JGO committee adopts, tables and files bills; moves House bills for amendment
January 16, 2026 | House, Northern Mariana Legislative Sessions, Northern Mariana Islands
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The House Committee on Judiciary and Government Operations concluded a full agenda on Jan. 16, taking formal action on multiple bills and communications.
Procedural actions: the committee adopted the meeting agenda at the start of the session. It then adopted a committee report recommending approval of Judicial Branch Communication 24‑8 (the proposed confidentiality amendment to the NMI attorney‑discipline rules). Later actions included filing Senate Bill 24‑11 (Senate Draft 1) addressing regulation of off‑road vehicles (ATVs/UTVs) after members asked DPS and DPW to help set vehicle standards, tabling Senate Bill 24‑13 (whistleblower protections) because of fiscal‑impact concerns, and adopting a committee report recommending passage of Senate Bill 24‑21 to amend vehicle‑transfer notice requirements (9 CMC amendment).
On House measures, the committee discussed several author requests and agency comments. Members directed staff to prepare House Draft 1 amendments to House Bill 24‑67 (a proposed data/dashboard act) to adjust fiscal timing and add a timeline for rule promulgation. House Bill 24‑62 (Uniform Electronic Transactions Act) was approved by committee for passage and will be forwarded to the full House. House Bill 24‑78 (digital‑asset regulation) and other bills were tabled pending agency feedback and further drafting.
Votes were carried on voice without roll‑call tallies for committee motions (minutes record 'ayes' and 'motion carries'). The chair said the committee will reconvene within two weeks to continue work on outstanding items and asked members to remain on island for follow‑up meetings.
Procedural actions: the committee adopted the meeting agenda at the start of the session. It then adopted a committee report recommending approval of Judicial Branch Communication 24‑8 (the proposed confidentiality amendment to the NMI attorney‑discipline rules). Later actions included filing Senate Bill 24‑11 (Senate Draft 1) addressing regulation of off‑road vehicles (ATVs/UTVs) after members asked DPS and DPW to help set vehicle standards, tabling Senate Bill 24‑13 (whistleblower protections) because of fiscal‑impact concerns, and adopting a committee report recommending passage of Senate Bill 24‑21 to amend vehicle‑transfer notice requirements (9 CMC amendment).
On House measures, the committee discussed several author requests and agency comments. Members directed staff to prepare House Draft 1 amendments to House Bill 24‑67 (a proposed data/dashboard act) to adjust fiscal timing and add a timeline for rule promulgation. House Bill 24‑62 (Uniform Electronic Transactions Act) was approved by committee for passage and will be forwarded to the full House. House Bill 24‑78 (digital‑asset regulation) and other bills were tabled pending agency feedback and further drafting.
Votes were carried on voice without roll‑call tallies for committee motions (minutes record 'ayes' and 'motion carries'). The chair said the committee will reconvene within two weeks to continue work on outstanding items and asked members to remain on island for follow‑up meetings.
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