Delegation approves substitute for House Local Bill 24-60 amid debate over festival, veterans and athletics allocations

The local delegation adopted substitute House Local Bill 24-60 (S1) during its June 24, 2026 special session after extended member discussion about how the bill’s line items would be used. Representative Ralph Yumo introduced the bill to appropriate revenues pursuant to Public Law 20-59; the substitute was offered, discussed and ultimately approved by recorded vote with all 13 members present voting yes.

Why it matters: The substitute contains multiple small appropriations intended to support local events and organizations — including a $35,000 allotment referenced for Liberation Day activities, and $15,000 line items for the Saipan Little League, the CNMI Office of Veteran Affairs, and Northern Marianas Athletics. Several members pressed for clarity because the substitute did not specify what each allotment would fund.

Key points raised: Representative Marissa Flores said she received the substitute amendment the morning of the session and sought detail on how funds to the Northern Islands mayor’s office, the Saipan Little League, the veterans’ office and athletics organizations would be used. Flores suggested reprogramming previously appropriated Flame Tree Arts Festival funds (she cited a prior $65,000 appropriation) toward road repairs or constituent needs in precincts that continue to experience power outages and flooding. Representative Danny Aino proposed shifting portions of the funding among mayoral offices so Liberation Day activities could be extended beyond two days.

Unresolved specifics: Members repeatedly requested purpose statements and documentation for the Northern Islands mayor’s allotment and for the athletics and veterans line items; the record shows no detailed expenditure plans were provided on the floor. The chair directed staff to collect the communications referenced during debate and to provide them to members for review.

Procedure and outcome: The delegation approved the substitute (24-60 S1) and then the main motion; the clerk recorded a unanimous 13–0 vote of members present. Members asked administration staff and relevant agencies to follow up with clearer budgets and use statements for the itemized allotments.

What comes next: The substitute passed the delegation; members requested administrative follow-up and documentation on the specific purposes of each $15,000 line item and the $35,000 Liberation Day allocation. No specific reporting deadline or binding reprogramming instruction was set during the session.