The CNMI Youth Congress on a first-day, second-regular session introduced Youth Congress Bill 20-1 to establish the Prinimete and Akapa as the official pledge of allegiance to the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands flag, Floor leader Flora said.

Flora said the bill would honor “both the official languages and cultures of our commonwealth and for other purposes,” and invited cosponsors when she delivered the measure to the chamber. The bill was formally referred to the Committee on Education, a chamber announcement shows.

“Of course, we have the 2, our 2 native languages and to honor our flag,” Flora said when introducing the measure. She later told the chamber that the Committee on Education would move the bill forward quickly and hold meetings with stakeholders: “expect the committee meeting very, very soon and meetings with stakeholders.”

No formal committee hearing date was announced on the record, and the Youth Congress did not vote on the bill during the session. The floor leader stated only that the measure had been introduced and referred to committee; she welcomed additional cosponsors.

Next steps for Bill 20-1 are a Committee on Education referral process and stakeholder consultations; the committee will set a hearing or meeting date to consider the measure.