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36-0036

An Act repealing and reenacting title 20 Virgin Islands Code, part II, chapter 43, section 512 increasing penalties for traffic violations; establishing a Virgin Islands Police Department Impound Lot; and for other related purposes

2025-2026 Regular Session

Raises penalties for traffic violations and creates a Virgin Islands Police Department Impound Lot to hold violator vehicles, affecting drivers and law enforcement.

Sent to Lt. Governor
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · 36-0036

Bill 36-0036 Summary

Bill Information

  • Bill Number: 36-0036
  • Title: An Act repealing and reenacting title 20 Virgin Islands Code, part II, chapter 43, section 512 increasing penalties for traffic violations; establishing a Virgin Islands Police Department Impound Lot; and for other related purposes
  • Status: Sent to Lt. Governor
  • Introduced: February 3, 2025
  • Classification: Bill

Legislative Actions (Timeline)

  • 2025-02-03: Received and Assigned
  • 2025-02-26: To Senate
  • 2025-02-27: Introduced (public introduction date)
  • 2025-06-06: Sent to Governor
  • 2025-06-13: Approved by Governor
  • 2025-06-26: Sent to Lt. Governor

Executive Summary

Bill 36-0036 seeks to reform traffic-related penalties by repealing and reenacting a provision in Title 20 of the Virgin Islands Code (Part II, Chapter 43, Section 512) to increase penalties for traffic violations. In addition, the bill would establish a Virgin Islands Police Department Impound Lot, creating a dedicated facility to hold vehicles associated with traffic enforcement actions. The bill is described as addressing “other related purposes” beyond these primary provisions, suggesting ancillary changes to enforcement, administration, or related processes.

Key Provisions (What the Bill Would Do)

  • Increase penalties for traffic violations: Repeals and reenacts Section 512 to raise penalties tied to traffic offenses. (Specific penalties, tiers, or thresholds are not detailed in the summary provided.)
  • Establish an Impound Lot: Creates a Virgin Islands Police Department Impound Lot to hold impounded vehicles arising from traffic enforcement actions. Operational details (e.g., storage procedures, release criteria, fees) would be determined by the bill’s text and implementing regulations.
  • Other related purposes: Indicates additional changes or authority related to traffic enforcement and administration, though exact scope is not specified in the available summary.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Vehicle Owners and Drivers: Potentially higher penalties for certain violations and new processes for impounded vehicles may affect fines, penalties, and vehicle release timelines.
  • Virgin Islands Police Department (VIPD): Responsible for operating the new Impound Lot and enforcing the updated penalty structure.
  • Courts and Administrative Agencies: May see changes in how penalties are assessed and how impounded vehicles are handled and released.
  • Public Revenue and Compliance: Possible changes in revenue from penalties and impound fees; potential administrative costs associated with operating an impound facility.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Legislative Path: Introduced February 3, 2025; progressed to the Senate by late February; later advanced to the Governor, who approved it in mid-June 2025. The bill was subsequently transmitted to the Lt. Governor on June 26, 2025.
  • Enactment Status: With Governor’s approval and transmission to the Lt. Governor, the bill is nearing final enactment, pending Lt. Governor action (signature or other constitutional process).

Potential Implications and Considerations

  • The increase in penalties could affect compliance behavior and deterrence for traffic violations.
  • The new impound facility may require funding for construction or operation, staff, and ongoing maintenance, as well as clear release and fee structures.
  • Implementers will need to establish regulations and procedures governing impound practices, appeals, and disposition of impounded vehicles.

Next Steps

  • The Lt. Governor’s review and signature would finalize enactment, subject to any additional constitutional or procedural requirements in the Virgin Islands. Follow-up regulations and administrative rules would likely accompany the substantive changes to penalties and the impound lot operations.

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

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