The 36th Virgin Islands Legislature is the current meeting of the Legislature of the Virgin Islands. It convened in Charlotte Amalie on January 13, 2025 and adjourns on December 31, 2026, during the final two years of Albert Bryan’s governorship.
In the 2024 elections, the Democratic Party of the Virgin Islands retained their majority, securing two open seats which were held by Senators Donna Frett-Gregory and Javan James who did not seek another term. The Democratic Party gained one seat from Independent Senator Samuel Carrion of St. Croix, who lost reelection.
Major events January 13, 2025, Members-elect of the 36th Legislature are sworn in at Emancipation Gardens on St. Thomas. 12 p.m. EST: The 36th Legislature convenes into session. Milton Potter succeeds Novelle Francis as Senate President.
January 27, 2025: Governor Bryan delivered his seventh State of the Territory Address. January 28, 2025: Swearing-in ceremony for Sixth Constitutional Convention takes place at Earle Ottley Legislative Hall. February 3, 2025: Senate President Milton Potter calls for urgent meeting with Governor Bryan to address federal funding freeze. April 4, 2025: Senator Ray Foncesa calls for emergency declaration amid hospital shortage of medical staff and supplies. April 14, 2025: Senate held special session to discuss hospital crisis in the territory. April 15, 2025: Legislature establish Committee on Ethical Conduct to investigate complaint filed against Senator at-large Angel Bolques Jr. May 23, 2025: Senators express concern over pay raises for both Governor Bryan and Lt. Governor Roach. May 28, 2025: Senior citizens held mock session on Senate floor in recognition of Older Americans Month. May 30, 2025: The Committee on Ethical Conduct recommends legislative hearing on misconduct allegations against Senator at-large Angel Bolques Jr. June 4, 2025: Senators voted 14-0 to rescind pay raises for the Governor, Lt. Governor and other government officials recommended by the Virgin Islands Public Officials Compensation Commission. June 27, 2025: Senators voted 15-0 to override Governor Albert Bryan veto on bill repealing his salary increase. July 2, 2025: Senate President Milton Potter criticize Governor Albert Bryan for lack of communication prior to publicly calling for a special session to address his legislative proposals. July 24, 2025: Senator at-large Angel Bolques Jr., entered a no contest plea to a charge of violating his oath of office. August 1, 2025: Senate voted 13-0 to remove two measures offered by Governor Albert Bryan during a special session. August 7, 2025: Senators attend renaming ceremony of the Finance Dept. building in downtown St. Thomas in honor of Former Commissioner Bernice Turnbull. August 14, 2025: Senate voted 7-6 to approve a reprimand and 30-day suspension for Senator at-large Angel Bolques Jr., following findings by the Committee on Ethical Conduct related to his sexual harassment allegations. August 29, 2025: Senate President Milton Potter lambast Governor Albert Bryan response over Legislature’s decision to deny Summer’s End Marina permit. September 4, 2025: Senate President Milton Potter responds to Governor Albert Bryan criticism of the legislative process amid the denial of Summer’s End Marina permit extension. September 9, 2025: Senator Marise James announce she would not seek reelection. September 24, 2025: Legislature closed out of caution due to inclement weather. October 2, 2025: Senator at-large Angel Bolques Jr. calls out Port Authority for increased fees affecting St. John residents. October 6, 2025: Delegates of Sixth Constitutional Convention express concerns about limited public engagement as October 31st deadline nears. October 9, 2025: Senator Kenneth Gittens file formal complaint against Senator Joseph for her behavior. October 12, 2025: Senator Carla Joseph defends her actions following a Rules & Judiciary Committee meeting on October 9. October 17, 2025: Legislature consider tapping into Rainy Day Fund to secure benefits for SNAP recipients in the territory amid federal government shutdown. October 22, 2025: Senator Ray Fonseca calls for federal takeover or bankruptcy of WAPA to end the public utility’s high debt and inadequate service to the community. October 29, 2025: Delegates of Sixth Constitutional Convention request more time and funding to submit constitutional draft. October 30, 2025: Senator Carla Joseph clash with Senator Novelle Francis over funding for St. Croix horse racetrack. November 25, 2025: Senators attend the remaining ceremony of Superior Court on St. Thomas in honor of Judge Verne A. Hodge. December 16, 2025: Senators attend groundbreaking of the new Donna Christian-Christensen, MD Health complex in Christiansted, St. Croix. December 18, 2025: Senate President Milton Potter and other members of the 36th Legislature attend the agreement signing of Crown Bay Port redevelopment. January 12, 2026: Senators voted 15-0 to raise the minimum wage from $10.50 to $15.00 over a three-year period. January 22, 2026: Senators fails to subpoena VI Republican Party chair John Yob. January 26, 2026: Governor Bryan delivered his eight and final State of the Territory Address. January 30, 2026: Delegates of the Sixth Constitutional Convention completes constitutional draft and forward it to legal counsel for review. January 31, 2026: Vechiclar accident ravaged