Saipan Independent Rep. Tina Sablan, who led the campaign for the initiative’s ratification, commended the Senate for its action.
“The Senate deserves much praise for adopting new rules and procedures to ensure compliance with the Open Government Act and the will of the people,” she said.
“Senate President Pete P. Reyes has also instructed the legal counsels to conduct a workshop for the staff of the Legislative Bureau to ensure the bureau’s compliance with the law as well,” she added.
The new Senate rules state that regular and special sessions will be open and public with proper notice before they are held.
Special meetings are allowed provided there’s at least 24 hours proper notice before they are held.
Notice can be made through personal delivery, fax, mail, by electronic means or a written notice to each member of the Senate or committee or through publication in local newspaper, local radio, television or cable station.
“An official meeting is one conducted by a quorum of senators present for a Senate session or a Senate committee meeting during which official action may be taken,” said Sablan.
“The primary changes made to the Senate rules deal with public notice requirements for official meetings, public comments, and record-keeping.”
