Quick Note: Bill That Doubles Fine For Speeding In Work Zones Approved By Rules Committee

ST. CROIX — Aside the major blow dealt to Senator Terrence Nelson’s hemp industry bill during a Committee on Rules and Judiciary hearing at the Fritz E. Lawaetz Legislative Hall on Wednesday, senators approved a bill sponsored by Senator Sammuel Sanes that seeks to double the fine for speeding in a work zone.

The measure, seen here, was supported by Attorney General Claude Walker, who stated that similar measures have been passed on the U.S. mainland, with the intention of saving lives.

“In 2014, according to WorkZoneSafety.org, there was a total of 670 work zone fatalities within the 50 United States as well as Puerto Rico—no data was listed for the Virgin Islands. Despite the fact I have no hard numbers to report to this Committee on the number of Virgin Islands deaths that may have occurred in work zones, the mere possibility and, likely, probability that they have occurred leads me to believe this measure should be used as a basic deterrent to prevent the needless loss of life and limb,” Mr. Walker said.

The bill was forwarded to the full Senate unanimously by members of the committee who were present. Senators Neville James and Janette Millin Young –the latter who was attending the day’s hearing via Skype, and lost her connection immediately before the vote —  were absent.

Senators also said that signage amendments would be added to the measure before being heard by the full body.