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LEARN MORE ABOUT S.B. NO. 39-08: IMPEACHMENT
PUBLIC HEARING: MARCH 14, 2025. 8:30 AM
Welcome to the Senate Document Tracker
The American Samoa Senate collection of bills and resolutions, are valued by researchers and students because it serves as a rich source for the study of local and national history, Pacific regional issues, political science theory and public policy. As we continue to build out this feature we ask for your patience and continued support.
39th Legislature Session 1 Document Tracker
Senate Bill
March 11, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced):
3/11/2025. Assigned to Hon. Togiola T.A. Tulafono.
UPDATE:

EXECUTIVE - IMPEACHMENT
TITLE:
This bill aims to ensure the integrity and accountability of public officials by providing precise and comprehensive language in the provisions governing impeachment, thereby upholding public trust and maintaining the rule of law.
SUMMARY:
Senate Bill
March 8, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced):
3/10/2025. Assigned to Hon. Togiola T.A. Tulafono.
UPDATE:

EXECUTIVE - TERM OF OFFICE - AMENDING OFFICIAL DATE OF SWEARING-IN
TITLE:
This bill aims to amend the statutory provisions governing the inauguration of the Governor and Lieutenant Governor of American Samoa's official date of their swearing-in and ensuring a seamless transition of Executive authority.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
March 6, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced):
3/6/2025 by Hon. Olo. First Reading Passed 3/6/2025.
UPDATE:

COMMENDATION - COMMENDING TAVITA L. PRITCHARD JR. FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN COACHING PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL FOR THE NFL, WASHINGTON COMMANDERS.
TITLE:
Senate resolution commends a Son of Samoa, Tavita Liumotumotuaanaileafi Pritchard Jr. for his remarkable career as an athlete of American Samoa ancestry and a Professional Coach of the National Football League (NFL).
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
March 4, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced):
3/4/2025. 03/06/2025 Hearing. Assigned to Hon. Togiola. 03/7/2025 Vote: 17 Yay - 0 Nay (1 Absent). 2nd Reading Passed.
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION-DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF PROCUREMENT
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor’s appointment of Mr. Frederick Unasa Ledoux as Chief of Procurement Officer.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
March 4, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced):
3/4/2025. 03/06/2025 Hearing. Assigned to Hon. Utu. Passed 17 Yay - 0 Nay (1 absent)
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION-DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF PROGRAM PLANNING AND BUDGET DEVELOPMENT
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor's appointment of Mrs. Sesula Fepulea'i McMoore-Tufele as Director of the Office of Program Planning and Budget Development (Budget Office).
SUMMARY:
Senate Bill
February 19, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced):
2/19/2025. Assigned to Sen. Tuialuuluu. Senate Committee Hearing 2/24/2025. 2nd Reading pending amendments from Senate Committee Hearing. 03/03/2025 Passed 2nd Reading. 03/04/2025 3rd Reading, Passed. 17 Yea - 0 Nay (1 Absent).
UPDATE:

GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES - GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEE'S RETIREMENT FUND-INVESTMENTS OF RESERVES EXCEEDING CURRENT REQUIREMENTS
TITLE:
This bill amends the investments of reserves exceeding current requirements to allow ASGERF to invest monies locally without unnecessary restrictions.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
February 19, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced): 02/19/2025. Assigned to Sen' Tuialuuluu. Senate Confirmation Hearing. Vote:
2/27/2025. Passed 11 Yay - 1 Nay (6 absent).
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION - CHIEF ELECTION OFFICER
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor's appointment of Dr. Lealofi Uiagalelei as Chief Election Officer.
SUMMARY:
Senate Concurrent Resolution
February 18, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced):
2/18/2025. Passed.
UPDATE:

