Flores files 2 revenue-generating bills
Rep. Marissa Renee Flores (Ind-Saipan) has formally introduced two revenue generating bills during the House of Representatives session on Thursday.
Flores’ House Bill 20-78 seeks to increase the tax imposed on soft drink and alcoholic beverage containers. Her other bill, H.B. 23-79, would increase marriage license application fees.
House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez (Ind-Saipan) referred the two bills to the Committee on Ways and Means chaired by Rep. Ralph N. Yumul (Ind-Saipan).
H.B. 23-78 proposes to increase the tax imposed on all soft drink beverage containers from the current 5 cents per container to 15 cents.
The legislation also proposes to impose a tax upon each container of any alcoholic beverage from the current 5 cents per container to 15 cents.
Flores stated in the legislation that, in light of their health risks, it is imperative to implement necessary measures that would minimize the immoderate consumptions of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages.
She said it is not the intent of her proposed legislation to prohibit consumption of these beverages, but to provide a deterrence to prevent associated health risks from occurring at a faster rate.
With respect to H.B. 23-79, it proposes to increase marriage license applications by nonresidents from the current $125 to $250, and by residents from the current $50 to $100.
The other fees are ceremony fees (non-residents) $75; ceremony fees (residents) $30; documentation fee $25; and marriage license copy $25.
Flores stated in the bill that, in light of the Commonwealth’s present economic circumstances, increasing marriage license application fees will generate additional revenue for the government.
She said the funds realized can be used to improve government resources and services that are intended to improve the well-being and overall livelihood for the people who reside in the CNMI.
Rep. Marissa Renee Flores
