The Senate deserves much praise today for adopting new rules and procedures to ensure compliance with the Open Government Act and the will of the people.  The new rules and procedures will take effect on December 7, 2009 at midnight, which is when the amendment to the Open Government Act by popular initiative becomes effective.  Senate President Pete Reyes has also instructed the legal counsels to conduct a workshop for the staff of the Legislative Bureau to ensure the bureau's compliance with the law as well.   

 

The primary changes made to the Senate rules deal with public notice requirements for official meetings, public comments, and record keeping.  An official meeting is one conducted by a quorum of Senators present for a Senate session or a Senate committee meeting during which official action may be taken.  Informal conversations among legislators or between legislators and constituents are not considered official meetings subject to the Open Government Act.          

 

It is now up to the House to follow the Senate's example, and adopt new rules as well to ensure compliance with the new law by December 7.

 

The Senate resolution is attached. 

 

Thank you,

 

Tina Sablan

House of Representatives
16th CNMI Legislature
PO Box 500586
Saipan, MP 96950
Tel: (670) 664-8931
Cel: (670) 285-3935
Email: tinasablan@gmail.com or
rep.sablanc@cnmileg.gov.mp

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"The citizen can bring our political and governmental institutions back to life, make them responsive and accountable, and keep them honest. No one else can." -- John Gardner