COMMENDATION- 2025 NATIONAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR FINALIST AND TERRITORIAL TEACHER OF THE YEAR-MIKAELA AIGAMAUA SAELUA
TITLE:
A Senate Concurrent Resolution Commending American Samoa's 2024 Territorial Teacher of the Year, Miss Mikaela Aigmaua Saelua for being nominated as one of the four finalist of the 2025 National Teacher of the Year Award
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
February 14, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced):
2/14/2025. Assigned to Sen. Olo. Senate Confirmation Hearing 02/18/2025. Passed 15 Yay - 0 Nay (3 absent).
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION-DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF SEARCH AND RESCUE
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor's appointment of Mr. Utumoea'u Alefosio as Director of the American Samoa Department of Search and Rescue.
SUMMARY:
Senate Concurrent Resolution
February 12, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced): 2/13/2024. Passed.
UPDATE:

CONDOLENCES - MRS. SALOGOTOFIGASAMOA "TOFIGA" AULAVA MUAAU TUFELE
TITLE:
This concurrent resolution conveys the deepest condolences of the Legislature and the people of American Samoa to the Aulava, Muaau, and Tufele families on the recent passing of Mrs. Salogo Tofigaosamoa "Tofiga" Aulava Muaau Tufele, the first Second Lady of the Territory and the a Samoan pioneer in nursing and the medical profession.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
February 11, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced) February 11, 2025 assigned to Hon. Ponausuia, Senate Confirmation Hearing scheduled for 2/14/2025. Vote: 13 Yay - 0 Nay (5 Absent)
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION - DIRECTOR, TERRITORIAL ENERGY OFFICE
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor's appointment of Mr. Sione L. Kava as Director of the Territorial Energy Office (TEO).
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
February 11, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced) - 2/11/2025, assiged to Sen. Leatualevao. Senate Confirmation Hearing held 2/12/2025. Voted 2/13/2024. 14 Yay - 0 Nay
(4 Absent)
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION - ATTORNEY GENERAL - GWEN TAUILIIILI-LANGKILDE
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the appointment of Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde as the Attorney General
SUMMARY:
Senate Bill
February 7, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced) 02/07/2025. Assigned to Sen. Togiola for subcommittee hearing. Public Hearing scheduled for 2/26/2025, 8:30AM.
UPDATE:

EXECUTIVE - QUALIFICATIONS FOR CANDIDATES RUNNING FOR THE OFFICES OF GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR.
TITLE:
This bill amends the qualifications for candidates running for the offices of Governor and Lt. Governor.
SUMMARY:
Senate Bill
January 27, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced) 1/27/2025. Assigned to Sen. Magalei. Public Hearing scheduled for 2/26/2025, 8:30AM.
UPDATE:

EXECUTIVE - GOVERNOR AND LIEUTENANT GOVERNOR - NOMINATION PROCEDURES - ELECTION PROCEDURES.
TITLE:
This bill amends the law to allow for separate election races of the Governor from the Lt. Governor.
SUMMARY:
Senate Bill
January 27, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced): 01/27/2025, assigned to Sen. Togiola. 2nd READING: Senate to hold public hearing for S.B. 39-03 on 02/11/2025. Amendments: Sen. Togiola. 02/12/2025: 3rd Reading paused until all amendments are completed. 02/24/2025, 02/25/2025 Committee Hearing, sent back for amendments.
UPDATE:

EXECUTIVE - APPOINTIVE POWERS AND CONFIRMATION PROCEDURES - DIRECTORS
TITLE:
This bill amends the requirements and criteria for Directors of Cabinet Departments and heads of bureaus or offices under the Governor’s Office.
SUMMARY:
Senate Bill
January 27, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced): 01/27/2025, assigned to Sen. Misaalefua. Subcommittee meeting held on 2/5/2025. Testimony Dr. Saipale Fuimaono, 2/21/2025. 2nd Reading (Passed) 2/24/2025. 3rd Reading (Passed) 2/25/2025
UPDATE:

HEALTH AND ECONOMIC WELFARE SERVICES - GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR DIRECTOR AND DEPARTMENT.
TITLE:
This bill amends the law to specify the requirements for the Director of the Department of Public Health.
SUMMARY:
Senate Bill
January 16, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced): 01/16/2025, assigned to Sen. Leatualevao. 2nd Reading Passed, 1/28/2025. 3rd Reading, 1/29/2025, Passed.
UPDATE:

