This was the most significant change the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation joint committee made during its meeting yesterday in the speaker’s conference room.
Casino proponents Rep. Froilan C. Tenorio, Covenant-Saipan, and Vice Speaker Felicidad T. Ogumoro, Covenant-Saipan, joined the members of the joint panel composed of Judiciary and Governmental Operations and Ways and Means as they finalized the new version of House Local Bill 17-44.
Rep. Stanley T. Torres, Ind.-Saipan and author of the bill, decided not to attend the meeting because he wanted to give the joint committee a freehand in reviewing his measure.
In an interview after the meeting, Tenorio said the minimum casino investment is $100 million.
He said he favors allowing the gaming commission to issue an exclusive license to any company willing to invest $300 million to $400 million on Saipan for 30 years or so.
He also favors allowing the governor to appoint commission members without the advice and consent of Saipan lawmakers.
Based on the draft bill, each gaming commissioner will serve a four-year term, receive a $50,000 annual salary, and “shall be a U.S. citizen and an eligible voter of the CNMI.”
The bill also requires that all travel by any of the commissioners will be subject to the approval of the Saipan lawmakers.
Delegation Chairman Ray A. Tebuteb, R-Saipan, in a separate interview said they have yet to schedule a session, but when the proponents are ready to recommend action on the gambling measure, he will ask them to submit a committee report.
The delegate is expected to pass the bill which the Senate believes is unconstitutional.
