Lawmakers convene for 4th regular session

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Lawmakers convened Monday this week for the 4th Regular Session of the 35th Legislature. The Senate and House convened in their respective chambers and the priority issue on the Fono’s agenda for this session is the final budget for fiscal year 2019, which commences on Oct. 1, 2018.

The ASG Budget Office early last month put out a budget call telling executive departments and agencies to keep their FY 2019 budget at the FY 2018 threshold ceiling.

Aside from the annual budget, there’s no indication yet of new proposed legislation the Administration plans to submit for Fono review and approval.

There are some pending Administration bills in the Fono, and one provides for a wide-range of regulations governing operations of money transfer businesses, under Money Services Business Regulatory Act legislation. Samoa News understands that one money transfer company has already shared with some lawmakers concerns over the bill.

Bills sponsored by lawmakers themselves are also pending in both the Senate and House.

Lawmakers are also expected to call committee hearings to discuss issues of importance to government and their constituents.