Bryan signs bills on bail, opioid disclosures, traffic penalties and zoning, and vetoes two salary measures

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed into law a package of bills passed during the 36th Legislature’s June 4, 2025 session, including measures on domestic-violence bail, opioid-risk disclosures, traffic penalties, contractor tax obligations, veteran funding and zoning, according to a Government House statement issued June 18, 2025.

The measures signed were Bill No. 36-0005, which set conditions for bail in domestic-violence cases; Bill No. 36-0021, which required health-care providers to disclose risks associated with opioid use; Bill No. 36-0036, which increased penalties for traffic violations and authorized a dedicated Virgin Islands Police Department impound lot; and Bill No. 36-0063, which required contractors doing business in the territory to pay gross receipts taxes regardless of physical location and amended prior appropriations to fund the Veterans Emergency and Mainland Transportation Account and support the 50th anniversary of the Virgin Islands National Guard.

Bryan also signed Bills Nos. 36-0033, 36-0034, 36-0094, 36-0095 and 36-0082, which approved rezonings and easements in Smith Bay, Bakkero, Rosendahl and Estate LaGrange.

The statement also said the governor confirmed the appointments of Jessica Gallivan as a judge of the Superior Court of the Virgin Islands, Carolyn P. Hermon-Percell as a trustee of the University of the Virgin Islands, Winston M.A. Williams as a member of the Board of Contractors, Trades and Crafts, and Kirk Callwood Sr. as a trustee of the Banking Board.

Bryan vetoed Bill No. 36-0053, which would have raised the minimum salary for full-time government employees from $27,040 to $35,000 a year. Government House said an initial fiscal impact analysis projected a nearly $40 million increase in annual payroll expenses, with no designated funding source, and up to $200 million in additional territorial debt over five years.

Bryan also vetoed Bill No. 36-0085, which would have rescinded previously approved salary adjustments for public officials. The statement said the veto was based on legal concerns related to employment law and separation of powers.

Official source: https://www.vi.gov/governor-bryan-signs-public-safety-health-and-economic-development-bills-into-law/