House approves $960,235.74 in tobacco-settlement funds for tourism "stabilization"; members press for clearer plan

The House adopted Conference Committee Report No. 24-5 and passed House Bill 24-96 SD1 CCS1, appropriating $960,235.74 in tobacco settlement funds identified by the governor for the Marianas Visitors Authority (MVA) to support tourism stabilization initiatives.

Floor leader moved for adoption. Representative John Paul Sablan, chair of the conferees, described the compromise and said the House reverted the intent to dedicate funds to the MVA for tourism stabilization. Sablan and other conferees noted that the conference returned the funds to the MVA rather than distributing the entire amount to individual senatorial districts.

Representative Rangammar (questioner) asked what the "stabilization initiatives" specifically include and whether the program is documented. In response the floor leader explained that a House communication (24-107, dated 06/03/2026) outlines proposed stabilizing measures and said the funds can be used to reserve airline seats and support air-transportation elements of the plan; he added the MVA must present a plan, and the board will approve or improve it before funds are spent. "The 960,000 is a fund that is kept in holding so that when we're ready to start mobilizing marketing initiatives and what have you, there's that extra," the floor leader said.

Several members raised concerns about procurement, limited heavy equipment for debris removal and broader structural issues that affect tourism recovery. Representative Aquino questioned whether the MVA's activities have produced new tourist attractions and urged focusing on tangible site improvements and enforcement to keep beaches and public spaces visitor-ready. Representative TJ Manglonia suggested small, immediate improvements — flags, markets and street-level attractions — that could increase appeal while larger strategies are developed.

The conference committee noted a compromise that added smaller allocations for senatorial districts and the legislature’s bureau; one speaker said the Senate had proposed certain amendments (including a legislative bureau allocation of $50,000) and the conferees worked to reconcile those changes. The clerk recorded a roll-call vote: all present members voted yes (vote recorded in the transcript). The House adopted the conference committee report.

The transcript record shows the appropriation amount, the designated recipient (MVA) and the expectation that a stabilization plan be presented to the board before disbursement. The session did not produce a floor-level implementation timetable beyond that described; committees and the MVA are responsible for next steps.