An Act amending title 33 Virgin Islands Code subtitle 3, chapter 118, section 3411 to increase the maximum judgement amount for the award of damages against the Government of the Virgin Islands

2025-2026 Regular Session

Raises the maximum damages cap against the Virgin Islands Government, enabling larger civil judgments and higher liability for government, insurers, and risk management.

Introduced

Summary: Bill 36-0042 – Increase the maximum judgment amount for damages against the Government of the Virgin Islands

Overview

Bill 36-0042 proposes amending title 33 of the Virgin Islands Code (subtitle 3, chapter 118, section 3411) to raise the maximum amount that can be awarded as damages against the Government of the Virgin Islands. The bill is currently introduced and moving through the legislative process.

Purpose and intent

The primary aim is to increase the cap on damages that may be awarded against the Government of the Virgin Islands in civil claims.

The change is designed to adjust the government’s liability exposure upward, allowing larger awards in appropriate judicial determinations.

Key provisions

Amendments target: title 33 Virgin Islands Code, subtitle 3, chapter 118, section 3411.

Action: Increase the maximum judgement amount for awards of damages against the Government of the Virgin Islands.

Note: The specific new cap amount and any accompanying provisions (e.g., transition rules, applicability to past vs. future claims, inflation adjustments) would be contained in the bill text itself; the summary here reflects the core change to raising the cap.

Affected parties

Government of the Virgin Islands: faces higher potential liability limits and related budgeting/insurance considerations.

Plaintiffs and claimants against the VI government: potentially able to recover larger damages in civil actions.

Courts, government risk management, and insurers: may see changes in claims dynamics, settlement strategies, and premium structures.

Procedural timeline and status

Received: February 24, 2025

Assigned: February 25, 2025

To Senate: February 26, 2025

Introduced: February 27, 2025

Status: Introduced (bill currently in the early stage of the legislative process)

Potential impacts and considerations

Fiscal impact: Higher damage caps can increase contingent liabilities and influence budgeting for the government and its insurers.

Legal and procurement implications: Agencies may adjust risk management practices, contracts, and oversight to address heightened liability risk.

Access to compensation: Improved ability for plaintiffs to obtain meaningful damages in certain claims against the government.

Next steps / What to watch

Review the full bill text for the exact revised cap amount, any transitional provisions, and any related procedural changes.

Monitor committee referrals and amendments as the bill progresses through the Senate and House (if applicable) and potential gubernatorial action.

Source: Bill 36-0042 information (title, status, and legislative actions provided).