Under the CNMI Youth Congress Reorganization Act of 2008, or Public Law 16-23, that Gov. Benigno R. Fitial signed on Nov. 17, the Youth Congress will have five members from Saipan representing each precinct, while Tinian and Rota will each have one member.
Each private and public high school with a student population of 20 or more and want to participate will have one youth senator.
Each participating private and public high schools with over 300 students will have one additional member while Northern Marianas College will have three.
The Youth Congress election will be held on the third Monday in October of each year.
The elected members of the Youth Congress will hold sessions every three months on the third Saturday of the month, exclusive of holidays, commencing the third Saturday in November.
Additional sessions will be allowed for less than three days from June 1 to August 15 of each year.
Vice Speaker Joseph Deleon Guerrero and fellow Saipan Republican Rep. Ralph DLG. Torres sponsored House Bill 16-144 that is now P.L. 16-23.
The bill said some sectors are disproportionately represented because of the language of the law that created the Youth Congress.
For instance, the bill noted, each public high school on Saipan, which have about over 700 students, only have one youth senator.
“Precincts 1 and 3 are allotted three seats regardless of the population of their constituents and registered voters. The Youth Congress aims to maximize efficiency regarding the representation and participation of their constituents,” the bill stated.
