SAIPAN — Governor David M. Apatang on Friday signed House Bill 24-62, D1 into law, appropriating $1,571,460.12 from Third Senatorial District revenues, with $991,460.12 dedicated to the NMI Settlement Fund’s 25 percent retiree pension payment.
The measure, now Saipan Local Law No. 24-31, was enacted pursuant to Public Law 20-59. Beyond the pension funding, it provides $400,000 to the Commonwealth Election Commission to address a funding shortfall for the upcoming 2026 General Election, $63,000 to the CNMI Scholarship and Financial Assistance Office for operations, $37,000 to CNMI Arts & Culture for Matching and Pacific Jurisdiction Artist Funds grant distribution requirements, $35,000 to the Office of Carolinian Affairs, $35,000 to the Indigenous Affairs Office and $10,000 to Chamolinian Cultural Village, Inc.
“Our retirees have devoted many years of their lives to serving our people and building a stronger Commonwealth. This measure also provides critical support for our elections, cultural programs, scholarship services, and offices that serve our communities,” Apatang said, thanking the Saipan and Northern Islands Legislative Delegation, Chairman John Paul P. Sablan and the Legislature. “We will continue working together to support our people and honor the service and sacrifices of those who came before us.”
Sablan and Congressman Blas Jonathan “BJ” Attao joined the governor for the signing.
