Rep. Rosemond B. Santos, R-Saipan and committee chairwoman, said the original public hearing schedule was set for June 14 but was moved to the 13th, a Friday, from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Six of the bills are legislative initiatives:
• House Legislative Initiative 16-1 which seeks to amend Article 4 of the Commonwealth Constitution to establish a commission on the judiciary and to establish that written opinions and decisions of the CNMI Superior Court and Supreme Court be issued within one year of submission of the case for opinion or decision;
• H.L.I 16-10, an initiative to amend Article 4, Section 5 of the Commonwealth Constitution to authorize the election of the chief justice and presiding judge by a majority of the justices and judges, respectively;
• H.L.I. 16-2, an initiative to change the CNMI Constitution to authorize the election of an attorney general;
• H.L.I. 16-6, an initiative to amend the CNMI Constitution to require the adoption of an annual budget;
• H.L.I. 16-7, an initiative to amend Article 2 of the CNMI Constitution to improve efficiency and accountability of the legislative branch of the government, and;
• H.L.I 16-11, an initiative to amend Article 3 of CNMI Constitution to prohibit the withdrawal of any funds from the general fund except by appropriations made by law.
A legislative initiative must be passed by three-fourths members of each house voting and present before it can be included on the ballot of the next general election.
During the hearing, residents will also be asked about their thoughts on House Joint Resolution 16-3 which puts the question of calling a constitutional convention before the voters of the CNMI.
House Bill 16-38, to convert certain government positions to civil service, is also up for discussion.
Rep. Tina Sablan’s legislation creating a five-year permit for qualified foreign workers will also be discussed.
Santos said those who wish to submit written testimony to the committee have until June 30.
Copies of the legislation may be obtained at her office or may be downloaded at cnmileg.gov.mp.
