Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Senate will be hosting a public hearing for Senate Bill #39-04 and Senate Bill #39-05 on Wednesday, February 26, 2025 a 8:30 a.m. at the Senate Chambers in Fagatogo. 

Senate Bill #39-04 concerns the Election procedures for Governor and Lieutenant Governor, while Bill #39-05 is about the qualifications for Governor and Lieutenant Governor.

Senate Bill #39-05, introduced by Senator Togiola Tulafono in February of this year, would amend qualifications currently in statute, adding the following:

Candidates for the top two leadership positions in the Territory would not only need to be a US citizen or a US national, but also be of American Samoan ancestry, and a resident of the Territory for at least 5 years prior to filing to run, including residing in the Territory for at least 24 consecutive and continuous calendar months.

American Samoan ancestry is stated as an individual of American Samoan descent born in American Samoa, Swains, or the United States of America.

Senate Bill #39-04, also introduced by Senator Togiola, in January 2025, would provide for the separate election of the Governor and Lt. Governor. The bill lays out the procedures by which the petition for the positions would occur, including the requirement of the signature of at least 300 registered voters for each petition.

The Election Office is to provide the necessary policies, procedures, petitions and documents to ensure the integrity of the separate elections for Governor and Lt. Governor pursuant to election laws.

The public is being invited to comment or testify on these bills. If you wish to testify you can contact the Senate office at 633-4565, or visit their website to submit your comment: @www.asfono.gov/senate