In the Senate

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The House of Representatives bill, which sets the allowance of former governors at 60% of the current governor’s salary was approved in the Senate last week.

The bill outlines that the current law mandates that each former governor is entitled to a monetary allowance of 60 percent based on their salary when in office.

“However, with the fluctuating cost of living it is fitting for this allowance to reflect the current salary of the Governor; and it is proposed that these amendments are to be effective in the next administration in 2026.”

Each former Governor shall be entitled, for the remainder of his life, to receive from the American Samoa Government a monetary allowance at the rate per annum of 60% of his highest salary during his last year in office the current governor’s annual salary, payable monthly by the treasurer of American Samoa Government.

 “However, such allowance is not payable for any period during which such former Governor holds an appointive or elective office or position in or under the American Samoa Government or the Federal Government to which is attached a rate of pay other than a nominal rate.

“The surviving spouse of each former Governor shall be entitled to receive from the American Samoa Government a monetary allowance at the rate per annum of 30% of the former Governor’s highest salary during his last year in office, payable monthly by the Treasurer of the American Samoa Government.

“The monetary allowance of such surviving spouse; commences on the day after the former Governor dies; terminates on the last day of the month before such widow dies; or  remarries; and is not payable for any period during which such widow holds an appointive or elective office or position in or under the American Samoa Government or the Federal Government to which is attached a rate of pay other than a nominal rate.”

The term “former Governor” means a person: who, on or after January 1, 1978, shall have held the office of the Governor of the Territory of American Samoa for a full term of at least 4 years; whose service in such office shall have terminated other than by removal pursuant to A.S.C.A., 4.0109 of this chapter; and who does not then currently hold such office.

Funds shall be made available from the Office of the Governor’s budget.

AMENDMENT TO MARRIAGE BILL

A House of Representatives bill that amends the Marriage Ceremony bill was approved by the Senate before ending its session last week Saturday.

Earlier in the week, it was put forth for final approval by the Senators and was unanimously approved.

The bill seeks to remove the minimum 30-day requirement after issuance of a marriage license to conduct a marriage ceremony by authorized and ordained representatives.

The current law requires individuals to wait at least 30 days and not more than 90 days after the issuance of their marriage license before they are to be married. 

There is a clause that allows for the waiver of the 30-day waiting period however this clause requires the parties to apply to the Court for this waiver. 

 “This presents various problems for the general public; and individuals should not be required to wait 30 days prior to being married,” the bill reads.

 “Individuals should be allowed the flexibility, convenience and the freedom to marry as soon as their marriage license is approved; and there are numerous reasons why individuals may want to get married sooner than 30 days.

 “The couple may have a serious health condition that precludes them from waiting the minimum 30-day waiting period. 

 “The couple may already be pregnant and they wish to be married before their child is born so the child has both of their names on the child’s birth certificate.  Travel restrictions under COVID-19 have also shortened individuals’ time frames for getting married; and all Samoans are members of a larger family structure.

 “Our culture is communal in nature which means life-changing events, such as a marriage, are discussed with parents, grandparents, aunties, uncles, legal guardians, or other family member who has influence over the individuals who wish to marry. 

 “Couples will always receive counsel from their elders and from their ministers about the sanctity of marriage; and it is time for us to change with the times and simplify the process and procedures for our people to get married here in the territory. 

 “Removing the minimum waiting period of 30 days from the law will simplify and streamline the process.  Removing the minimum waiting period to encourage couples to get married,” according to the bill.