Hagatna, Guam — The Committee on Economic Investment, Military Buildup, Regional Relations, Technology, Regulatory Affairs, Justice, Elections and Retirement heard Bill 165-38 COR on Oct. 17, a measure introduced by Senator Shelley Calvo to extend the period during which a person with a valid driver’s license from another U.S. state, territory or commonwealth may legally operate a motor vehicle in Guam from 30 days to 90 days.

Calvo, the bill’s author, said the extension responds to processing delays at the Department of Revenue and Taxation’s Division of Motor Vehicles and gives newcomers more time to secure appointments and complete licensing requirements. “Bill number 165-38 COR simply extends that time frame to 90 days giving new residents more flexibility to schedule their appointments and complete the process without unnecessary stress or penalties,” Calvo said.

The measure would keep DRT’s existing authority to grant additional discretionary extensions and would not change credentialing or safety standards, the author said. The chairwoman read into the record written testimony from the director of the Department of Revenue and Taxation stating that “DRT has no objections to the proposed extension of time from 30 to 90 days.”

Why it matters: Senators said the 30-day limit has caused “confusion and stress” for people relocating to Guam — including students, healthcare workers, federal employees and military dependents — who face long DMV appointment backlogs. Committee members said a longer grace period could reduce penalties and help residents settle without compromising road-safety procedures or DRT’s verification responsibilities.

Supporting details and process notes: Committee Chairwoman Senator Atelo Taittigui said the bill and accompanying documents were posted in advance and invited written testimony; the committee will accept written input for five working days following the hearing. Senator Tina Munoz Barnes and Senator Will Parkinson joined the discussion and expressed support for moving the bill forward.

No vote was taken at the hearing. The record shows the bill was “duly heard” and the committee invited additional written testimony; the chair provided an email for submissions (senatortelotie@gmail.com) and a physical mailing address for hand-delivered testimony.

Remaining questions and next steps: The hearing did not produce amendments or a formal committee vote. The measure’s implementation would rely on existing DRT procedures for license verification and reconciliation; DRT’s written testimony indicates the department will process claims in the same manner as existing qualifying procedures once the law is implemented.