Senator Novelle Francis Jr. and AARP Virgin Islands gathered legal professionals, government officials and community representatives across the territory this week to strengthen Bill No. 36-0277, a far-reaching proposal to modernize the US Virgin Islands' probate system.
The September 15 session, conducted simultaneously at AARP offices on St. Thomas and St. Croix via video link, examined the bill's approach to intestate and testate succession, estate administration and connected legal matters. AARP described the measure as designed to give families a probate framework that is more modern, accessible and effective.
The gathering drew participants from Senator Francis's office, the Virgin Islands Judiciary, the Uniform Law Commission, the St. Croix Foundation for Community Development, the US Virgin Islands Economic Development Authority, the Virgin Islands Department of Planning and Natural Resources and CHANT VI. AARP's team included state director Troy de Chabert-Schuster, associate state director of advocacy and outreach Pamela Toussaint, and Beth Russo, government affairs director for AARP's national office.
De Chabert-Schuster said that "the best public policy is developed when stakeholders come together to share expertise, listen to one another, and focus on solutions." He expressed gratitude to Senator Francis, Shawna Richards and the legislative team for their role in advancing what he termed a significant matter for territory families.
Senator Francis and AARP have collaborated for years to streamline probate procedures and strengthen how estates are managed. Input gathered during the September meeting is expected to shape further deliberations as the Legislature reviews the proposal.
The Committee on Rules and Judiciary is scheduled to take up the bill on October 8.
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