virgin Islands Board of Licensed Counselors and Examiners. He also signed Bill No. 32-0228, which amended the Government Hospitals and Health Facilities Corporation's competitive-bidding process to require bid advertisements in electronic media or newspapers of general circulation and made technical amendments.

The communication also acknowledged two resolutions: one honoring Lorna Lenise Freeman, identified as the Virgin Islands' "Commissioner of Song," and another encouraging residents to observe July 22, 2018, as a day of remembrance for the devastation and suffering caused by Hurricanes Irma and Maria and as a supplication for protection during the 2018 hurricane season.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-mapp-signs-into-law-select-senate-legislation-others-head-back-to-committees/