Bryan Approves Child Victims’ Act, Tobacco Limit, WAPA Extension, and Other Laws

Gov. Albert Bryan Jr. signed several significant bills into law, Government House said Tuesday, including provisions to protect children who were victims of crimes, raise the age to buy tobacco, and officially honor revered Virgin Islanders, and extend the Water and Power Authority’s state of emergency.

The bills were passed by the 35th Legislature during its Oct. 16 session. The Child Victims’ and Child Witnesses’ Rights Act aims to provide emotional and psychological support for child victims and witnesses during court proceedings by allowing them to be accompanied by an adult attendant or even small comfort animals. The new law also protects a child victim or witness’ identity, including mandating secure handling of documents and sealed court records, said Sen. Angel Bolques, the bill’s sponsor.

A child witness may also be allowed to testify via two-way closed-circuit television or videotaped depositions to prevent further trauma and be appointed trained advocates to represent the best interests of the child, ensuring they receive consistent care and advocacy throughout their involvement in the legal system. The territory’s state of emergency aimed at helping WAPA buy fuel and avoid blackouts will extend to Dec. 20, according to Bill No. 35-0340, signed into law by Bryan. He also signed Bills 35-0300 and 35-0320 – approving lease agreements with Advance Power, LLC for the development of microgrid infrastructure with wind turbines on St. Thomas and St. Croix.