By Emmanuel T. Erediano
emmanuel@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
SENATORS Jude U. Hofschneider and Paul A. Manglona co-authored Senate Bill 24-47, which proposes to require all contractors to be licensed in the CNMI, “to provide equal opportunities and accountability, and to provide the construction workforce with necessary financial assistance for training.”
Noting that the CNMI does not currently have contractor licensing laws or regulations, the senators said that if a contractor or client commits an act detrimental to either party, there are no rules in place to assess or mitigate the situation.
“Contractor licensing laws are highly necessary to protect both contractors and customers from any negative actions committed by either party,” Hofschneider and Manglona said. As a U.S. territory, they added, it is imperative for the CNMI to implement such laws to govern contractors and provide accountability in their day-to-day operations.
Senate Bill 24-47 seeks to create a Contractors License Board composed of seven members: two appointed by the governor from the construction industry, three from the general public, the Revenue and Taxation director, and the secretary of the Department of Public Works as ex-officio members. Their compensation would be $50 for each meeting attended, provided that no member receives more than $100 per month.
The bill also requires the board to hire an executive director.
The Contractors License Board would have the authority to grant licenses to contractors; make, amend, or repeal rules and regulations; enforce the rules and regulations; suspend or revoke licenses; and publish and distribute pamphlets and circulars containing information about the board’s activities and accomplishments.
