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2026-07-20 - CNMI Senate

Summary

Built from the official Senate Journal SJ 24-29 (Sixth Special Session, first day). These are Commonwealth Senate sessions held on Saipan; Saipan has no municipal council in the record. No video was found, so there is no transcript or timing.

  • Called to order 3:42 p.m., adjourned 4:43 p.m.; six of nine senators present (Babauta, Calvo and Magofna excused); Senator P. Manglona joined remotely from Rota.
  • Rules suspended 6-0 to add S.B. 24-21 HD1 and H.J.R. 24-13 to the calendar; the Senate then accepted House Communication 24-150 on S.B. 24-21 HD1, 6-0.
  • H.B. 24-84 ($2,105,563 for the school system and the retirees' 25 percent pension obligation) passed 6-0 after retirees spoke in support.
  • Dr. Jesse M. Tudela confirmed to the Northern Marianas College Board of Regents, 6-0.
  • Adopted by voice vote: S.J.R. 24-05 (advanced nuclear energy study), S.R. 24-17 (radiation compensation petition), S.R. 24-18 (pension overpayment relief), H.J.R. 24-13 (birth tourism), and commemorative resolutions 24-08 and 24-09.
  • S.B. 24-45 (renaming the House of Justice building for Elias Parong Sablan) passed 6-0.
  • President King-Nabors criticized the Governor's vetoes of two $300,000 CEDA dividend appropriations for disaster relief on Rota and Tinian.

Retirees Pension Obligation Funding

  • H.B. 24-84 passed 6-0 (Castro, Cruz, Hofschneider, D. Manglona, P. Manglona, King-Nabors yes). Senator Hofschneider said the money covers retirees for about a month and a half and leaves them short through September 30; President King-Nabors said the Senate believes the activity was adequately funded and will look for the gap.
  • S.R. 24-18 adopted by voice vote after rules were suspended 6-0.

CEDA Dividend Funds Bill

  • CEDA's executive director urged passage of S.B. 24-52 in public comment; President King-Nabors criticized the two vetoes (communications 24-298 and 24-299).

Northern Marianas College Regent Appointment

  • Report 24-93 adopted 6-0; the nominee was excused.

Advanced Nuclear Energy Study Resolution

  • S.J.R. 24-05 adopted; Senator Hofschneider asked for public meetings across the CNMI.

Birth Tourism Resolution

  • H.J.R. 24-13 adopted by voice vote.

Other business

  • Senate journals 24-24 through 24-26 (April 7, April 24 and May 1 special sessions) adopted by voice vote.
  • Messages from the Governor 24-258 to 24-299; Department messages 24-27 to 24-31; House communications 24-147 to 24-159; Senate communications 24-218 to 24-249; miscellaneous communications 24-96 to 24-106.
  • Standing Committee Report 24-79 recommending S.B. 24-45 adopted.
  • Announcements: Senator Hofschneider on the study meetings; Floor Leader D. Manglona thanked responders for Rota typhoon relief; Senator P. Manglona thanked those aiding Saipan, Tinian and Rota.

Sources