Office of the Senate President Twenty First Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature
SENATOR VICTOR BORJA HOCOG Senate President
MEMORANDUM
Date November 24, 2020
To All Members of the Senate
From
Subject 3rd Day, 4th Regular Session 2020 J
By the powers vested in me pursuant to the Constitution and the Official Rules of the Senate, this is to inform all members that the 3rd Day, 4th Regular Session, 2020 is scheduled for Tuesday, December O1 , 2020 at 1:00 p.m. in the Senate Chamber at the Jesus P. Mafnas Memorial Building, Capitol Hill, Saipan.
Your understanding and attendance is greatly appreciated.
cc: Speaker of the House, Rep. Blas Jonathan Attao Mr. Antonio Sablan, Director Legislative Bureau Ms. Antonette R. Villagomez, Senate Legal Counsel Mr. Jose A. Bermudes, Senate Legal Counsel Senate Sergeant-At-Arms (John & Ben) Ms. Keko Rosario, SAA Ms. Victoria Guerrero, SAPLR MCV Saipan Tribune Marianas Variety
Honorable Jesus P. Mafnas Memorial Building, Capitol Hill P.O. Box 500129 + Saipan, MP 96950 Tel. (670) 664-8807!9 • Fax. (670) 664-8810 • Email: senatorvbl1J [email protected] CJJie Senate NORTHERN MARIANAS COMMONWEALTH LEGISLATURE P.O. BOX 500129 SAIPAN, MP 96950
Dolores S. Bennudes, Senate Clerk Office of the Senate Clerk Telephone: (670) 664-8850 Facsimile: (670) 664-8849 [email protected] .mp
November 25, 2020
Pursuant to the Open Government Act (1 CMC §9901 et seq.), the Senate of the Twenty-First Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature will convene the following open and public meeting:
MEETING: 3rd Day, 4th Regular Session - 2020 DATE AND TIME: Tuesday, December 01, 2020 @ 1:00 p.m. LOCATION: Senate Chamber, Saipan
Copies of this notice and session agenda have been filed in the Office of the Senate Clerk, released to the media, and posted at the following locations:
Office of the Governor, Entrance Hall House of Representatives, Entrance Hall Senate, Entrance Hall Commonwealth Legislature website (www.cnmileg.gov.mp)
Pursuant to 1 CMC §9904, written comments on agenda items may be submitted to the Office of the Senate President, Hon. Jesus P. Mafnas Memorial Building, Capital Hill, Saipan, prior to the convening of the public hearing. Oral testimony may be presented during the public session. If you wish to present oral testimony please inform the Senate Clerk not later than 24 hours prior to the session. SF-1
November 25, 2020
'l:H!E SP.:N)f. ~ TWENTY-FIRST NORTHERN MARIANAS COMMONWEALTH LEGISLATURE FOURTH REGULAR SESSION - 2020
SESSION DAY CALENDAR DAY TIME
Tuesday, December 01 , 2020 1:00 p.m. SENATE CHAMBER, SAIPAN
ORDER OF BUSINESS
A MOMENT OF SILENT PRAYER
A. ROLL CALL
B. PUBLIC COMMENT:
C. READING AND APPROVAL OF THE JOURNAL:
I. SJ 21-23 I st Day, 4 th Regular Session - 08/28/20
2. SJ 21-24 I st Special, 4 th Regular Session - 09/ 18/20
3. SJ 21-25 2nd Special, 4 th Regular Session - 09/26/20
4. SJ21-26 1st Emergency Session - 09/30/20
D. MESSAGES FROM THE GOVERNOR:
I. Gov. Msg. No. 21-237: [Rec'd Sept. 17 2020] - Certification for annual salary in excess of S65,l 75.00 to Ms. Coleen D. St. Clair, AAG to receive $70,000.00 per annum.
2. Gov. Msg. No. 21-238: Sept. 17, 2020 - Executive Order No. 2020-20 - Renewing the authority of the Secretary of Finance to reprogram or transfer fu nds during COVID-19.
3. Gov. Msg. No. 21-239: Sept. 22, 2020 - Signed into law S.B. No. 21-67, SDI - To allow a member of the Commonwealth Election Commission to appear, attend, participate, and vote in an official meeting using a telephone, video, or other electronic means, becomes PUBLIC LAW NO. 21-33.
4. Gov. Msg. No. 21-240: Sept. 22, 2020 - Signed into law S.B. No. 21-68, SD2, HS I - To suspend certain CNMI election Jaws fo r the CNMI 2020 General Election to mitigate the public health risks due to the Covid-19 Pandemic; To adjust the early voting time and add more polling places; To extend the hours of ORDER OF BUSINESS TWENTY-FIRST- SENATE FOURTH REGULAR SESSION DECEMBER 01, 2020
operations for early voting and election day; To authorize curbside voting and procedures; To authorize the CEC to collect absentee ballots 7 days before the general election and 14 days after; To give the CEC flexibility to make changes to the election procedures if necessary to mitigate the public health risks due to the Covid-19 Pandemic; and for other purposes, becomes PUBLIC LAW NO. 21-34.
