The Tinian/Talaga Legislative Delegation voted unanimously to pass House Local Bill 24-31 in draft 1, authorizing an appropriation of $12,500 related to the Tinian Casino Gaming Control Commission and mayoral accounts.

House Local Bill 24-31 was introduced on the floor "to appropriate $12,500 for the personnel and operation of [the] Casino Gaming Commission," the sponsor said. The floor leader moved to suspend rules to place the bill on the calendar, and the motion to suspend was approved by roll call.

Senator Carl King Neighbors, speaking as legislative secretary/president, offered floor amendments that revised the bill’s language and allocations. "I'm striking out 'and for other purposes, inclusive' and we're including the language and other needs of the municipality," Neighbors said. He also read replacement language directing funding to the mayor's discretionary account, the Tinian mayor's operations, and continued support for the operations and personnel of the Tinian Casino Gaming Control Commission.

The chair put the amendment to a voice vote; members said "aye," and the chair announced the amendment carries. Clerk-conducted roll call for final passage recorded four 'yes' votes and no opposition; the delegation passed House Local Bill 24-31 in draft 1 form.

Senator Neighbors earlier noted the $12,500 appropriation "might be one of the lowest appropriations in CNMI's history as a delegation," and urged lawmakers to consider the difficulties facing Tinian residents when crafting future appropriations.

There were no recorded amendments beyond the floor changes offered by Neighbors, and no requests for referral or further study. The bill passed and the delegation adjourned subject to the chair’s call.