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THE SENATE NINETEENTH NORTHERN MARIANAS COMMONWEALTH LEGISLATURE
FOURTH REGULAR SESSION - 2016
SESSION DAY CALENDAR DAY TIME
1st Day Monday, August 22, 2016 1:30 p.m.
SENATE CHAMBER, SAIPAN
ORDER OF BUSINESS
A MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER
A. ROLL CALL
B. PUBLIC COMMENT:
C. READING AND APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL: (None)
D. MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR:
1. Gov. Msg. No. 19-270: July 14, 2016 – Certification for annual salary in excess of
$50,000 for Mr. Dustin Rollins, AAG to receive an annual salary of $85,000.00 per
annum.
2. Gov. Msg. No. 19-271 July 20, 2016 – Nomination of Mr. Jovano Q. Taitano to serve
as a member of the Professional Licensing Board to represent Rota.
3. Gov. Msg. No. 19-272: July 26, 2016 - Signed into law H.B. No. 19-106 – To
rename the San Antonio Middle School (SAMS) to “ Francisco Mendiola Sablan
Middle School” ; and for other purposes, became PUBLIC LAW NO. 19-55.
August 17, 2016
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NINETEENTH SENATE FOURTH REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 22, 2016
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4. Gov. Msg. No. 19-273: July 27, 2016 – Signed into law S.B. No. 19-61, HD1 - To
amend 3 CMC § 2824, 4 CMC § 7103, 4 CMC § 7301(d), 4 CMC § 7105, 4 CMC §
7112(b) and 4 CMC § 7615(j) to assess the total costs of healthcare in the CNMI by
establishing a claims and clinical data warehouse at CHCC and to improve
accountability for how health insurance premiums are spent by requiring health
insurance insurers and health care providers to submit reports on claims and clinical
data to the insurance commissioner; and for other purposes, became PUBLIC LAW
NO. 19-56.
5. Gov. Msg. No. 19-274: August 01, 2016 – Signed into law S.B. No. 19-68, SD1,
HD1 – To amend 4 CMC § 51403 by adding a new subsection (f) to implement a ten-
day waiting period for the payment of copper wire to deter copper wire theft; and for
other purposes, became PUBLIC LAW NO.19-57.
6. Gov. Msg. No. 19-275: August 01, 2016 – Signed into law H.B. No. 19-25 – To
amend Title 9, Division 2, Chapter 2, Art. 1, to provide for Real ID Identification Cards
and Driver’ s Licenses; and for other purposes, became PUBLIC LAW NO. 19-58.
7. Gov. Msg. No. 19-276: August 01, 2016 – Signed into law S.B. No. 19-50, SD1,
HD1 – To amend 1 CMC § 2807 to require all public land leases to include a
condition that lessees must connect to and use the CUC power grid subject to
CUC’ s evaluation and determination regarding the proposed development’ s power
requirements; and for other purposes, became PUBLIC LAW NO. 19-59.
8. Gov. Msg. No. 19-277: July 25, 2016 – Certification for annual salary in excess of
$50,000 to Mr. Michael J. Cyganek, AAG to receive $54,000.00 per annum.
9. Gov. Msg. No. 19-278: August 4, 2016 – Resume, statement of financial interest,
police clearance and drug test receipt for Mr. Michael N. Evangelista nominated to
serve as a member of the NMC Board of Regents.
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NINETEENTH SENATE FOURTH REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 22, 2016
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10. Gov. Msg. No. 19 -279: August 05, 2016 – Signed into law H.B. No.19-114 – To
transfer the Administration of the Governments’ Group Health and Life Insurance
Programs to the Dept. of Finance, became PUBLIC LAW NO. 19-60.
11. Gov. Msg. No. 19-280: August 08, 2016 – Appointment of Ms. Glenda Sablan
George to serve as a member of the Health Care Professions Licensing Board
representing Health Care Professionals.
12. Gov. Msg. No. 19-281: August 09, 2016 – Nomination of Ms. Esther Yatar to serve
as a member of the Commonwealth Election Commission representing the First
Senatorial District.
13. Gov. Msg. No. 19-282: August 09, 2016 – Appointment of Ms. Irene Tudela Torres
to serve as a member of the NMC Board of Regents.
14. Gov. Msg. No. 19-283: August 09, 2016 – Signed into law, H.B. No. 19-111 – To
amend 4 CMC § 1511 (d) Special Accounts for First and Second Senatorial Districts;
and for other purposes, became PUBLIC LAW NO. 19-61.
15. Gov. Msg. No. 19-284: July 29, 2016 – Signed into local law, H.L.B. No. 19-63 – To
appropriate remaining fund balance of $2,629.00 for the repair of Gualo Rai Youth
Center, became SAIPAN LOCAL LAW NO. 19-17.
