Frett-Gregory Pushes Back on Bryan’s Veto of Bill Reforming Hiring Practices

Sen. Donna Frett-Gregory said she plans to work with her colleagues to override Gov. Albert Bryan Jr.’s veto of a bill that would prevent employers from asking about an job applicant’s criminal history until after they have been interviewed and offered a position.

The measure — Bill No. 35-0115, an act repealing title 24 Virgin Islands Code, chapter 17, subchapter II, “Limited Use of Criminal Records in Hiring Practices” — was passed unanimously by the Legislature last month and is aimed at helping people who have previously been incarcerated or arrested have a fair chance at employment.

The governor announced earlier Wednesday that he was vetoing the bill, citing concerns about “overreaching components … particularly the severe criminal penalty for employers and the absence of a cap on damages for job applicants.”

“I applaud the Senate for passing such a forward-thinking measure aimed at advancing employment opportunities for individuals in the Territory,” Bryan wrote. “I respectfully request the Legislature to amend the measure by removing the criminal penalty against employers and imposing a cap on damages for applicants/employees. Additionally, the declaration of policy in section 465(b) should align with the language of the Act for consistency. These adjustments would ensure that the measure achieves its intended goal without unduly burdening employers and will provide clarity. I eagerly anticipate the approval of a revised revision of this bill.”