portions of the Legislature’s pump room on St. Thomas. February 6, 2026: Legislature host Perma Plaque Ceremony at Earle B. Ottley Legislative Hall on St. Thomas. February 9, 2026: Senator at-large Angel Bolques Jr. calls on Bryan administration to extend the V.I. Tax Amnesty Program. February 25, 2026: Former Senator Adlah Donastorg Jr. calls for Senate President Milton Potter to publicly investigate after U.S. DOJ released text exchanges between Jeffrey Epstein, Governor Bryan and Delegate Plaskett. March 13, 2026: Legislature host Girl Scout Leadership Day. March 18, 2026: Senate voted 14-0 to approve Beeston Hill rezoning bill after increasing concerns over lack of housing on St. Croix. April 9, 2026: Senators attend groundbreaking of the new Charlotte Amalie High School. April 10, 2026: Senator Marise James consider legislative inquiry into Jeffrey Epstein ties with local government agencies. April 13, 2026: Legislature suspend operations at Capitol Building on St. Thomas due to inclement weather. April 18, 2026: Senate President Milton Potter runs for lieutenant governor, shaking up senatorial race on St. Thomas. April 23, 2026: Senate President Milton Potter orders flags flown at half-mast following the passing of former Senator John A. Bell Sr. May 6, 2026: Senate Vice President Kenneth Gittens announce the passing of former Senate President Ronald Russell during committee meeting. May 12, 2026: Former Senator John A. Bell Sr. lies in state at Legislature Building on St. Croix. May 12, 2026: Majority Leader Kurt Vialet declines to 2026 gubernatorial run and insist to remain in the Senate on St. Croix. May 26, 2026: Majority Leader Kurt Vialet double down on decision not to run for governor during interview with V.I. Consortium’s Ernice Gilbert. May 27, 2026: Senior citizens held mock session at Earl B. Ottley Legislative Hall in recognition of Older Americans Month. May 28, 2026: Senate voted to confirm Associate Judge Denise Francois on the Supreme Court of the Virgin Islands and Attorney Renee Andre as Superior Court judge for St. Thomas/St. John district. May 30, 2026: Senator Novelle Francis runs for territory’s second top office as aspirants flock St. Croix senatorial race. June 1, 2026: Senate Vice President Kenneth Gittens demands for long awaited audit of WAPA after power outages plague St. Thomas & St. John for hours. June 9, 2026: Former Senate President Ronald Russell lies in state at Legislature Building on St. Croix. June 18, 2026: Power outage affects Capitol building prompting legislative committee meeting to temporary go on recess. July 21, 2026: Senate President Milton Potter convenes special session ordered by Governor Bryan for Southland horse racing agreement. August 1, 2026: Senate President Milton Potter becomes presumptive Democratic nominee for Lt. Governor following party’s primary election. August 4, 2026: Senate voted 11-3 on approving an controversial Water Island lease agreement. August 7, 2026: Senators attend ribbon cutting ceremony for new Arthur Richards K-8 school on St. Croix ahead of 2026-27 academic year. August 20, 2026: Senator Carla Joseph warns she has legislation to prosecute unspecified members of the Executive Branch amid discovery of OMB utilizing $3,000,000 from the Budget Stabilization Fund without Legislature’s authorization. August 25, 2026: Legislature host Perma Plaque Ceremony at Fritz E. Lawaetz Legislative Conference on St. Croix.
Major legislation Enacted April 28, 2025: Act 8982 (Bill No. 36-0028): An act approving the lease agreement between the Government of the Virgin Islands and Tropical Marine, Inc., for Parcel No. 37-1 Estate Nadir, No. 2 Red Hook Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands and a portion of unsurveyed Estate Nadir, No. 2. Red Hook Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. (introduced by Sen. Milton Potter) Act 8983 (Bill No. 36-0038): An act amending title 29 V.I. Code, chapter 10, subchapter III, section 551, subsection (a) by increasing the limit for outstanding bonds for the Virgin Islands Port Authority from $100 million to $500 million. Act 8984 (Bill No. 36-0040): An act approving the lease agreement between GVI and Charles M. Kim V.I. Foundation, Inc. d/b/a Virgin Islands Museum of Art, for a portion of Lot No. 48b Norre Gade, Kings Quarter, St. Thomas, Virgin Islands. Act 8985 (Bill No. 36-0047): An act amending Act 8920 to appropriate $25,000,000 from the Southern Trust Company Settlement Fund to pay retroactive wages for former and active government employees, and for other purposes.
June 13, 2025: Act 8987 (Bill No. 36-0021): An act amending title 19 Virgin Islands Code, part III, chapter 29, subchapter I relating to opioids and requiring that a practitioner discuss certain information with a patient when prescribing opioids. Act 8986 (Bill No. 36-0005): An act amending title 16 V.I. Code, chapter 2, section 99 establishing a mandatory minimum bail amount in domestic violence cases. Act 8990 (Bill No. 36-0036): An act repealing and reenacting title 20 V.I. 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. Act 8991 (Bill No. 36-0063): An act amending title 33, V.I. Code subtitle 1, chapter 3, sections 41, 42(a), and 43(a) and (c) to clarify that gross receipts taxes must be paid by all contractors doing business in the Virgin Islands regardless of physical location.