Northern Mariana IslandsHB 24-1124th Northern Mariana Islands Legislature (2025-2026)HouseWALLET

To provide greater authority to government transit buses owned and operated by the Commonwealth Office of Transit Authority (COTA); to establish traffic safety measures, enhance public engagement, ensure fiscal responsibility, and comply with existing CNMI laws and federal standards; and for other purposes.

Sponsored By: Vincent Raymond Seman Aldan (Independent)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Safer, more accessible COTA buses

All COTA buses must carry first aid kits and fire extinguishers. Buses must be wheelchair-accessible, and priority seats are reserved for seniors and people with disabilities. These steps improve rider safety and access.

Fine money tracked and audited for safety

Fines are deposited in the general fund and allocated to COTA and DPS safety subaccounts; spending needs a legislative appropriation. COTA and DPS must report each year on fine revenue, spending, and safety results. The Public Auditor audits these subaccounts yearly and publishes the findings.

More public voice in transit safety rules

COTA operates under guidance from the Public Transportation Advisory Board. DPS and COTA run joint safety and public education campaigns about the new traffic rules. Before major traffic rules take effect, agencies must hold public hearings and include the community’s feedback.

Cleaner buses and protected federal funding

COTA must ensure its buses meet CNMI environmental rules and prioritize electric or hybrid buses in new purchases. COTA must follow Federal Transit Administration requirements to keep federal grant eligibility. Twice a year, COTA reports to the Governor and Legislature on the progress of federally funded projects.

Drivers: no passing, yield to COTA buses

The law bans passing a stopped COTA bus on the side where people board or get off. You may pass in marked safety zones, or at traffic lights or with police direction, at up to 10 miles per hour. You must yield when a COTA bus signals with a flashing yield sign to reenter traffic. The Department of Public Safety enforces these rules with COTA. Fines are $50 to $250 per violation. You can appeal tickets in CNMI Traffic Court. These rules apply to COTA buses on fixed routes, shuttles, and demand-response services.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Vincent Raymond Seman Aldan

    Independent • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 2/13/2026

Senate Final Reading — Passed

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote 3/11/2025

House Final Reading — Passed

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. PL 24-24

    3/12/2026House
  2. Senate Final Reading — Passed

    2/13/2026Senate
  3. House Final Reading — Passed

    3/11/2025House
  4. House First Reading — Passed

    3/11/2025House
  5. Introduced

    3/11/2025House

Bill Text

  • HB 24-11

    3/11/2025

  • PL 24-24

    3/11/2025

Related Bills

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