SENATOR ANGEL BOLQUES JR.'s LEGISLATIVE WORK
Key Legislative Accomplishments Include: (See more here: Bill Tracker)
Resolution No. 1904: Honoring the Board of Elections, Supervisor of Elections Caroline Fawkes, and the Virgin Islands Election System team for their tireless service and contributions to the Virgin Islands community.
Resolution No. 1909: Honoring the St. Croix Majorettes for fifty years of commitment to youth development, community service, and the art of baton twirling.
Resolution No. 1913: Commending Miguel Santos, Jr. (DJ Poppy Pops) for his contributions to music and radio broadcasting in the Virgin Islands.
Act No. 8690: Amending title 3 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 26, section 706, relating to retirees reentering government service by means of temporary employment or contractual employment without harming their current retirement status or annuities.
Act No. 8696: Appropriating $250,000 from the St. John Capital Improvement Fund to the Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation to fund the second phase of the Cruz Bay playground through a grant to the Friends of the Virgin Islands National Park.Allocation of $600,000 to Virgin Islands Fire and Emergency Medical Services (VIFEMS) for the two Type-3 pumper fire trucks for the island of St. John.
Act No. 8735: Amending title 3 of the Virgin Islands Code to clarify the duties and responsibilities of the Executive Director of the Taxicab Commission. This Act outlines specific administrative and operational duties for the Executive Director, enhancing oversight and establishing clear expectations for regulatory compliance, licensing, and service standards across the taxicab industry.
Act No. 8783: Honoring former Senator Almando “Rocky” Liburd for his lifetime of service by renaming the North Shore Road on St. John to "The Almando 'Rocky' Liburd Drive."
Act No. 8798: Enacting the Safe Haven Newborn Protection Act to provide a safe environment for relinquishing newborns. Creating a safe and anonymous process for parents to relinquish newborns without facing legal consequences, provided they comply with very specific conditions. This Act designates certain locations, such as hospitals and emergency service providers, where newborns can be safely relinquished, ensuring that they receive immediate care and protection. The legislation aims to prevent abandonment, promote infant safety, and offer parents a compassionate, responsible option in difficult circumstances with a framework and option to reinstate parenthood if parent meets requirements.
Act No. 8802: Appropriates $2,500,000 for the purchase of the Department of Labor building in St. Thomas to reduce the Government of the Virgin Islands' (GVI) rental expenses and expand its operational footprint. By transitioning from leased to owned property, this Act aims to decrease ongoing rental costs, allowing GVI to allocate resources more effectively. The acquisition also facilitates the potential for expanded services within the Department of Labor, enhancing the accessibility and quality of government support for the Virgin Islands workforce.
Act No. 8817: Establishes an educational scholarship program to support Virgin Islands residents pursuing careers in the maritime industry. This Act aims to strengthen the local maritime workforce by providing financial assistance to individuals interested in fields such as navigation, engineering, marine biology, and other essential maritime professions. By investing in workforce development, the program seeks to build local expertise, stimulate economic growth, and create sustainable job opportunities within the Virgin Islands' maritime sector.
Act No. 8841: Designates an official dish and dessert for the Virgin Islands, honoring and preserving the territory's rich culinary heritage. This Act recognizes the importance of local cuisine as a cultural touchstone, celebrating traditional flavors and cooking methods that reflect the Virgin Islands’ unique history and community. By establishing these official food symbols, the Act promotes cultural pride and provides a new platform to showcase Virgin Islands culinary arts, both locally and internationally.
Act No. 8878: Increasing the Motor Vehicle Rental Surcharge and Funding in the District - This bill increases the surcharge on vehicle rentals, providing additional funds to our treasury for important public projects, programs, and services. This extra revenue will benefit our community by supporting infrastructure and initiatives that improve the daily lives of people in the Virgin Islands.
Act No. 8923: Creating the Child Victims’ and Child Witnesses’ Rights Act - This bill protects our most vulnerable—our children—when they are involved in legal cases as victims or witnesses. By ensuring they have the support and protection they need, we are making our justice system more compassionate and focused on healing, which benefits the entire Virgin Islands community by fostering a safer environment for our youth.
