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Senate unanimously passes bill creating Division of Customs and Biosecurity
Summary
On May 1 the Senate passed Senate Bill 24-48 to consolidate customs and biosecurity functions under the Department of Finance, a move supporters said will strengthen border enforcement and help guard against invasive species and post-typhoon risks. Supporters urged swift interagency coordination; the vote was unanimous.
The Senate on May 1 passed Senate Bill 24-48 to establish a Division of Customs and Biosecurity within the Department of Finance, consolidating inspection, clearance and enforcement responsibilities at the commonwealth’s ports of entry.
Supporters said the bill will modernize fragmented border operations and give officials greater authority to enforce customs and biosecurity rules. "This bill provides the structure, pay adjustments, and leadership clarity required to retain our best talent," Senator Jude Hauschneider, the bill's author, said, urging members to endorse the measure so it can proceed to further consideration.
Representatives of frontline agencies told the Senate the consolidation is urgent after super typhoon damage. "This funding and authority gives us the tools to stabilize flights, support our airline partners, and protect visitor arrival that keep our economy moving," Warren Veil Gomez, board chair of the Marianas Visitors Authority, said during public comment in support of related recovery measures. James Leon Guerrero, representing the Division of Customs and Biosecurity, said the agency had activated emergency support functions and is coordinating with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service; he warned that post-storm debris and cargo movement risk spreading invasive species and said the bill will allow cross-training and fines for repeat offenders.
Gilbert Pua, a seaport frontliner, urged lawmakers to approve the bill as a way to create a unified border force and to designate personnel to enforce excise, controlled-substance and weapons laws. "By designating this personnel as law enforcement officers, this bill grants them the necessary authority to enforce the ... laws with the rigor our citizens deserve," Pua said.
The floor leader moved adoption of the committee report recommending passage; the clerk recorded all eight senators voting yes. The Senate adopted the committee report and, on third reading, passed Senate Bill 24-48 unanimously. Supporters said they hope the measure will be considered by the House next.
The bill, as explained on the floor, assigns responsibility for inspection and clearance of containers, cargo and baggage at ports of entry and creates reporting and operational authority under the Department of Finance. The Senate did not discuss a specific effective date during the session.
The Senate session record shows the bill passed the Senate by an 8-0 vote; the bill received testimony from multiple agencies and MVA representatives during public comment.
