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Bill

36-0020

An Act amending title 2 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 1, section 6 allowing the Police Chief of the Legislature; the Sergeant-of-Arms; or any security officer of the Legislature; who has peace officer status, to arrest a person who neglects or refuses to appear before the Legislature in obedience to subpoena

2025-2026 Regular Session

Authorizes legislative security officers to arrest citizens who ignore legislative subpoenas, bypassing traditional contempt court proceedings for faster enforcement.

Introduced
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · 36-0020

Legislative bill overview

Bill 36-0020 amends Virgin Islands law to grant the Police Chief of the Legislature, the Sergeant-of-Arms, and security officers with peace officer status the authority to arrest individuals who fail to comply with legislative subpoenas. This expands existing enforcement mechanisms for legislative testimony obligations by enabling direct arrest rather than relying solely on contempt proceedings.

Why is this important

Legislative subpoena enforcement is critical to government oversight and the legislative process's ability to investigate matters and compel witness testimony. Currently, non-compliance typically requires time-consuming contempt proceedings; this bill would provide immediate enforcement tools, though it fundamentally shifts power by allowing armed officers to arrest citizens based on subpoena violations.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process concerns: Arrest authority without judicial review of subpoena validity or witness excuses could violate constitutional protections; critics may argue arrests should require court approval
  • Expansion of legislative power: Granting legislatures direct arrest authority is historically uncommon and raises separation-of-powers questions about whether one branch should enforce compliance without judicial involvement
  • Potential for abuse: Without judicial oversight, the provision could enable politically-motivated arrests or suppress testimony from critics of the legislature itself

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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