16. Gov. Msg. No. 19-285: July 29, 2016 – Signed into local law, H.L.B. No. 19-43, D2
– To appropriate up to $288,312.34 from the 3rd Senatorial District Developers
Infrastructure Tax Fund, became SAIPAN LOCAL LAW NO. 19-18.
17. Gov. Msg. No. 19-286: August 01, 2016 – Signed into local law, H.L.B. No. 19-30,
S1, D8 – To appropriate $1 Million Dollars from the Exclusive Gaming Annual
License Fees allotted to the 3rd Senatorial District, for the Feasibility study of the NM
Cultural Center, promotion and preservation of the Carolinian culture and heritage and
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NINETEENTH SENATE FOURTH REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 22, 2016
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various improvement projects in Precinct I, II, III, IV and V, became SAIPAN LOCAL
LAW NO. 19-19.
18. Gov. Msg. No. 19-287: August 01, 2016 – Signed into local law, H.L.B. No. 19-50 –
To appropriate $12,128.73 for improving cooperative, active, and engaged learning;
and for other purposes, became SAIPAN LOCAL LAW NO. 19-20.
19. Gov. Msg. No. 19-288: August 09, 2016 - Signed into local law, H.L.B. No. 19-64 –
DPW Technical Division 3rd Senatorial District Local CIP Funding to include purchase
of copying equipment as an administrative cost, became SAIPAN LOCAL LAW NO.
19-22.
20. Gov. Msg. No. 19-289: August 10, 2016 Resume, statement of financial interest,
police clearance and drug test receipt for Ms. Irene Tudela Torres nominated to serve
as a member of NMC Board of Regents.
21. Gov. Msg. No. 19-290: August 17, 2016 – Signed into local law, H.L.B. No.19-65, D1
– To appropriate Three Hundred Sixty-Five Thousand US Dollars ($365,000.00)
specifically allotted to the Second Senatorial District under PL 18-56; and for other
purposes, became TINIAN LOCAL LAW NO. 19-13.
22. Gov. Msg. No. 19-291: August 17, 2016 – Signed into law, S.B. No.19-01 – To limit
the wharfage fees charged by the CPA to cargo offloaded at a port or harbor in the
Commonwealth and to waive wharfage fees on cargo shipped to and from the islands
within the Commonwealth; and for other purposes, became PUBLIC LAW NO. 19-62.
E. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE JUDICIARY: (NONE)
F. COMMUNICATIONS FROM HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENT :
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NINETEENTH SENATE FOURTH REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 22, 2016
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1. Dept. Msg. No. 19-41: July 22, 2016- DPW comment regarding S.R. No. 19-48 -
Requesting the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation and the Department of Public
Works to submit physical development plans regarding infrastructure projects in the
Third Senatorial District, and further requesting the Department of Finance to provide
a detailed accounting of the developer infrastructure taxes collected and deposited
into the Third Senatorial District Account as mandated by Public Law 8-23.
G. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE HOUSE:
1. Hse. Comm. No. 19-224: August 4, 2016 – Certified copy of H.R. No. 19-46 –
Tribute to the Late Honorable Francisco Torres Cabrera.
2. Hse. Comm. No. 19-225: August 4, 2016 – Certified copy of H.R. No. 19-47 –
Commend Ms. Mildred W. Sikebert – 2015 Bridge of Light Award.
3. Hse. Comm. No. 19-226: August 4, 2016 – Certified copy of H.R. No. 19-48 –
Recognize and commend Police Officer III Perry K. Mesngon.
4. Hse. Comm. No. 19-227: August 9, 2016 – Certified copy of H.J.R. No. 19-10 –
Establish a Long Term, Comprehensive Vision and Educational Plan for the CNMI.
5. Hse. Comm. No. 19-228: August 12, 2016 – Accepted Senate amendments on H.B.
No. 19-65, SS1 – To prohibit the sale, offer, or giving of Areca Nut (Betel Nut) to any
person who is under the age of 18 (minors); and for other purposes. [Information only
and heading to Governor]
6. Hse. Comm. No. 19-229: August 15, 2016 – Transmitting for Senate action House
Concurrent Resolution No. 19-4 – To approve additional revenues of the CNMI, as
identified pursuant to Article III, Section 9(a) of the Constitution and 1 CMC, Div., 7, for
FY 2016, beginning October 1, 2015, and ending on September 30, 2016.
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NINETEENTH SENATE FOURTH REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 22, 2016
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7. Hse. Comm. No. 19-230: August 15, 2016 – Returning with amendments S.B. No.
