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Bill

36-0110

An ct amending title 20 Virgin Islands Code, part I. chapter 1 to require a permit from the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works before the excavation of any public roadway

2025-2026 Regular Session

Requires a DPW-issued permit before any public roadway excavation, aiming to protect utilities, coordinate work, and reduce traffic disruptions for contractors and road users.

To Senate
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · 36-0110

Summary of Bill 36-0110

Overview

Bill 36-0110 is an act intended to amend Title 20 of the Virgin Islands Code (Part I, Chapter 1) to require a permit from the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works (DPW) before excavating any public roadway. The bill is currently moving through the legislative process and its status is listed as “To Senate.”

What the bill does

  • Creates a permit requirement for excavations in any public roadway.
  • The permit would be issued by the Virgin Islands Department of Public Works (DPW).

Note on details

  • The summary provided does not include the full text, so specific elements such as permit application procedures, required information, permit fees, permit duration, standards for excavation, public-works coordination, inspection regimes, exemptions (e.g., emergency repairs), penalties for noncompliance, or appeal processes are not specified here. The exact scope and operational provisions would be clarified in the bill’s full language and any accompanying regulations.

Who would be affected

  • Contractors, developers, utility companies, and property owners planning any excavation within or affecting public roadways.
  • The Virgin Islands Department of Public Works, as the issuing authority and regulator.
  • Public roadway users (drivers, pedestrians) who may experience changes in traffic patterns due to excavation work or permit-related requirements.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: January 13, 2025.
  • Assigned: January 27, 2025.
  • Introduced (tracked): July 10, 2025.
  • Legislative action: To Senate as of March 25, 2026.
  • Status: To Senate (as of the latest action listed).

Potential impacts and considerations

  • Safety and infrastructure protection: A permit requirement could improve coordination of roadway work, reduce conflicts with other projects, and help safeguard underground utilities and surface integrity.
  • Traffic disruption and planning: Permit processes may require advance scheduling, traffic control plans, and notification to communities, potentially reducing unplanned road closures.
  • Administrative burden and costs: Applicants could incur permit fees and processing times, which may affect project scheduling and budgets.
  • Enforcement and compliance: Clarity on penalties for noncompliance, inspection routines, and remedies will influence effectiveness.
  • Exemptions and emergencies: It will be important to know whether emergency repairs or specific low-impact activities are exempt or streamlined.

Next steps / what to watch

  • Review the full bill text for precise definitions (e.g., what constitutes “excavation,” exemptions, timelines, and fees).
  • Monitor committee hearings and amendments in the Senate for changes to scope, enforcement, and implementation timelines.
  • Assess potential implementation timeline if enacted, including any transition provisions for ongoing or planned projects.

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

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