(DPL) — The Department of Public Lands has issued a formal and strongly worded objection to Senate Bill 24-18, asserting that the legislation would severely undermine the department’s ability to manage public lands and fulfill its fiduciary responsibilities to the Marianas Public Land Trust.
In a detailed four-page letter dated March 12, 2025, DPL Secretary Teresita A. Santos outlined the department’s concerns, highlighting key provisions that DPL believes are unconstitutional and detrimental to the long-term interests of the Commonwealth.
Key objections to S.B. 24-18
• Budgetary Control: DPL vehemently opposes the proposed requirement for legislative approval of its annual budget, citing the potential for legislative overreach and infringement on the department’s executive authority. DPL emphasizes that this provision directly contradicts established legal precedent and could cripple its ability to effectively manage public lands and generate revenue for MPLT.
• Misuse of Trust Funds: DPL rejects the proposed mandate to use public land lease revenues for homestead road, power, and water infrastructure. The department asserts that these revenues are trust funds dedicated to the benefit of people of Northern Marianas descent through MPLT, as affirmed by the CNMI Supreme Court. Diverting these funds for infrastructure projects without a constitutional amendment or the abolishment of MPLT is deemed illegal and a violation of the trust.
• Homestead Program Funding: DPL objects to the broad inclusion of “homestead program development expenses” if it encompasses infrastructure costs. While DPL acknowledges its responsibility for direct program implementation expenses, it firmly opposes any attempt to use trust funds for infrastructure development without proper legal authorization.
• Excessive Reporting Requirements: DPL views the proposed quarterly revenue and expenditure reporting mandate as an undue burden and an intrusion on its executive functions. The department argues that this provision singles out DPL, creating an unnecessary administrative burden and hindering its operational efficiency.
Call for referendum
Given the significant legal and constitutional implications of S.B. 24-18, DPL urges proponents of the legislation to introduce it as a Senate legislative initiative, allowing the electorate to directly decide its fate.
“The Department of Public Lands is steadfast in its commitment to the responsible stewardship of public lands for the benefit of all citizens and the Marianas Public Land Trust,” stated Secretary Santos. “Senate Bill 24-18, in its current form, poses a grave threat to this commitment and would compromise the department’s ability to fulfill its vital role.”