19-107, HD1 – To establish designated fire lanes in the Commonwealth; and for other
purposes. [Action on House amendments]
8. Hse. Comm. No. 19-231: August 15, 2016 – Returning without amendments S.B.
No. 19-97 – To amend certain sections of the Pure Food and Drug Control to include
lime (afok, bweesch); and for other purposes. [Information only and heading to
Governor]
9. Hse. Comm. No. 19-232: August 16, 2016 – Appointments of Advisory Commission
for elected officials compensation pursuant to PL 19-51.
H. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE SENATE:
1. Sen. Comm. No. 19-125: July 25, 2016 – Senator Jude Hofschneider extended off-
island notice.
2. Sen. Comm. No. 19-126: July 21, 2016 – Senator Francisco Cruz off-island/delegation
of authority notice.
3. Sen. Comm. No. 19-127: July 26, 2016 – Senate President Francisco Borja off-
island/delegation of authority notice.
4. Sen. Comm. No. 19-128: August 2, 2016 – Senator Arnold Palacios off-island notice.
5. Sen. Comm. No. 19-129: August 15, 2016 – Senator Arnold Palacios extended off-
island notice.
6. Sen. Comm. No. 19-130: August 15, 2016 – Senate President Francisco Borja off-
island/delegation of authority notice.
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NINETEENTH SENATE FOURTH REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 22, 2016
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I. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE WASHINGTON DELEGATE: (NONE)
J. UNFINISHED BUSINESS: (NONE)
K. PRE-FILED BILLS, INITIATIVES, LOCAL BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS:
1. Senate Bill No. 19-108: To amend 4 CMC § 1411(a) to earmark 50% of the
environmental beautification tax to the Solid Waste Management Program to pay for
critical landfill renovations and upgrades of the Marpi Landfill; and for other purposes.
(SEN. ARNOLD I. PALACIOS – 08/05/16)
2. Senate Bill No. 19-109: To enable the CNMI to participate in the Western Interstate
Commission for Higher Education’ s Professional Student Exchange Program; and for
other purposes. (SEN. JUDE U. HOFSCHNEIDER – 08/5/16)
3. Senate Bill No. 19-110: Mandating the Division of Customs to conduct K-9 unit drug
detections for al inter-island commuter flight entries and seaport entries in the effort to
combat drugs within the Commonwealth by amending 6 CMC § 2304 to add a new
subsection (d); and for other purposes. (SEN. STEVE K. MESNGON – 08/09/16)
4. Senate Bill No. 19-111: To designate the CNMI Medical Services Program as an
“ essential service” within the CNMI government; and for other purposes. (SEN.
TERESITA A. SANTOS – 08/09/16)
5. Senate Comm.Resolution No. 19-19: To honor and pay tribute to the Late Tom Glenn
A. Quitugua for his countless contributions to the community of Rota and public service
to the people of the CNMI. (SEN. PAUL A. MANGLONA)
6. Senate Comm. Resolution No. 19-20: To recognize and acknowledge the Employer
Support of the Guard and Reserve and the Guam-CNMI Committee and their volunteer
members for their exceptional service and commitment to our service men and women
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NINETEENTH SENATE FOURTH REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 22, 2016
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by recognizing the week of August 15th through August 19th, 2016, as “ Employer
Support of the Guard and Reserve Week.” (SEN. FRANCISCO M. BORJA AND
ALL MEMBERS – 08/09/16)
7. Senate Joint Resolution No. 19-09: Requesting the Governor to lift the freeze on the
hazardous pay for the Solid Waste Employees who handle the waste and debris at the
Marpi Solid Waste Facility and the Lower Base Transfer Station. (SEN. TERESITA A.
SANTOS – 08/18/16)
L. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, INITIATIVES, LOCAL BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS:
M. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES:
1. Standing Committee Report No. 19-97: From the Committee on Fiscal Affairs reporting
on H.B. No. 19-27, HS1,SD1- To assess a fee on plastic checkout bags distributed in
the Commonwealth; and for other purposes.
2. Standing Committee Report No. 19-111: From the Committee on Health and Welfare
reporting on S.B. No. 19-06 – To legalize the use of medicinal marijuana in the CNMI
and to amend 6 CMC Section 2114 (c) (13) and (20) to allow for the re-scheduling of
marijuana; and for other purposes. [Recommended TO BE FILED]
3. Standing Committee Report No. 19-112: From the Committee on Executive
Appointments and Government Investigation reporting on the appointment of Ms. Irene
Tudela Torres to serve as a member of the NMC Board of Regents.
