The House of Delegates is one of the two chambers of the Olbiil Era Kelulau and serves as the representative body of Palau’s sixteen states. The House is composed of sixteen (16) delegates, each elected from one of the sixteen states to serve four (4) year terms in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Palau.
The House of Delegates exercises its legislative responsibilities through the introduction and enactment of laws, review of national matters, and oversight of government operations. Since the convening of the First Olbiil Era Kelulau in 1981, the House has continued to uphold democratic governance, equal state representation, and public service to the people of the Republic of Palau.
Today, the House of Delegates of the 12th Olbiil Era Kelulau (2025-2028) remains committed to advancing legislation and national priorities that support the well being, safety, and prosperity of the Republic of Palau and its people.
Role and Responsibilities
The House of Delegates serves as the representative chamber of Palau’s sixteen states and carries out its constitutional responsibilities through the legislative process and oversight of government operations. Delegates introduce and consider measures relating to public services, infrastructure, education, health, economic development, public safety, environmental protection, and other matters affecting the people of the Republic of Palau.
Key functions of the House include:
- Introducing, reviewing, debating, and passing bills and resolutions
- Representing the interests and concerns of the sixteen states and their communities
- Reviewing national budgets, appropriations, and fiscal measures
- Conducting oversight of government ministries, agencies, and public programs
- Holding committee meetings, public hearings, and legislative inquiries
- Reviewing legislation through standing committees and official proceedings
- Collaborating with the Senate in the enactment of laws and national policies
- Promoting transparency, accountability, and responsible governance
- Maintaining official legislative records, reports, and proceedings
- Advancing legislative priorities that support national development and public welfare
Through these responsibilities, the House of Delegates ensures that the interests of the states and the people of Palau are represented within the national legislative process.
Composition and Election
The House of Delegates is composed of sixteen (16) members, with one delegate elected from each of the sixteen states of the Republic of Palau in accordance with Article IX of the Constitution of the Republic of Palau. Delegates are elected by the qualified voters of their respective states to serve four (4) year terms and may serve successive terms as provided by law.
Following each regular general election, the House of Delegates convenes for the installation and organization of its members at the House of Delegates Chamber at the Palau National Capitol in Ngerulmud, pursuant to the Rules of Procedure of the House of Delegates. Upon certification of the election and qualifications of its members, the House organizes its leadership through the election of the Speaker and the appointment of the Vice Speaker, Floor Leader, committee chairpersons, and other officers necessary for the conduct of legislative business.
This structure ensures equal state representation within the national legislative process and upholds the constitutional principles of democratic governance and public representation in the Republic of Palau.
Leadership and Organization
The leadership of the House of Delegates consists of the Speaker, Vice Speaker, and Floor Leader, who are organized pursuant to the Rules of Procedure of the House of Delegates. The Speaker serves as the Presiding Officer of the House and is responsible for maintaining order and decorum, directing legislative proceedings, announcing business before the House, receiving and presenting official communications, referring measures to appropriate committees, authenticating official acts and documents of the House, ruling on questions of order, appointing committee leadership and membership, and carrying out all official and administrative functions of the House, including serving as the contracting officer for House operations and expenses. The Vice Speaker exercises the duties and powers of the Speaker in the Speaker’s absence, while the Floor Leader assists in the orderly conduct of legislative business and House proceedings, directs the activities of the Clerk, Sergeant-At-Arms, and other administrative officers and employees of the House, and oversees the administration of the business of the House.
The House is further organized through standing committees established under the Rules of Procedure to review legislation and matters within their respective jurisdictions. These committees conduct reviews, hearings, investigations, and deliberations, and submit recommendations and committee reports to the full House for consideration and action.
Legislative Procedure
The House of Delegates exercises its legislative authority in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Palau and the Rules of Procedure of the House of Delegates. Legislative measures introduced in the House undergo a formal process of first, second, and third readings to ensure careful review, public accountability, and proper legislative consideration.
Following introduction, bills and resolutions are referred to the appropriate standing committee for review, research, and consideration. Committees may conduct public hearings, solicit comments, and issue committee reports with recommendations before measures proceed for further legislative action.
Measures considered on the House floor may be subject to debate, amendment, technical review, and voting in accordance with established legislative procedures. Bills approved by the House are transmitted to the Senate for consideration and vice versa. Upon passage by both houses, measures are prepared in final form and transmitted to the President of the Republic of Palau for consideration and final executive action, including approval, veto, or other action as provided by law.
This legislative process ensures that all measures receive thorough review and deliberation while upholding transparency, accountability, and the orderly conduct of legislative business in the Republic of Palau.
Oversight and Accountability
In addition to its legislative authority, the House of Delegates exercises oversight responsibilities over government operations, public programs, and national expenditures in accordance with the Constitution of the Republic of Palau and the Rules of Procedure of the House. Through committee reviews, public hearings, legislative inquiries, and official proceedings, the House ensures transparency, accountability, and the proper administration of public affairs while upholding the integrity of democratic governance in the Republic of Palau.
Connection to the People
The House of Delegates maintains a strong commitment to public representation and community engagement throughout the Republic of Palau. Delegates serve as a direct link between the national government and the people of their respective states through consultations, community outreach, public meetings, and official engagements.
Through public hearings, legislative proceedings, and ongoing communication with communities, the House ensures that the concerns, priorities, and interests of the people remain an essential part of the legislative process and national decision making.
Commitment to Service
The House of Delegates upholds Palau’s democratic values of respect, consensus, and cooperation. Its work embodies the belief that effective governance begins with active representation and open dialogue between leaders and the people.
By combining traditional values of communal responsibility with modern legislative practice, the House of Delegates continues to strengthen Palau’s democracy and contribute to a just, prosperous, and sustainable future for all.
Contact Information
Olbiil Era Kelulau – House of Delegates
Palau National Congress
P.O. Box 8, National Capitol
Ngerulmud, Republic of Palau 96940
Telephone: (680) 767-1291 / (680) 767-2526
Fax: (680) 767-2787
Satellite Office – Koror
Original OEK Building
across from the National Police Headquarters
Koror, Republic of Palau 96940
Telephone: (680) 488-2526
Fax: (680) 488-2525