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United States · Bill · SJRES

S.J.Res. 71 (97th)

A joint resolution to approve the Constitution of the Virgin Islands, and for other purposes.

reportedUnited States· United States Congress· EN

Introduced

10 April 1981

Last action

Status

Committee on Energy and Natural Resources. Ordered favorably reported H.J.Res. 238 in lieu of this measure.

Sponsors

Subjects

Discovery layer

Source updated

24 March 2026

Summary

Amends the Fourth Constitution of the Virgin Islands (1980) to require U.S. citizens born outside the Virgin Islands to be domiciled in the Virgin Islands (currently must have been domiciled in the Virgin Islands for a year) in order to be citizens of the Virgin Islands. Requires the Governor and Lieutenant Governor to be domiciled in the Virgin Islands for ten (currently 15) years. Deletes the: (1) provision for enactment of local laws to enforce Federal tax laws; (2) exemption of bonds issued by the Virgin Islands from Federal taxation and from taxation by any State, territory, or possession; (3) provision for issuance of short term bonds to meet casual deficits. Requires judicial matters during the transition to be handled as provided by the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands until the Senate creates an appellate court. Amends the Revised Organic Act of the Virgin Islands to provide for the Virgin Islands' appellate court. Grants the appellate court jurisdiction to review judgments and orders of lower local courts. Grants the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit jurisdiction to review decisions of the highest court of the Virgin Islands.

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Documents

1 official file

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