THE Northern Marianas Commonwealth Legislature will remain open to carry out the duties and responsibilities of the legislative branch.
The presiding officers of the 22nd Legislature, House Speaker Edmund S. Villagomez and Senate President Jude U. Hofschneider jointly agreed that as a separate branch of government, the legislative branch is obligated to forge ahead with legislative matters of great importance to the Commonwealth. Despite the reoccurring declaration of the public health emergency by the executive branch, both houses of the Legislature continue to conduct legislative sessions, hearings, and meetings to deliberate on matters of health, education, commerce, infrastructure development, and public safety that are of significant importance to the wellbeing and safety of residents and visitors of the CNMI.
On Nov. 9, 2021 the legislative branch issued Legislative Covid Protocol Directive 2021-01 as a proactive measure to ensure the safety of the legislative members and staff, to include limiting public access into the legislative building as indicated under Section 2 of the Directive.
On Nov. 30, 2021, the presiding officers of the legislature extended Section 2 of Legislative Covid Protocol Directive 2021-01, until the end of December or until further notice, as amended on Dec. 6, 2021.
In line with the Legislative Covid Protocol Directive 2021-01, as amended:
• No person who is not a legislator, a legislative staff member or a Legislative Bureau employee shall enter the legislative building. As stated in the directive, an exemption is permitted to persons whose attendance is required and authorized at a legislative session, hearing, or meeting by the presiding officer of the respective chamber. An individual whose attendance is required may request to appear virtually through a written request provided 24 hours prior to the scheduled event to the presiding officers of the legislature, chairpersons of the legislative standing committees, or chairpersons of the legislative delegation, respectively.
• Delivery of items or correspondence to the legislative building are to be directed to the designated entrances of the House of Representatives or the Senate, respectively.
The general public is encouraged to be kept abreast of scheduled legislative sessions, hearings, and meetings made available to the viewing public on Channel 23 or broadcasted live on the NMCL Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cnmilegislature
To access the schedule of legislative events or proposed legislation of the 22nd NMCL, visit www.cnmileg.net
