CNMI legislative delegation adopts resolution and passes House Local Bill 24‑7 with reappropriations for Tinian

The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands legislative delegation on an unrecorded date in this transcript unanimously adopted Legislative Delegation Resolution 24‑03 commending Casey Cassandra Castro Cruz and passed House Local Bill 24‑7 in the form of Substitute 1 after accepting amendments to reappropriate local fund balances for Tinian.

The delegation first heard remarks about governor communication 24‑05, which Secretary Neighbors introduced by saying, “I do want to speak briefly on governor communication 24‑05 on the veto Senate local bill 24‑01 draft 1.” Secretary Neighbors thanked members of both chambers for the House override of that veto and said the legislation is intended to help generate revenue for Tinian and the broader Commonwealth.

Floor action began when the delegation agreed to suspend the rules and place House Local Bill 24‑7 on the bill calendar. Representative Patrick Saint Nicholas moved to suspend the rules; the motion was seconded and approved by the three members present.

The delegation then adopted Legislative Delegation Resolution 24‑03, recognizing and commending Casey Cassandra Castro Cruz for academic and athletic accomplishments and for representing the Commonwealth internationally. The motion to adopt the resolution was offered by the floor leader and carried by voice vote.

During the bill calendar the floor leader moved the passage of House Local Bill 24‑7. Senator Carl King Neighbors offered a package of amendments he described as numbering, alignment and reappropriation changes and detailed appropriations and expenditure-authority language for Tinian. As summarized by Senator Carl King Neighbors, the amendments included reappropriating $41,239.31 in fund balances from multiple Tinian local laws; adding allocations for mayoral personnel and operations; adding $3,000 for the Tinian legislative delegation operations; and identifying funding for the Tinian Casino Gaming Control Commission "$22,714" with a further distribution the speaker described as "13,000 for personnel and operations and 99,000 for the compensation of the commissioners." The delegation adopted the amendments by voice vote.

Following the amendment vote, the delegation called the roll on final passage. The three members present — Senator Carl King Neighbors, Representative Patrick Saint Nicholas, and Chairman Hauschneider — voted yes, and House Local Bill 24‑7 passed in the form of Substitute 1.

The transcript does not show additional detail on the effective dates, the full text of the substitute, or all line‑item destinations for the reappropriated funds beyond the summary read into the record. The session adjourned subject to the call after the bill passed.

Votes at a glance

- Motion to suspend rules and place House Local Bill 24‑7 on the calendar: moved by Representative Patrick Saint Nicholas; seconded (not specified); outcome: approved (3 yes).

- Legislative Delegation Resolution 24‑03 (recognition of Casey Cassandra Castro Cruz): moved by the floor leader; seconded (not specified); outcome: adopted (voice vote).

- Passage of House Local Bill 24‑7 (in form of Substitute 1): motion to pass moved by the floor leader; seconded by Senator Carl King Neighbors; amendments offered by Senator Carl King Neighbors were adopted; final vote: Senator Carl King Neighbors — yes; Representative Patrick Saint Nicholas — yes; Chairman Hauschneider — yes; outcome: approved.

Sources: statements and motions recorded in the legislative delegation transcript (governor communications 24‑04 and 24‑05; house communication 24‑03; senate communication 24‑02).