Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A bill was introduced in the House chamber this week to remove the business license fees from the law and all fees, rates and charges would be overseen by the Department of Commerce (DOC).

The House bill states that in an effort to keep up with the proper fees and charges necessary for the operation of businesses, DOC shall oversee all charges as pursuant to Administrative Procedures Act.

Removing the fees from the law would allow the DOC and the Department of Treasury to properly access the fees and charges for all businesses conducted in the territory as needed.

Furthermore, it is also important to allocate a portion of these funds collected for the various board members who serve on any and all boards administered by the DOC for their dedicated time and effort in service to the American Samoa Government (ASG).

Section 1 of Title 27.0204 is amended to read that (a) “Department of Commerce shall develop and publish a schedules of fees rates, charges, and services, including fees for fundraising and for nonprofit organizations. They shall promulgate rules and regulations of such, not inconsistent with local and federal laws, for effective administration of this chapter and pursuant to the Administrative Procedures Act.”

Section 2 of Title 27.0243 reads that (b) “50% of all fees collected by the Department of Commerce under this chapter shall be earmarked for the payment of stipends for board members who serve on any and all boards administered by the Department of Commerce.”