CNMI Senate unanimously confirms two executive reappointments, passes bills funding Cannabis Commission and Next Gen 911

SAIPAN — The Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands Senate met in a first-day special session on April 7, 2026, and by unanimous votes confirmed two executive reappointments and passed two House bills affecting public administration and emergency communications.

Senators voted to adopt Standing Committee Report 24-73, reappointing Raymond M. Muña to the Civil Service Commission representing the third senatorial district. Senator Francisco Q. Cruz, chair of the Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations, said the committee "respectfully recommends the confirmation of Mr. Muña" after reviewing written and oral testimony and required documents; the committee recorded four oral testimonies in support and one written submission in support and noted several recommendations for the appointee to address if confirmed. The clerk recorded eight members voting yes; the report was adopted, officially reappointing Muña.

The Senate also adopted Standing Committee Report 24-74, reappointing Oscar Patrick Quitugua to the Commonwealth Public Utilities Commission for the first senatorial district. Senator Cruz said the committee reviewed credentials and testimonies, noting four oral testimonies in support (two hard-copy submissions) and no written opposition; the committee recommended confirmation in accordance with 4 CMC §8403. The clerk recorded eight yes votes and the reappointment was approved.

On the bill calendar the Senate passed House Bill 24-30 SD1, which appropriates funds from accounts 1501B and 1501S to support the operational and personnel needs of the CNMI Cannabis Commission and directs the Secretary of Finance to establish and maintain a separate sub-account within the Cannabis Tax Account to reserve designated shares. The floor leader moved for passage; the clerk called the roll and all eight members present voted yes, and the measure "hereby passes the Senate." The transcript records the bill title and the vote but does not specify subsequent steps in the enactment process.

The chamber also passed House Bill 24-49 to establish the CNMI Next Gen 911 telephone communications system. The motion for passage was seconded, the roll was called, and all eight members present voted in favor; the bill "hereby passes the Senate" according to the clerk’s announcement.

Jean Paul B. Regis, special assistant for the administration, addressed the Senate during public comment on behalf of Governor David M. Apatang and Lieutenant Governor Dennis J. Seamindiola to thank senators and the Committee on Executive Appointments and Government Investigations for evaluating the administration’s nominees and to note those reappointments were under consideration.

The session also adopted several condolence and commemorative resolutions recognizing public figures; these were passed by voice vote. The Senate adjourned at 11:48 a.m.

What the record shows: Standing Committee Report 24-73 (Muña) cites a public hearing held March 12, 2026, at the Jesus P. Mafnas Memorial Building and relies on four oral testimonies and one written testimony in support; Standing Committee Report 24-74 (Quitugua) references a hearing at the Rota Mayor’s Conference Hall and records four oral testimonies in support with two hard-copy submissions. The transcript lists the statutes cited by the committee reports (1 CMC §6102 for Muña and 4 CMC §8403 for Quitugua).