On Tuesday, the Committee on Rules and Judiciary considered seven bills that garnered few objections. Four bills were for leases that received favorable recommendations from the Senate Committee on Budget, Appropriations, and Finance earlier this month.
Having gained a favorable ruling from the committee, they will likely pass their final legislative hurdle on Wednesday in the Committee of the Whole.
The lease included one for HKT Energy Consulting Group, run by Hugo Hodge Jr., former Water and Power Authority executive director, for office space in a warehouse at 114 Submarine Base, Southside Quarter, St. Thomas.
Another five-acre lease will be granted to the USVI Soccer Federation. Soccer facilities will be built in Estate Nazareth, Red Hook Quarter, St. Thomas.
Star Time Firearms proposes a shooting range on government property in Estate Bovoni, Frenchman’s Bay Quarter, St. Thomas.
The fourth lease is to the Federal Aviation Administration in Estate White Lady, West End Quarter, St. Croix, for the continued operation of a locator outer marker.
Of the other three bills, the one to honor Juel Turnbull Rhymer-Molloy for years of dedicated service and contributions to the community was commented on most. Sen. Milton E. Potter called Rhymer-Molloy “a daughter of the soil and adviser to governors.” Sen. Marise James said, “She has given her best to the community.”
In recognition and appreciation of her long service, including as Human Services commissioner, the bill proposes a perma plaque ceremony in her honor renaming the complex housing the Human Services Department as the “Juel T.R. Molloy Complex.”
The only bill to generate negative votes was strengthening the government’s ability to remove abandoned or derelict vehicles and fine owners. The negative votes and comments only came after an amendment was added.
Committee Chair Sen. Diane Capehart, who refrained from voting on the bill, said the committee was “blindsided” by the amendment and had no time to review it. Sens. Kenneth Gittens and Franklin Johnson voted against the bill, which passed with four favorable votes.
An act honoring and commending police officers for their service to the community and recognizing fallen law enforcement officers posthumously received positive comments and votes from all seven committee members, as did the act honoring Rhymer-Molloy.
All seven senators also approved an act establishing school speed zones, signage, and enforcement measures to promote student and pedestrian safety near schools.
Sens. Ray Fonseca, Carla Joseph, Potter, Gittens, Johnson, Capehart, James, and Angel Bolques Jr. attended the hearing.
