Senate OKs Saipan casino law fix bill by vote of 7-0

By a vote of 7-0 with one abstention and one voting “present,” the Senate passed Thursday evening a controversial bill repealing and reenacting the Saipan casino law in its entirety to clarify ambiguities as a throng of retirees and former defined benefit plan members crowded the Senate chamber and gallery for almost five hours.

House Bill 18-195, House Draft 1 is now headed to Gov. Eloy S. Inos, who earlier told Saipan Tribune he intends to sign the bill promptly.

The seven “yes” votes came from Sens. Francisco Borja (Ind-Tinian), Joaquin Borja (Ind-Tinian), vice president Victor Hocog (R-Rota), Paul Manglona (Ind-Rota), Pete Reyes (Ind-Saipan), Jovita Taimanao (Ind-Rota), and Senate President Ralph Torres (R-Saipan).

Sen. Frank Cruz (R-Tinian) abstained from voting, and floor leader Ray Yumul (Ind-Saipan) voted “present.”

The Senate session is still ongoing.

Full story on Friday’s paper.