On Monday, Saipan Senator Manny Castro introduced Legislative Initiative 24-2, which proposes reducing the number of members in the CNMI bicameral legislature from 29 to 13, resulting in annual savings of approximately $1.8 million.
Currently, the Senate has nine members, with each senatorial district (Saipan & Northern Islands, Tinian, and Rota) represented by three senators. The House has 20 members, with 18 representing Saipan, one representing Tinian, and one representing Rota.
The proposal reduces the number of Senate seats to six and the number of House seats to seven.
Castro said the savings could be used to support the retirement fund, strengthen education and healthcare, workforce development, and small business recovery.
But the measure will need the approval of CNMI voters.
