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Bill

Bill

36-0026

An Act amending title 23 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 10, by adding a subchapter VI to establish the “Virgin Islands Meteorological Office” within the Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency

2025-2026 Regular Session

Bill creates a dedicated Meteorological Office within Virgin Islands emergency management to improve weather forecasting and disaster preparedness for the island territory.

Introduced
0
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Bill Summary · 36-0026

Legislative bill overview

Bill 36-0026 establishes a new "Virgin Islands Meteorological Office" as a specialized division within the existing Virgin Islands Territorial Emergency Management Agency (TEMA). The office would be responsible for meteorological services, likely including weather monitoring, forecasting, and climate-related data collection for the territory.

Why is this important

The Virgin Islands faces significant weather risks including hurricanes, tropical storms, and severe weather events that pose threats to life, property, and infrastructure. A dedicated meteorological office could improve the territory's capacity to provide accurate, localized forecasts and early warnings—critical for emergency preparedness and response in an island jurisdiction where weather impacts are particularly acute.

Potential points of contention

  • Resource allocation: Establishing a new government office requires funding, staffing, and equipment; questions may arise about whether existing TEMA resources are adequate or if new appropriations are needed
  • Duplication of services: The National Weather Service already provides meteorological services to U.S. territories; clarification is needed on how this office would complement rather than duplicate existing federal services
  • Operational scope: The bill doesn't specify what distinct meteorological functions this office would perform, leaving ambiguity about its actual mandate and effectiveness

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

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