The draft, which the House legal counsels and the delegation have yet to review and finalize, will ask the Supreme Court if the Saipan lawmakers can enact a law that allows gambling in the third senatorial district.
House Minority Leader Diego T. Benavente, said he would not object to the certified question. But he said the delegation needs to adopt a resolution allowing its legal counsel to file the certified question with the high court.
He said there has to be a disagreement among the delegation members in order for them to file the certified question.
He noted that the House minority bloc can and should question the constitutionality of the Saipan casino bill.
Benavente also believes that the Supreme Court’s response to the certified question will set a precedent in settling future disputes regarding local laws.
The Senate recently adopted a resolution authorizing its legal counsel to file a lawsuit against the delegation if the local gambling law is enacted.
Variety learned that the Senate recommended the filing of a certified question so it does not have to go through a more costly lawsuit.