Bills currently in the pipeline or being vetted for consideration include:
Bill No. 35-0037: Amending Title 3 Virgin Islands Code to Allow for Insurance Coverage for Auxiliary Police Officers - By providing insurance coverage for auxiliary police officers, this bill supports the men and women who help keep our neighborhoods safe. It ensures they have the protection they deserve, which in turn enhances public safety and shows that we value the contributions of all those who serve our community.
Bill No. 35-0047: Honoring and Commending Linval Joseph for His Achievements in Professional Football and Community Contributions - This bill celebrates Linval Joseph not just for his success in football but also for his commitment to giving back to our community. By recognizing his achievements, we inspire others in the Virgin Islands to pursue excellence and contribute positively to society, particularly in mentoring our youth.
Bill No. 35-0129: Appropriating $350,000 for a Feasibility Study on Reopening Certain Roads on St. John Linking Cruz Bay and Coral Bay - This bill funds a study to explore reopening key roads between Cruz Bay and Coral Bay, which could greatly improve transportation and daily life on St. John. Better connectivity would make it easier for residents to travel, boost local businesses, and enhance the overall quality of life on the island.
Bill No. 35-0132: Appropriating $479,486.35 for Technological Upgrades for the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission - This appropriation will upgrade the technology at the Virgin Islands Taxicab Commission, leading to more efficient and transparent taxi services. These improvements will benefit both taxi drivers and passengers, making transportation safer and more reliable for everyone in our community.
Bill No. 35-0139: Appropriating Funds to Complete the Virgin Islands Department of Education's Youth Education and Training Initiatives - By funding youth education and training programs, this bill invests in the future of our islands. These programs help equip our young people with the skills and knowledge they need to succeed, which benefits the entire territory by building a stronger, more capable workforce.
Bill No. 35-0177: Honoring and Commending Jerome Austin Browne for His Contributions to Baseball and Youth on St. Croix - This bill honors Jerome Austin Browne for his dedication to baseball and youth development on St. Croix. By recognizing his contributions, we highlight the importance of sports in teaching life skills and fostering community spirit, which benefits all of us by building a more engaged and active youth.
Bill No. 35-0181: Requiring the Identification of Cemetery Property on St. John - This bill ensures that cemetery properties on St. John are properly identified and protected. By preserving these sacred sites, we honor our history and cultural heritage, which is important for maintaining the identity and pride of our local communities.
Bill No. 35-0205: an Act that appropriates $900,000 to the Virgin Islands Department of Sports, Parks, and Recreation for the development and construction of a state-of-the-art equestrian training facility in Estate Body Slob, St. Croix. This facility aims to enhance the accessibility and growth of equestrian sports in the Virgin Islands by providing a dedicated space for training, education, and community engagement while fostering local talent, support of youth programs, and equestrian events.
Bill No. 35-0188: Appropriating Funds to the Virgin Islands Water and Power Authority for Hydrants to Mitigate Fires in Landfills - This bill addresses the need for fire hydrants at landfills, helping to prevent and control fires that could harm our environment and public health. It’s a proactive step to protect our natural resources and ensure a safer, cleaner Virgin Islands for everyone.
Bill No. 35-0271: Establishing School Speed Zones and Enforcement Measures for Pedestrian Safety Near Schools - By establishing school speed zones and enforcement measures, this bill prioritizes the safety of our children as they travel to and from school. It’s a common-sense measure that helps prevent accidents and ensures that our schools are safer places for students and families across the Virgin Islands.
Bill No. 35-0306: Honoring and Commending James Sasso for Distinguished Service in the Mortuary and Funeral Service Industry - By honoring James Sasso for his service in the funeral industry, this bill recognizes the importance of dignity and professionalism in times of grief. His contributions have supported many families in the Virgin Islands during their most difficult times, and this recognition underscores the value of compassionate service in our community.
BILL NO. 35-0399: Act amends Title 16 of the Virgin Islands Code, Chapter 2, Section 99, to establish a mandatory minimum bail amount specifically for domestic violence cases. By setting a standardized minimum bail, the Act aims to ensure a consistent and serious approach to handling domestic violence offenses, enhancing protections for victims and reinforcing the legal consequences for offenders. The mandatory minimum bail requirement is intended to serve as a deterrent, prioritizing victim safety and emphasizing the commitment of the Virgin Islands' legal system to address and mitigate domestic violence effectively.