4. Standing Committee Report No. 19-113: From the Committee on Executive
Appointments and Government Investigation reporting on the appointment of Mr.
Michael N. Evangelista to serve as a member of the NMC Board of Regents.
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NINETEENTH SENATE FOURTH REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 22, 2016
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5. Standing Committee Report No. 19-114: From the Committee on Fiscal Affairs
reporting on H.B. No. 19-126, HD2, HS1- To amend 1 CMC § 3405 regarding the
Judicial Building Fund; and to authorize the Commonwealth Government to enter into a
loan agreement with the USDA.
6. Standing Committee Report No. 19-115: From the Committee on Health and Welfare
reporting on S.B. No. 19-73, SS1- To amend the CNMI Government Group Life
Insurance Program; and for other purposes.
N. REPORTS OF SPECIAL/CONFERENCE COMMITTEE: (NONE)
O. RESOLUTION CALENDAR:
1. Sen. Commemorative Res. No. 19-19
2. Sen. Commemorative Res. No. 19-20
3. House Concurrent Resolution No. 19-4 - To approve additional revenues of the CNMI,
as identified pursuant to Article III, Section 9(a) of the Constitution and 1 CMC, Div., 7,
for FY 2016, beginning October 1, 2015, and ending on September 30, 2016.
(See HC 19-229)
P. BILL CALENDAR:
FIRST READING
LEG. NO. TITLE
H.B. No. 19-72, HD2
(HC 19-169)
To increase the excise tax on the importation of Areca Nut
(Betel Nut) into the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana
Islands; and for other purposes
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NINETEENTH SENATE FOURTH REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 22, 2016
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FINAL READING
LEG. NO. TITLE
H.B. No. 19-27, HS1, SD1
(See SCRep. 19-97)
To assess a fee on plastic checkout bags distributed in the
Commonwealth; and for other purposes
H.B. No. 19-52, HD1
(See HC 19-149)
To amend 4 CMC §2308 to amend and add subsections (f),
(g), and (h) to include NMC, NMTI, and any shortfall that
befalls the 25 percent pension payments to CNMI retirees as
recipients of the funds generated from the Gross Revenue
Tax; and for other purposes
H.B. No. 19-126, HD2, HS1
(See HC 19-220)
To amend 1 CMC § 3405 regarding the Judicial Building
Fund; and to authorize the Commonwealth Government to
enter into a loan agreement with the USDA
S.B. No. 19-06
[TO FILE]
(See SCommR 19-111)
To legalize the use of medicinal marijuana in the CNMI and
to amend 6 CMC Section 2114 (c) (13) and (20) to allow for
the re-scheduling of marijuana; and for other purposes
S.B. No. 19-73, SS1
(See SCommR 19-115)
To amend the CNMI Government Group Life Insurance
Program; and for other purposes
Q. PETITIONS, MEMORIALS AND MISCELLANEOUS COMMUNICATIONS:
1. Misc. Comm. No. 19-168: July 27, 2016 – MPLT responding to DPL Secretary’ s
request for MPLT concurrence regarding use of $1 Million Dollars for Civil Case 16-0004
for Homestead structure.
2. Misc. Comm. No. 19-169: July 28, 2016 – NI Mayor regarding comment on H.B. No.
19-55 – Prohibit Cruelty and theft of animals.
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NINETEENTH SENATE FOURTH REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 22, 2016
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3. Misc. Comm. No. 19-170: July 28, 2016 – NI Mayor regading comment on H.B. No. 19-
108 – Gani Islands north of Saipan investment stimulus.
4. Misc. Comm. No. 19-171: July 28, 2016 – NI Mayor regading comment on H.B. No. 19-
122, HD1 – Homestead lots within the CNMI.
5. Misc. Comm. No. 19-172: August 03, 2016 – Civil Service Commission OPM regarding
reinstatement of Merit Increases.
6. Misc. Comm. No. 19-173: August 02, 2016 – Mayor of Tinian comment on SLB 19-106
– To regulate Marijuana in the NMI; and for other purposes.
7. Misc. Comm. No.19-174: August 15, 2016 – Saipan Chamber of Commerce letter to
Senator Paul Manglona regarding their position on S.B. No. 19-104 – To require all
employers to pay CNMI prevailing wages to all employees; to mandate government
contractors to pay prevailing wages for public works projects; and for other purposes.
R. MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
S. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
T. ADJOURNMENT.
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NINETEENTH SENATE FOURTH REGULAR SESSION
AUGUST 22, 2016
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APPEARANCE OF SENATE LOCAL BILLS
LEG.
NO.
TITLE
None
The Senate may consider, debate, and/or act upon any item contained in this Order
of Business at the time and place described herein.