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Conference committee approves HB 24-96, directs $960,235.74 to tourism stabilization
Summary
A joint House-Senate conference committee on HB 24-96 approved a substitute to allocate $960,235.74 in tobacco settlement funds to tourism stabilization through the Marianas Visitors Authority, including $70,000 each for the first and second senatorial districts and $50,000 for the legislative bureau; the committee directed that the committee report clarify that the $70,000 may subsidize airline seats.
A joint House–Senate conference committee approved a substitute for House Bill 24-96 (Senate Draft 1) that directs $960,235.74 in tobacco settlement funds to tourism stabilization efforts overseen by the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA).
Chairman Jude offered the substitute, which reverts the measure to the House version and specifies that the funds be allocated to the MVA for “tourism stabilization” and that expenditure authority rest with the chair of the MVA board. The substitute sets aside $70,000 each for the first and second senatorial districts and $50,000 for the legislative bureau, and it states the funds are “without fiscal year limitation.”
The committee debated what “stabilization” means in practice. Senator Frank Cruz asked for specificity about allowable uses, saying the language was “very broad” and asking what deliverables the committee should expect. The vice chair responded that broad wording preserves flexibility but recommended that the committee report explicitly state the amendment’s intent: that the $70,000 allocations for the first and second senatorial districts can be used to subsidize airline seats to increase service and reduce travel costs.
Representative Marica Flores said the allocation would help outer islands, including Roa and Tinian, and urged allowing the MVA and local stakeholders to tailor incentives and discounts to each island’s needs. “This effort demonstrates that the intent stays at stabilization,” Flores said, urging inclusion of the board director in follow-up conversations about program design.
A committee member identified as Mr. German described encountering visitors deterred by high airfares and voiced support for subsidizing air transportation to make travel more affordable.
Miss Camille then called the roll for the House conferees. Representatives Bloss Jonathan BJT atal, Ralph N. Yumo and John Paul P. Sublan voted in the affirmative, and the House conferees approved the substitute. Deon called the Senate roll; Senators Francisco Q. Cruz, Donald M. Mr., and Jude U. Hoff Schneider voted yes and the Senate conferees likewise approved the amendment. With both conferees agreeing, the conference committee passed House Bill 24-96 (CCS1).
The committee directed staff to reflect in the committee report that the $70,000 allocations for the first and second senatorial districts are intended to be available to subsidize the cost of seats/airfare, so that the Marianas Visitors Authority’s use of funds is consistent with the committee’s intent. The conference committee then adjourned.
Next steps: the conference committee’s approved substitute will be reflected in the committee report and transmitted according to the legislature’s standard procedures.
