By Agnes M. Abrau
Horizon news staff

The Olbiil Era Kelulau has transmitted to President Remengesau the bill that changes the composition of members for the Palau Public Lands Authority recently.
The bill, which was passed by both chambers of Congress, also seeks to amend the authority on public lands from the president to the PPLA Board of Trustees.
In Senate Bill 7-162, HD1, the composition of the PPLA board of trustees consists of seven members instead of 16 members under the current law. The president with the advice and consent of the Senate shall appoint the seven members. It also says that initial appointments shall be: three for a term of two years; four for a term of three years and each subsequent appointment shall be for a term of three years. Prior membership on the board shall not constitute disqualification for reappointment.
Other changes include the powers and duties for the authority. Among them are to have perpetual juridical existence; to receive and hold title to public lands in the Republic and national government land/public land situated in other jurisdictions, i.e. Guam and Hawaii.
The bill if approved also increases the compensation of each member of the board. $50-compensation is proposed for each day of attendance at an official board meeting, not to exceed 10 working days in one month. Under the current law, each member receives $15-compensation per attendance to the board meeting.
It is not known yet whether the president would sign the bill into law.