Torres vetoes BOE compensation bill

Gov. Ralph DLG Torres vetoed last Friday a House bill that would have allowed Board of Education members to receive compensation for committee meetings.  

In his transmittal message to the 20th Legislature, Torres said that House Bill 20-96, SD1 do not specify where the money will come from.

“While this bill reiterates the board’s commendable efforts in providing the Public School System with the support it needs to deliver quality educational services to the children of our Commonwealth, the proposed amendment leaves unanswered the question of how board members are to be compensated for these committee meetings,” Torres said.

Presently, Board of Education members are paid for attending only board meetings that are duly noticed under the Open Government Act and pursuant to the rates set forth in the law. 

 H.B. 20-96, SD1 proposes to suspend the application of the law and other statutes relating to BOE committee meetings—without providing any alternative rate or guideline as to how the committee meetings will be compensated.

“Without such safeguards, the bill may be reasonably construed as authorizing the BOE to determine the proper compensation for the meetings,” said Torres.

“Therefore, whereas I agree that these committee meetings are vital to the development of policy and the functioning of [PSS], I must respectfully exercise my constitutional authority to veto this bill until these issues are clarified by the Legislature.”

In related news, Torres signed three other bills into law last March 16: Senate Bill 20-24, Senate Bill 20-65, and House Local Bill 20-56

Senate Bill 20-24, SD1, which provides immunity for minors assisting in tobacco control undercover investigations, was authored by Sen. Sixto K. Igisomar (R-Saipan). This bill is now Public Law 20-46. 

Senate Bill 20-65, SD1, which establishes a license suspension program for non-custodial parents who are in non-compliance with an order of support, was offered by Sen. Steve K. Mesngon (R-Rota). This bill becomes Public Law 20-47. 

House Local Bill 20-56, which reappropriates Saipan local funding for the rental of heavy equipment and operations of the mayor of Saipan, was authored by Rep. Angel A. Demapan (R-Saipan). This bill becomes Saipan Local Law 20-22.  (Saipan Tribune)