5. Gov. Msg. No. 21-241: Aug. 31, 2020 - Si1,,ncd into law H.B. No. 21-98, HS! - To authorize the Governor to enter into agreements to offset the Commonwealth judgment liabilities against the judgment creditors tax liability, becomes PUBLIC LAW NO. 21-32.
6. Gov. Msg. No. 21-242: Sept. 24, 2020 - Executive Order No. 2020-21 [To rescind Section 407 ofEO 94- 3 pertaining to the functions of the NMHC and its assignment to CDA and allowing for the NMHC to remain the successor agency to the Mariana Islands Housing Authority pursuant to PL 20-87]
7. Gov. Vlsg. No. 21-243: Oct. 01, 2020 - Signed into law H.B. No. 21-124, SD2, CCSl -To make appropriations for the operations and activities of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, its agencies, instrumentalities, and independent programs, and to provide budget authority for government corporations for Fiscal Year 2021; and for other purposes, becomes PUBLIC LAW NO. 21-35.
8. Gov. Msg. No. 21-244: Oct. 13, 2020 - H.B. No. 21-87, HS! - To allow the Department of Finance to establish fees by regulation and allow for temporary business licenses, becomes PUBLIC LAW NO. 21-36 without the Governor's signature.
9. Gov. Msg. No. 21-245: Oct. 16, 2020 - Nomination of Mr. Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero to serve as the Secretary of the Department of Community & Cultural Affairs.
10. Gov. Msg. No. 21-246: Oct. 16, 2020 - Nomination of Ms. Jocelyn King to serve on the Commonwealth Development Authority Board of Directors to represent the Second Senatorial District.
11. Gov. Msg. No. 21-247: Oct. 16, 2020 -Nomination of Mr. Eric Reyes to serve on the Northern Marianas Hosing Corporation Board of Directors to represent the Second Senatorial District.
12. Gov. Msg. No. 21-248: Oct. 05, 2020 - Nomination of Mr. Vinney Atalig-Hocog to serve on the NMHC Board of Directors to represent the First Senatorial District.
13. Gov. Msg. No. 21-249: [Rec'd 10/22/20] - Certification for annual salary in excess of S65,l 75.00 to Mr. Epiphanio Cabrera Jr., Grants Administrator to receive $90,000.00 per annum.
14. Gov. Msg. No. 21-250: Nov. 09, 2020 - Certification for annual salary in excess of $65,175.00 to Mr. Patrick John Guerrero, Public Assistance Office to receive $70,000.00 per annum.
15. Gov. Msg. No. 21-251: Nov. 11, 2020 - Appointment of Franklin R. Babauta as Representative for Election District 1 to the House of Representatives of the 21st Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature.
16. Gov. Msg. No. 21-252: Nov. 12, 2020 - Executive Order No. 2020-24-Renewal of Declaration [COVID- 19].
17. Gov. Msg. No. 21-253: Nov.25.2020 - Appointment of Kina B. Peter to serve as the Public Auditor for the government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands.
Page 2 ORDER OF BUSINESS TWENTY-FIRST- SENATE FOURTH REGULAR SESSION DECEMBER 01, 2020
E. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE JUDICIARY: (NONE)
F. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE HEADS OF EXECUTIVE DEPARTMENTS/AGENCIES:
1. Dept./Agencies Msg. No. 21-69: [Rec'd 9/17/20] - DOF regarding CNMI FY 2020 Bond Anticipation Note Financial Transaction.
2. Dept./Agencies Msg. No. 21-70: Oct. 29. 2020 - Commonwealth Casino Commission FY 2020 Citizen Centric Report.
3. Dept./Agencies Msg. No. 21-71: Oct. 29, 2020 -DPL FY 2020 Citizen Centric Report.
4. Dept.I Agencies Msg. No. 21-72: Oct. 28, 2020 - DPW FY 2020 TTIP Report.
5. Dept.IAgencies Msg. No. 21-73: Oct. 28, 2020 - CDA FY 2020 Citizen Centric Report.
6. Dept.IAgencies Msg. No. 21-74: Oct. 29, 2020 -MVA 4,h Quarter Report FY 2020.
7. Dept./Agencies Msg. No. 21-75: Oct. 30, 2020 - CUC 4th Quarter Report FY 2020 and Citizen Centric Report.
8. Dept.I Agencies Msg. No. 21-76: Oct. 30, 2020 -CNMI Bureau of Military Affairs Citizen Centric Report FY2016-2019.
G. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE HOUSE:
1. Hse. Comm. No. 21-178: Sept. 23, 2020 - Transmitting for Senate action H.B. No. 21-120, HD 1 - To amend 4 CMC §140l(d) to increase revenues by properly taxing tobacco products. [Referred to FA on 9/24/20]
2. Hse. Comm. '.'lo. 21-179: Sept. 23, 2020 - Transmitting for Senate action H.B. No. 21-127 - To provide that all government meetings may utilize internet or online video conferencing) teleconferencing, and other electronic means of communication to take actions and conduct official meetings. [Referred to JGL & FR on 9/24/20]
3. Hse. Comm. No. 21-180: Emergency Session on 9/30/20
4. Hse. Comm. No. 21-181: Oct. 02, 2020 -Informing the Senate on the adoption of CCR 21-1 - CNMI FY2021 Budget. [FORINFO.]
