Guam Legislature Advances Key Bills Amid Controversy
November 22, 2024 | Rules, Legislative, Guam
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In a recent government meeting, significant legislative updates and discussions were held regarding various bills and regulations impacting Guam. The meeting began with the announcement of two zone change requests and the introduction of three bills, all of which have now become law. These include Bill 93-37 COR, Bill 92-37 COR, and Bill 149-37 COR, which are now designated as public laws 37-39, 37-38, and 37-41, respectively.
The Guam Memorial Hospital Authority's new fee package was also a focal point, with a deadline set for June 11, 2023, and a subsequent 90-day deadline for a new fee package on August 30, 2023. The meeting highlighted that four registered lobbyists are currently active, although no new rules or regulations have been submitted since July.
Several bills were proposed for inclusion on the session agenda, including Bill 356-37 COR, which aims to amend regulations for licensed professional counselors, and Bill 363-37 COR, related to the Guam Forest System Plan. Both bills were successfully added to the agenda without objection.
However, not all proposals met with unanimous support. Bill 295-37 COR, which seeks to modernize public hearing notice requirements, faced objections due to concerns over transparency in government communications. The motion to add this bill to the agenda ultimately failed.
Other notable bills discussed included Bill 263-37 COR, which transfers land from the Department of Parks and Recreation, and Bill 368-37 COR, aimed at improving facilities for the Department of Corrections. Both bills were added to the agenda without objection.
The meeting also addressed resolutions, including one requesting the establishment of a regional office by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on Guam to better serve veterans in the region. This resolution was also added to the agenda.
In a contentious moment, a resolution aimed at censuring Senator William A. Parkinson for inappropriate conduct during a previous session was proposed but faced objections, highlighting ongoing tensions within the legislative body.
Overall, the meeting underscored the active legislative process in Guam, with a focus on healthcare, land management, and government transparency, while also revealing underlying conflicts among lawmakers.
The Guam Memorial Hospital Authority's new fee package was also a focal point, with a deadline set for June 11, 2023, and a subsequent 90-day deadline for a new fee package on August 30, 2023. The meeting highlighted that four registered lobbyists are currently active, although no new rules or regulations have been submitted since July.
Several bills were proposed for inclusion on the session agenda, including Bill 356-37 COR, which aims to amend regulations for licensed professional counselors, and Bill 363-37 COR, related to the Guam Forest System Plan. Both bills were successfully added to the agenda without objection.
However, not all proposals met with unanimous support. Bill 295-37 COR, which seeks to modernize public hearing notice requirements, faced objections due to concerns over transparency in government communications. The motion to add this bill to the agenda ultimately failed.
Other notable bills discussed included Bill 263-37 COR, which transfers land from the Department of Parks and Recreation, and Bill 368-37 COR, aimed at improving facilities for the Department of Corrections. Both bills were added to the agenda without objection.
The meeting also addressed resolutions, including one requesting the establishment of a regional office by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on Guam to better serve veterans in the region. This resolution was also added to the agenda.
In a contentious moment, a resolution aimed at censuring Senator William A. Parkinson for inappropriate conduct during a previous session was proposed but faced objections, highlighting ongoing tensions within the legislative body.
Overall, the meeting underscored the active legislative process in Guam, with a focus on healthcare, land management, and government transparency, while also revealing underlying conflicts among lawmakers.
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