The fiscal year 2020 budget law indicates that the “number of personnel” or NOP at the AG’s office is 55 with a budget of $2.185 million of which $2.085 million is for personnel.
In its citizen-centric report submitted to the Office of the Public Auditor, the AG’s office said it also implemented a 64-hour work schedule.
Nevertheless, the AG’s office said it was able to provide legal guidance to two newly created government agencies: the Commonwealth Cannabis Commission and the Northern Marianas Technical Institute.
The AG’s office said it also provided legal guidance to the Commonwealth’s response to the global Covid-19 pandemic in the implementation of emergency services; resolved 14 contested litigation and administrative matters; and made a presentation at a continuing legal education event organized by the U.S. District Court on “Challenges for the Prosecution.”
In addition, the AG’s office said it drafted and updated proposed legislation regarding the Commonwealth’s election laws and numerous criminal laws while improving and modernizing the Office of the AG’s case management system to ensure accuracy and increase efficiency of the database and bring up to date its Disaster & Emergency Response Manual.
Looking forward, the AG’s office outlined its key initiatives for 2021 to include the following:
- Continue to provide legal advice and guidance to the executive branch, departments and agencies and to represent the Commonwealth in the trial court and on matters currently on appeal.
- Focus on illegal business practices that hurt consumers and businesses; implement consumer awareness programs and investigate consumer complaints.
- Continue to promote and ensure an open and transparent government.
- Continue to work on new procurement regulations for the government and provide training to agencies.
- Continue to explore solutions to mental health issues in the criminal justice system.
- Continue to collaborate with other jurisdictions to expand resource activities to combat illegal drugs and criminal activity in the CNMI.
