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Legislature moves bill to restore Chamorro village name Assenmayina to third reading
Summary
A bill to change the official name of the municipality of Assen to its Chamorro form, Assenmayina, was moved to the third‑reading file; sponsors described the measure as cultural restoration and part of broader place‑name reclamation efforts.
Bill 124‑38 COR, which would change the official English name of the municipality of Assen to the Chamorro form Assenmayina, was advanced to the third‑reading file by unanimous consent after brief floor remarks. Supporters framed the measure as cultural preservation and part of a broader effort to restore indigenous place names. Several senators volunteered to be cosponsors on the floor and the author asked that all senators present be added as cosponsors; no objections were recorded.
Why it matters: Supporters said restoring original Chamorro place names affirms heritage and identity and continues prior legislative efforts to restore other village names. The floor remarks described the change as symbolic and restorative rather than administrative beyond the name change itself.
Outcome and next steps: The author moved the bill to the third‑reading file and the motion was ordered with no objections. The bill will return for a third‑reading vote.
Context and limits: Floor discussion emphasized cultural and historical considerations; the transcript did not record objections or detailed legal or administrative analysis of the procedural effects of a name change beyond the statutory amendment.
