He noted that the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation’s casino bill is now being introduced as a CNMI measure.
“I think the more participation, the better,” Inos said, referring to both houses of the Legislature.
He noted that the CNMI Constitution states that casino gaming can be legalized through an initiative ratified by two-thirds of a senatorial district’s voters or a commonwealth law passed by the Legislature.
Asked what’s going to happen with the local casino bill, H.L.B. 17-44, that is now on the governor’s desk, Inos said the administration still has 40 days to review it.
“Something must happen to the bill within 40 days,” he added without elaborating.
In separate interviews, casino proponents Vice Speaker Felicidad T. Ogumoro, Covenant-Saipan, and Rep. Stanley T. Torres, Ind.-Saipan, said H.L.B. 17-44 will be turned into a House bill.
There may be some minor changes when it is introduced, Torres said.
Ogumoro, who wants a provision in the gambling measure that gives people of Northern Marianas Descent the chance to operate a casino, said it does not matter what the changes will be as long as casino is allowed on Saipan.
The Senate rejected the casino bill the House passed last year. When the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation passed H.L.B. 17-44, the Senate threatened to challenge it in court, saying it is unconstitutional.
Gov. Benigno R. Fitial left the CNMI last week for Noumea, New Caledonia to submit the commonwealth’s bid to host the Pacific Mini-Games in 2017. He will be back on island on Sept. 7.
