Northern Mariana IslandsSB 24-0424th Northern Mariana Islands Legislature (2025-2026)SenateWALLET

to advance Chamorro & Carolinian language education in the CNMI

Sponsored By: Manny Gregory Tenorio Castro (Democratic)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Chamorro/Carolinian teacher certificate and pay floor

To teach Chamorro or Carolinian in PSS, teachers must hold a Chamorro/Carolinian Language and Culture Certificate. The State Board and Northern Marianas College create a 16‑week program and proficiency tests with local language offices. After completing the program and passing the tests, the Board issues the certificate; no bachelor's degree is required. Certified teachers must be paid at least Pay Level VI, Step 03 on the PSS salary schedule. This is in addition to regular PSS teacher rules.

Students must take Chamorro or Carolinian

The law requires all PSS middle schoolers and high schoolers to take one full year of Chamorro or Carolinian. Students must complete this year to be promoted from middle school and to graduate high school. PSS must offer at least two total years so students can keep learning after the first year. Beginning in the 2025–26 school year, these classes count toward the foreign language credit for graduation.

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Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Manny Gregory Tenorio Castro

    Democratic • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 0 • No: 0

House vote 12/22/2025

House Final Reading — Passed

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Senate vote 6/23/2025

Senate Final Reading — Passed

Yes: 0 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. PL 24-29

    3/20/2026Senate
  2. House Final Reading — Passed

    12/22/2025House
  3. Senate Final Reading — Passed

    6/23/2025Senate
  4. Senate First Reading — Passed

    6/23/2025Senate
  5. Senate Report Action — Approved

    6/23/2025Senate
  6. Introduced

    1/22/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • 24-04

    1/22/2025

  • A-24-08 on 6/23/25

    1/22/2025

  • PL 24-29

    1/22/2025

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