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Bill

36-0012

An Act amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 27 to streamline the GERS disability annuity approval procedures and for other related issues

2025-2026 Regular Session

Virgin Islands streamlines disability annuity approval procedures for government employees under GERS while addressing related retirement system administrative issues.

Sent to Lt. Governor
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Bill Summary · 36-0012

Legislative bill overview

Bill 36-0012 amends the Government Employees' Retirement System (GERS) disability annuity approval procedures in the Virgin Islands. The bill streamlines the administrative process for evaluating and approving disability benefit claims for government employees, while addressing related issues within the retirement system framework.

Why is this important

Disability annuities are critical income sources for public employees unable to work due to injury or illness. Streamlining approval procedures can reduce processing delays, improve access to benefits for eligible workers, and potentially reduce administrative burden on both applicants and government agencies managing the retirement system.

Potential points of contention

  • Approval standards clarity: Changes to disability determination criteria could either make benefits more or less accessible depending on how standards are redefined, potentially affecting eligibility thresholds
  • Cost implications: Streamlined approvals might increase benefit payouts if processing backlogs were previously limiting claims, with unclear fiscal impact on the GERS fund
  • Due process concerns: Faster approval procedures must balance efficiency with adequate medical review and employee protections to prevent improper denials or approvals

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

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