Senate Agenda

Holding its first session in nearly a month, the Senate passed several measures on Friday, but voted against recall of one bill from the governor concerning amendment to the Youth Congress Act.

One of the legislation involved arming airport and seaport police officers, which the Senate amended and is now up for House voting again.

HB 12-64, sponsored by House Floor Leader Oscar M. Babauta, seeks to allow the Commonwealth Ports Authority enforcement officer to carry firearms in the administration of their duties.

Federal Aviation Administration regulations require them to be armed to protect the major ports of entry in the CNMI from hijackers, terrorists, drug smugglers and contraband dealers.

The Department of Public Safety has in recent years deputized the CPA officers to be able to carry firearms, although there is no existing law that empowers it to do so.

The bill will also authorize criminal investigators of the labor and immigration department to carry firearms while performing their duties.

They are at risk, particularly from fugitives evading CNMI immigration laws who may be extremely hostile and act in desperation to avoid arrest and subsequent deportation, according to the report endorsing the bill by the Senate Committee on Judiciary, Government and Law.

Meanwhile, the Senate set into motion the release of the $60 million bond flotation through a resolution waiving the 30-day requirement of notice to the Legislature before the proceeds are released.

The Commonwealth Development Authority is scheduled to close the bonds by December 5, which fell short of the requirement since it issued a notice to lawmakers only on Nov. 9.

Marylou S. Ada, CDA executive director, said the resolution has to be adopted by both houses since this is a requirement of the law that authorized the floating of the bond.

The money will match federal construction grants under the Capital Improvement Projects/Covenant 702 funding, she said.

The recall of the bill amending the Youth Congress Act, on the other hand, was voted down by seven of the nine senators due to absence of written request from the governor.

With the disapproval, Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio is expected to veto HB 12-209 as the youth senators had rejected the proposal to increase their term to two years as well as to lower age requirement from 14 to 13 years old.

Senate Vice President Thomas P. Villagomez said that while he agreed with the concerns, the absence of supporting papers to back the recall made it difficult for him to approve the motion.

The lower house has recalled the bill early this month following the request in a bid to avoid the veto from the governor.

At last Friday’s session, the Senate also passed new regulatory measures on small-time finance companies that provide loans on the islands other than banks and large financial institutions.

HB 12-208 amending current banking laws will provide for licensing and regulations of these companies by the government, while imposing penalties to protect consumers from unscrupulous business practices.

It heads to Mr. Tenorio for signing into law. (Benhur C. Saladores)