All Roll Calls
Yes: 17 • No: 0
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)
Enacted
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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.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Vincent Raymond Seman Aldan
Independent • House
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
Senate vote • 2/13/2026
Senate Final Reading — Passed
Yes: 0 • No: 0
House vote • 3/11/2025
Roll call on HB 24-11
Yes: 17 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
PL 24-24
3/12/2026HouseSenate Final Reading — Passed
2/13/2026SenateHouse Final Reading — Passed
3/11/2025HouseHouse First Reading — Passed
3/11/2025HouseIntroduced
3/11/2025House
Bill Text
HB 24-11
3/11/2025
PL 24-24
3/11/2025
Related Bills
HB 24-108, To provide a Budget Plan of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands for Fiscal Year 2027 and make appropriations for the operations and activities of the Government of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, its agencies, instrumentalities, and independent programs, and to provide budget authority for government corporations; and for other purposes.
HLB 24-62, To appropriate $500,000.00 from revenues collected for the Third Senatorial District pursuant to Public Law 20-59; and for other purposes.
SB 24-48, Establish a Division of Customs and Biosecurity within the DOF
HB 24-84, To authorize the expenditure of $2,105,563.00 identified by the Governor as a surplus from Fiscal Year 2025 revenues that shall be appropriated by the Legislature to the Public School System and to the 25% Retirees’ Pension Obligation.
HB 24-74, To appropriate funds derived from trust interest income from the Marianas Public Land Trust towards payment of household allotments of Nutrition Assistance Program (NAP) benefits for November 2025.
HB 24-63, To amend Title 4 sections 1991 to 1995 relating to the 3% construction tax on gross revenues derived from certain non-residential construction projects and to enact a new section 1996 pertaining to Applicability; and for other purposes.