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Bill

36-0031

An Act amending title 23 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 10, subchapter IV, section 1073 to exempt a public safety agency or private safety entity from liability for acts of negligence in the operation, administration or maintenance of a 911 service unless the acts are committed in a grossly negligent manner or are committed with willful intent

2025-2026 Regular Session

Immunizes public and private safety entities from negligence liability for 911 service operations, except when acts are grossly negligent or done with willful intent.

Sent to Lt. Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · 36-0031

Summary of Bill 36-0031

Title

An Act amending title 23 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 10, subchapter IV, section 1073 to exempt a public safety agency or private safety entity from liability for acts of negligence in the operation, administration or maintenance of a 911 service unless the acts are committed in a grossly negligent manner or are committed with willful intent.

Purpose and intent

  • The bill seeks to shield public safety agencies and private safety entities from civil liability arising from acts of negligence related to the operation, administration, or maintenance of the 911 emergency service.
  • A liability exception remains only for acts that are grossly negligent or committed with willful intent.

Key provisions (as proposed)

  • Amend section 1073 of Title 23, Chapter 10, Subchapter IV of the Virgin Islands Code to create an immunity from liability for negligence in 911 service operations.
  • Retain liability exposure only if negligence is grossly negligent or if the act is done with willful intent.
  • Applies specifically to public safety agencies and private safety entities involved in the operation, administration, or maintenance of the 911 system.

Who is affected

  • Public safety agencies (e.g., police, fire, emergency medical services) and private safety entities that operate, administer, or maintain 911 services.
  • Individuals or entities seeking civil damages based on alleged negligence in 911 service operations may be directly affected, as the bill changes the standard for liability.

Procedural and timeline context

  • Introduced: January 22, 2025
  • Assigned: January 29, 2025
  • To Senate: February 18, 2025
  • Introduced (final filing/through process): February 27, 2025
  • Sent to Governor: July 1, 2025
  • Governor’s action: Approved July 9, 2025
  • Status: Sent to Lt. Governor as of July 17, 2025

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Liability landscape: Establishes a broader immunity for 911 operators against negligence claims, potentially reducing civil exposure for agencies and private safet y entities.
  • Accountability and redress: May affect individuals’ ability to obtain damages for alleged mistakes in 911 services; could influence internal risk management and training requirements for safety entities.
  • Budget and insurance implications: Possible changes in insurance costs for public safety entities and changes in risk management practices.
  • Interactions with other laws: The bill would operate within the existing framework of Tort/liability law in the Virgin Islands; potential overlaps with other statutory protections or exemptions should be considered.

Next steps

  • With the current status “Sent to Lt. Governor,” the bill awaits any further action or signature as part of the gubernatorial approval process before potential enactment.

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

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