PROPERTY - ALIENATION OF LAND
TITLE:
This bill is to prohibit the conversion of communal land to individually owned land
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
January 27, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced): 01/27/2025, assigned to Sen. Levu. 2nd Reading Passed, 1/29/2025 16 Yay - 0 Nay (2 Absent).
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION-COMMISSIONER, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY.
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor’s appointment of High Talking Chief Mr. Taaga Saite Moliga, as the Commissioner of the Department of Public Safety.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
January 27, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced): 01/27/2025, assigned to Sen. Olo. 2nd Reading Passed, 1/30/2025, Passed 12 Yay & 4 Nay (2 Absent).
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION-DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC WORKS.
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor’s appointment of Mr. Taeaotui P. Tilei, as the Director of the Department of Public Works.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
January 27, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced): 01/27/2025, assigned to Sen. Togiola. 2nd Reading Passed, 1/31/2025, Passed 14 Yay & 0 Nay (4 Absent).
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION-DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF YOUTH AND WOMENS AFFAIRS.
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor’s appointment of Mr. Tapumanaia Galu Satele, as the Director of the Department of Youth and Women's Affairs.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
January 28, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced): 01/28/2025, assigned to Sen. Noa. 2nd Reading Passed, 2/3/2025, Not Passed 7 Yay & 9 Nay (2 Absent).
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION-DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF PARKS AND RECREATION
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor’s appointment of Mr. Tapusalaia Manaefaiga , as the Director of the Department of Parks and Recreation.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
January 28, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced): 01/28/2025, assigned to Sen. Gaoteote. 2nd Reading Passed, 1/31/2025, Passed 13 Yay & 1 Nay (4 Absent).
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION-DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN AND SOCIAL SERVICES
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor’s appointment of Ms. Panisia Neueli, as the Director of the Department of Human and Social Services.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
January 28, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced): 01/28/2025, assigned to Sen. Magalei. 2nd Reading Passed, 2/3/2025, Passed 16 Yay & 0 Nay (2 Absent).
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION-DIRECTOR, TERRITORIAL ADMINISTRATION ON AGING
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor’s appointment of Mr. Paopao Kuresa T. F. Paopao, as Director of the Department of the Territorial Administration on Aging.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
January 28, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced): 01/28/2025, assigned to Sen. Olo. 2nd Reading Passed, 2/4/2025, Passed 16 Yay & 0 Nay (2 Absent).
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION-DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF HOMELAND SECURITY
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor’s appointment of Mr. Vaetagaloa Glen L. Lefiti, as Director of the Department of Homeland Security.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
January 28, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced): 01/28/2025, assigned to Sen. Misaalefua. 2nd Reading Passed, 2/4/2025, Passed 16 Yay & 0 Nay (2 Absent).
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION-DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor’s appointment of Dr. Saipale Fuimaono, as Director of the Department of Health.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
January 28, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced): 01/28/2025, assigned to Sen. Fano. 2nd Reading Passed, 2/4/2025, Passed 13 Yay & 3 Nay (2 Absent).
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION-DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF MARINE AND WILDLIFE RESOURCES
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor’s appointment of Mr. Timothy D. Jones, as Director of the Department of Marine and Wildlife Resources.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
January 28, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced): 01/28/2025, assigned to Sen.Tuialuuluu. 2nd Reading Passed, 2/6/2025, Passed 17 Yay & 0 Nay (1 Absent).
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION-DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor’s nomination of Ms. Maefau Dr. Mary Lauagaia M. Taufetee as Director of the Department of Education.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
February 03, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced): 02/03/2025, Passed.
UPDATE:

COMMENDATION - COLLEGE FOOTBALL COACH KURT TAUFAASAU.
TITLE:
This resolution commends Kurt Taufaasau for his outstanding achievement in coaching college football at New Mexico Highland University.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
February 03, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced): 02/03/2025, Passed.
UPDATE:

