Bryan vetoed four of 25 bills passed by 35th Legislature

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. acted on 25 bills from the 35th Legislature on April 27, 2023, vetoing four measures and approving the rest, including one bill with a line-item veto.

Among the vetoed measures was Bill No. 35-0023, a zoning use variance for a concrete manufacturing facility in Estate Orange Grove on St. Croix. Bryan said in his transmittal letter that the Department of Planning and Natural Resources was developing a comprehensive land and water use plan and that land-use decisions should follow the agency's professional recommendations.

Bryan also vetoed Bill No. 35-0052, a zoning change request for a parcel in Estate Carolina in Coral Bay, St. John, from residential to business, citing DPNR planners' advice.

He vetoed Bill No. 35-0061, which would have directed the Office of the Inspector General to audit the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority and appropriated $250,000 for the work. Bryan said the bill would infringe on the inspector general's independence and duplicated work already completed on the WAPA-Vitol fuel contracting process.

Bryan also rejected Bill No. 35-0055, which concerned elementary and secondary school curriculum. He said the measure was unnecessary, would affect graduation requirements and staffing, and conflicted with existing Board of Education policy.

Bryan approved Bill No. 35-0054, related to the Centennial Treasures Award, but used a line-item veto to strike two sections. He said one stricken provision concerning timing tied to Coastal Zone Management permits for the Randall "Doc" James Racetrack would interfere with contractual rights and obligations.

Bills signed into law included measures establishing Juneteenth as a legal holiday in the Virgin Islands, creating a Local Food and Farm Council, establishing the Bureau of School Construction and Maintenance within the Education Department, approving a land exchange between the Virgin Islands Port Authority and the University of the Virgin Islands, authorizing temporary de facto service by Board of Medical Examiners members on certain boards lacking a quorum, and ratifying approval of a major Coastal Zone Management permit for Independent Boatyard and Marina.

Bryan also approved four government lease agreements and five zoning measures, according to Government House.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-takes-action-on-25-bills/