5. Hse. Comm. No. 21-182: Oct. 14, 2020 - Certified copy of H.R. No. 21-36 - Late Lydia Duenas Igitol. [FOR INFO.]
6. Hse. Comm. No. 21-183: Nov. 06, 2020 - From the Office of the Minority- House of Representatives to Governor Torres regarding vacancy in the House.
Page 3 . ORDER OF BUSINESS TWENTY-FIRST- SENATE FOURTH REGULAR SESSION DECEMBER 01, 2020
H. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE SENATE:
I. Sen. Comm. No. 21-167: Oct. 21. 2020- Senate conferees to HB 21-43. HD3. HSI. SDI -To amend 2 CMC §43104(a)(5) to provide proper eligibility for people who wish to avail of the village and agricultural homesteading programs under the Department of Public Lands; and for other purposes.
2. Sen. Comm. No. 21-168: Oct. 28, 2020 - Mayor of Saipan submitting to the Senate FY 2020 Citizen Centric Report FY 2020.
3. Sen. Comm. No. 21-169: Nov. 13. 2020 - Official EAGI referral of Mr. Joseph P. Deleon Guerrero to serve as the Secretary ofDCCA.
4. Sen. Comm. No. 21-170: Nov. 09, 2020- CaPFA cc to Senate President Hocog regarding the new power generation for Saipan.
I. COMMUNICATIONS FROM THE WASHINGTON DELEGATE: (NONE)
J. UNFINISHED BUSINESS:
K. PRE-FILED BILLS, INITIATIVES, LOCAL BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS:
1. Senate Bill No. 21-73: To clarify the expenditure authorities for the Special Agriculture Equipment Service Revolving Fund Accounts and the Fish and Game Conservation Accounts; and for other purposes. [SEN. JUDE U. HOFSCHNEIDER -10/09/20]
2. Senate Bill No. 21-74: To remove marijuana or THC from pre-employment and random testing by all government employers and the Office of Personnel Management with certain exceptions; and for other purposes. [SEN. JUDE U. HOFSCHNEIDER -11/05/20]
3. Senate Bill No. 21-75: To amend the percentage of recovery for the Commonwealth and the Office of Attorney General for prosecuting misuse of financial instnunents under 6 CMC § 1704. [SEN. VICTOR B. HOCOG]
L. INTRODUCTION OF BILLS, INITIATIVES, LOCAL BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS:
M. REPORTS OF STANDING COMMITTEES:
1. Standing Committee Report No. 21-110: From the Committee on Health, Education, and Welfare reporting on S.B. No. 21-40 - To establish a Behavioral Health Professional Scholarship; and for other purposes. [Recommends passages in the form ofSDl]
2. Standing Committee Report No. 21-111: From the Committee on Health, Education, and Welfare reporting on S.B. No. 21-66 -To amend I CMC § 2263 to require the Senate confirmation of the governor's appointee to fill a Board of Education vacancy. [Recommends passages in the form of SSl]
Page 4 ORDER OF BUSINESS TWENTY-FIRST- SENATE FOURTH REGULAR SESSION DECEMBER 01, 2020
N. REPORTS OF SPECIAL/CONFERENCE COMMITTEE: (NONE)
0. RESOLUTION CALENDAR:
P. BILL CALENDAR:
FINAL READING
impose a higher fee structure for the Department of Commerce, Office of the Registrar of Corporations; and for (See HC 21-62) other purposes
S.B. No. 21-56 To amend I CMC § 2893(d) to give the mayors of the First and Second Senatorial District authority to approve all OGM-SC programs and funding allotted to the First and Second Senatorial Districts; and for other purposes
S.B. No. 21-40, SDl To establish a Behavioral Health Professional Scholarship; and for other purposes (See SCRep. 21-110)
S.B. No. 21-66, SSl To amend l CMC § 2263 to require a special election to fill a Board of Education vacancy (See SCRep. 21-111)
H.B. No. 21-106, HSl To amend l CMC §20175 to include additional members to serve on the Planning and Development Advisory Council (See HC 21-171) (PDAC); and for other purposes
H.B. No. 21-31, HDl To allow Senatorial Districts to establish and regulate internet gaming; and for other purposes
Page 5 ORDER OF BUSINESS TWENTY-FIRST - SENATE FOURTH REGULAR SESSION DECEMBER 01, 2020
H.B. No. 21-11, HS1, SD1, To clarify the powers of the Commonwealth Casino Commission SD3 and to make needed changes to the Commonwealth Code given the unique regulatory oversight of the Casino Industry in the [TO RECALL] Commonwealth; and for other purposes
Q. ANNOUNCEMENTS:
R. ADJOURNMENT.
\l'l'I \I{\'\( I OI· ,1 '\ \ 11· I 0( \I BIi I"
LEG. NO.
NONE
The Senate may consider, debate, and/or act upon any item contained in this Order of Business at the time and place described herein.
Page 6 HOUSE BILL 21-31, HD1, SS1
/s/ John F. Cool House Legal Counsel
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