COMMENDATION - COMMENDING BENJAMIN LANGFORD FOR OUTSTANDING ACHIEVEMENT IN COACHING COLLEGE FOOTBALL.
TITLE:
This resolution commends Benjamin Langford for his outstanding achievement in coaching College Football at New Mexico Highland University.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
February 04, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced) 2/4/2025 - Assigned to Sen. Olo for 2nd Reading 2/13/2025 Passed: 14 Yay - 0 Nay (4 Absent)
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION-DIRECTOR, AMERICAN SAMOA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor’s appointment of Mr. Palaita Tusipasi Suiaunoa as Director for the American Samoa Department of Corrections.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
February 04, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced) 2/4/2025 - Assigned to Sen. Togiola for Confirmation Hearing & 2nd Reading, on 2/12/2025, vote paused until all receivables are received. NOT PASSED 2 yay- 13 nay. (3 absent)
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION-DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF PROCUREMENT
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor’s appointment of Mr. Kenneth Kuaea as Chief of Procurement Officer.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
February 04, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced) 2/4/2025 - Assigned to Sen. Togiola for Confirmation Hearing & 2nd Reading, on 2/12/2025. Vote: 12 Yay - 4 Nay, (2 Absent).
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION-DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor’s appointment of Ms. Magdeline Pepe Petaia as Director of the Department of Commerce.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
February 04, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced) 2/4/2025 - Assigned to Sen. Utu. 2nd Reading 2/11/2025. Vote: 13 Yay - 2 Nay (3 Absent)
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION-TREASURER OF AMERICAN SAMOA
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor’s nomination of Mr. Donald O. Kruse as Treasurer of American Samoa.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
February 05, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced) 2/5/2025 - Assigned to Sen. Ponousuia for 2nd Reading 2/14/2025. Vote: 13 Yay - 0 Nay (5 Absent)
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION-DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF PUBLIC INFORMATION
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor’s appointment of Mr. Aaron Hall as the Director for the Office of Public Information.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
February 05, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced) 2/5/2025 - Assigned to Sen. Tuanaitau for Subcommittee Hearing. 2nd Reading Passed 2/7/2025. 17 Yay - 0 Nay. (1 Absent)
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION-DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor’s appointment of Mr. Daniel E. Helsham as the Director of the Department of Agriculture.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
February 05, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced) 2/5/2025 - Assigned to Sen.Ma'o for 2nd Reading 2/11/2025. Vote: 15 Yay - 0 Nay (3 Absent)
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION-DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF PORT ADMINISTRATION
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor’s appointment of Mr. Barney Sene as the Director of the Department of Port Administration.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
February 05, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced) 2/5/2025 - Assigned to Sen. Togiola for Confirmation Hearing 02/18/2025. Passed. 15 yay - 0 nay (3 absent).
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION-DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF ADMINISTRATIVE SERVICES
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor’s appointment of Mrs. Tanya S. Ma’o-Aab as the Director of the Department of Administrative Services.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
February 05, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced) 2/5/2025 - Assigned to Sen. Gaoteote for Subcommittee Hearing. 2nd Reading Passed 2/7/2025. 17 Yay - 0 Nay. (1 Absent)
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION-DIRECTOR, OFFICE OF PROTECTION AND ADVOCACY FOR THE DISABLED
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor’s appointment of Ms. Dora J. Ah Sue as the Director of the Office of Protection and Advocacy for the Disabled.
SUMMARY:
Senate Resolution
February 05, 2025
1st Session
1st Reading (Introduced) 2/5/2025 - Assigned to Sen. Utu for 2nd reading 2/13/2025 Passed: 14 Yay - 0 Nay (4 absent)
UPDATE:

CONFIRMATION-DIRECTOR, DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
TITLE:
This resolution confirms the Governor’s appointment of Titiaoalii Dr. Asenati I. Sa’au-Umi as the Director of the Department of Human Resources.
SUMMARY: