Senate oks eight bills
The Senate almost failed to pass the measure that would allow the government to float about $60 million worth of bonds for capital improvement projects due to questions regarding validity of the Commonwealth Development Authority board.
Senators raised question whether two CDA board members who bypassed confirmation on their appointments are legally occupying the positions and agreed in principle to bring the issue to court. (see related story)
“We are sending a wrong message here, either we wait a court before we can on this bill,” said Sen. Juan P. Tenorio, referring to House Bill 11-435 sponsored by Rep. Karl T. Reyes.
“We are caught between a rock and a hard place,” explained Senate Floor Leader Pete P. Reyes. “This is a gesture to mean that we are serious in using the matching funds for 702 federal grants.”
After a short discussion, however, the Senate voted 8-0 in favor of the measure which will empower CDA to float the bonds and enter into financing that will be used for matching requirement on remaining CIP funds.
The legislation, which now heads to the governor for signing, was one of the slew of bills passed during the two-hour session yesterday. Others that were approved were:
HB 11-389, creating free trade zones in the CNMI which was passed on first reading and will be further reviewed by a Senate committee before a final action is taken;
SB 11-145, approving House amendment allowing a six-month grace period for a holder of a CNMI driver’s license to renew it upon expiration (for governor’s action);
HB 11-420, allowing the Superior court to deposit in interest-bearing accounts trust funds and collection from additional fines on each conviction to generate revenues (for governor’s action);
HB 11-358, Environmental Amendment Act (for governor’s action);
HB 11-459, creating a Division of Parks and Recreation within the DLNR (for governor’s action);
HB 11-441, a new Residents Fair Compensation Act requiring employers to provide equal benefits to locals granted to nonresident workers (for House action on Senate amendment); and
HB 11-475, repealing and reenacting PL 11-35 (for governor’s action).
Two House joint resolutions were also passed, including request to transfer the Sadog Tasi wastewater plant and the expedite the proposed water desalination plant on Saipan. (BS)
