Business leaders back Magofna bills to attract investment; Senate places trade and investment bills on calendar
February 14, 2025 | Senate, Northern Mariana Legislative Sessions, Northern Mariana Islands
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Business representatives told the Senate on Feb. 14 that three bills introduced by Senator Karina Magofna could help attract U.S. companies and diversify the Commonwealth economy.
Vin Armani, founder of Badger LLC and president of the Trade Council of the Marianas, told senators he supports SB24-15, SB24-16 and SB24-17 and asked the Senate to bring them to the floor rather than send them to committee so they can be voted on quickly. Joshua Cook, vice president of the Trade Council, also spoke in support, saying minor statutory and regulatory changes in the bills would remove “crucial bottlenecks” and help businesses establish operations in the CNMI.
Senator Magofna formally introduced the package during the bill-introduction portion of the session. The Senate later adopted motions to place SB24-15, SB24-16 and SB24-17 on the bill calendar. On the floor, the motions to place those bills were made and seconded; the Senate placed SB24-15 and SB24-16 on the calendar "not for action." SB24-17 was also placed on the calendar; the record shows it was ultimately placed as "not for action." The floor-level record indicates the Senate did not vote on the bills themselves that day.
Supporters said the bills are narrowly targeted: SB24-15 addresses incorporation filing numbers and public searchability; SB24-16 aims to promote trade and investment by creating exemptions and incentives for certain activities; and SB24-17 would rename the Commonwealth Free Trade Zone Authority to better attract knowledge- and technology-based businesses. In public comments, Vin Armani and Joshua Cook said the changes would make it easier for businesses to open bank accounts, qualify for incentives, and base operations in the CNMI, bringing jobs and tax revenue.
Senator Magofna asked that some bills be placed for immediate floor action; the motions ultimately on the record show the bills were placed on the calendar with the status "not for action," per floor motions. The session transcript records no legislative debate on the merits of the bills that resulted in an immediate floor vote on Feb. 14.
Vin Armani, founder of Badger LLC and president of the Trade Council of the Marianas, told senators he supports SB24-15, SB24-16 and SB24-17 and asked the Senate to bring them to the floor rather than send them to committee so they can be voted on quickly. Joshua Cook, vice president of the Trade Council, also spoke in support, saying minor statutory and regulatory changes in the bills would remove “crucial bottlenecks” and help businesses establish operations in the CNMI.
Senator Magofna formally introduced the package during the bill-introduction portion of the session. The Senate later adopted motions to place SB24-15, SB24-16 and SB24-17 on the bill calendar. On the floor, the motions to place those bills were made and seconded; the Senate placed SB24-15 and SB24-16 on the calendar "not for action." SB24-17 was also placed on the calendar; the record shows it was ultimately placed as "not for action." The floor-level record indicates the Senate did not vote on the bills themselves that day.
Supporters said the bills are narrowly targeted: SB24-15 addresses incorporation filing numbers and public searchability; SB24-16 aims to promote trade and investment by creating exemptions and incentives for certain activities; and SB24-17 would rename the Commonwealth Free Trade Zone Authority to better attract knowledge- and technology-based businesses. In public comments, Vin Armani and Joshua Cook said the changes would make it easier for businesses to open bank accounts, qualify for incentives, and base operations in the CNMI, bringing jobs and tax revenue.
Senator Magofna asked that some bills be placed for immediate floor action; the motions ultimately on the record show the bills were placed on the calendar with the status "not for action," per floor motions. The session transcript records no legislative debate on the merits of the bills that resulted in an immediate floor vote on Feb. 14.
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