Bryan signed 12 bills and vetoed casino licensing measure on Jan. 18, 2022

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed 12 bills into law and vetoed Bill No. 34-0186 on Jan. 18, 2022, according to a transmittal to Senate President Donna Frett-Gregory.

The vetoed measure, formerly Bill No. 34-0168, would have reduced an existing casino license requirement that a casino maintain banquet space for at least 400 people. Bryan said in his transmittal letter that the bill sought to create an exemption for one casino owner in downtown Christiansted and would affect a matter pending before the Casino Control Commission and the Virgin Islands Superior Court.

Bryan wrote that the Legislature should consider giving the Casino Control Commission authority to waive or modify license conditions and add other conditions it deems appropriate.

Among the measures Bryan signed were Bill No. 34-0035, repealing the requirement that a woman take her husband's surname; Bill No. 34-0070, expanding the definition of hotelkeeper or innkeeper for hotel room tax purposes; Bill No. 34-0107, amending the tenure of assistant attorneys general in the Justice Department; and Bill No. 34-0144, setting procedures for unexcused school absences.

Bryan also approved Bill No. 34-0173, restoring 8% salary cuts for University of the Virgin Islands employees and amending exemptions related to the gasoline station moratorium, but he used a line-item veto on one section. He said the vetoed section added a blanket exemption without governing parameters and could bar agencies from denying licenses, permits or approvals regardless of whether other requirements had been met.

The other signed bills were Bill No. 34-0169, approving a lease agreement with Antilles Gas for parcels in Sub Base on St. Thomas; Bill No. 34-0172, approving a lease agreement with Hearts in Service Association for a parcel in Anna's Retreat on St. Thomas; Bill No. 34-0177, granting a use variance for a freight forwarding service in Clifton Hill on St. Croix; Bill No. 34-0178, granting a use variance for a convenience store and deli in Estate Profit on St. Croix; Bill No. 34-0179, rezoning a parcel in Estate Enighed on St. John; Bill No. 34-0180, granting a use variance for a restaurant and apartments in Estate Beverhoudtsberg on St. John; and Bill No. 34-0181, rezoning a parcel in Estate Contant on St. Thomas.

Bryan also acknowledged Resolution 1885, Bill No. 34-0185, sanctioning Sen. Marvin Blyden for violating the ethical standards of the 34th Legislature.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-signs-a-dozen-bills-into-law-vetoes-revised-special-interest-bill-regarding-casino-licensing/