In an interview, Deleon Guerrero, R-Saipan, said the minority bloc wants to see the committee report.
There has to be a “cost-benefit analysis” in the report which he also expects to address the constitutionality of the local gambling bill.
“It may be a little while before that thing is acted on,” he said.
In a separate interview, Saipan and Northern Island Legislative Delegation Floor Leader Pete S. Reyes, R-Saipan, said if any piece of legislation backed by administration is good for the people, “and I know everyone has the heart for the people, then we need to work together and support something that is good for the people.”
Reyes, who is also the Senate floor leader, said “the party lines are crossed when the interest of the general public is concerned.”
Rep. Froilan C. Tenorio, one of the casino proponents, disclosed that the draft House Bill 17-44 has already been finalized.
He has not seen the committee report yet but he expects that it is going to be signed anytime soon.
If it becomes law, the bill will allow the awarding of five casino licenses, but each investment must be worth $100 million.
However, the gaming commission may allow an exclusive 10-year casino license to an applicant who deposits in advance an amount not less than $500 million to be credited toward future gross revenue tax payments for a period of 10 years.
The $100 million investment cap, the bill stated, “shall not apply to any casino that is owned collectively and operated by a chartered Northern Marianas Descent corporation.”
Members of the commission will be compensated at the rate of $50,000 a year.
