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Bill

Bill

36-0132

An act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 27 by enacting the “Public Corruption Act” providing for the suspension of retirement benefits of govermnent officials and employees, who are members of the Government Employees Retirement System, upon the conviction of any felony violating public trust, and applying those benefits toward the costs of imprisonment and restitution

2025-2026 Regular Session

Virgin Islands bill suspends government employee retirement benefits upon felony conviction for public trust violations, redirecting funds toward imprisonment costs and restitution.

Introduced
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · 36-0132

Legislative bill overview

This bill would suspend retirement benefits for Virgin Islands government employees convicted of felonies involving violations of public trust. The suspended benefits would be redirected to cover imprisonment costs and restitution payments to victims or the public.

Why is this important

Public corruption erodes citizen trust in government and can cause significant financial and reputational harm to communities. This bill attempts to create financial consequences for corrupt officials beyond standard criminal penalties, potentially deterring misconduct and recovering public funds through restitution.

Potential points of contention

  • Due process concerns: Suspending earned retirement benefits as punishment may face constitutional challenges regarding takings of vested property rights and double jeopardy (punishment beyond the criminal sentence)
  • Scope ambiguity: The definition of "violations of public trust" is broad and could encompass various felonies; unclear which specific crimes qualify
  • Unintended consequences: May discourage qualified candidates from public service if retirement security is at risk, or could create perverse incentives for prosecutors to pursue corruption charges as revenue-raising mechanisms

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

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