Bill seeks to expand e-gaming to Rota, Tinian

Sen. Steve K. Mesngon (R-Rota) has introduced Senate Bill 20-109 or the Internet Gaming Act of 2018 l that would allow all three senatorial districts in the CNMI to establish and regulate internet gaming.

The bill states that internet gaming, when regulated, does not pose risks to health, safety, and welfare compared to other forms of properly licensed gambling.

“The Legislature finds that whether or not to allow internet gaming can be authorized either with Commonwealth-wide law or in senatorial districts that have established gambling pursuant to Article 21, Section 1 of the [CNMI] Constitution,” as stated on S.B. 20-109. “The Legislature further finds internet gaming that is accessible by individuals in jurisdictions in which internet gaming is legal will provide a source of revenue that is independent of tourist arrivals.”

Mesngon said internet gambling under federal law is allowed based on the Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement Act, provided that security features are followed to prevent access to minors and individuals in jurisdictions where gambling is illegal.

“The Legislature finds that in light of available geolocation security, the senatorial districts should be entitled to decide whether or not to authorize Internet gaming within their respective municipalities,” states the bill. “The Legislature finds that the gambling provisions of the Criminal Code set forth at 6 CMC Section 3151 et seq. are inconsistent and conflict with the authority of each senatorial district’s authority to regulate gaming pursuant to Article 21 Section 1 of the [CNMI] Constitution.”

In separate news, Sens. Jude U. Hofschneider (R-Tinian) and Sixto K. Igisomar (R-Saipan) have introduced respective pieces of legislation: S.B. 20-107 and 20-108.

S.B. 20-107 hopes to amend 2 CMC Section 3551that would give the expenditure authority, management, and control of solid waste sub-accounts for the First (Rota) and Second (Tinian and Aguijan) senatorial districts to both mayors of each municipality.

S.B. 20-107 wants the expenditure authority given to the mayors of both municipalities in order to speed up the disbursement of funds and procurement of services.

Igisomar’s legislation, 20-108, aims to give an employee clinical administrative leave recognizing the efforts made by the U.S. Department of Labor in promoting a healthy working environment and, at the same time, balance the needs of a workplace, family time, and personal health through the Family and Medical Leave Act.