Senate debates leasing measure for GDOE properties; amendment to set lease parameters passes, broader safeguards fail and bill returned to committee

The Guam Senate spent multiple hours debating Bill 70-38 COR, a measure that would allow the Guam Department of Education (GDOE) to lease unused school properties and deposit revenue into a fund earmarked for education. Senators agreed to an amendment requiring GDOE to develop lease parameters in consultation with other government agencies, but several other proposed safeguards failed and the chamber ultimately voted to return the bill to committee.

The core amendment adopted on the floor, proffered by Senator Sabina Perez, adds a new subsection requiring GDOE "to develop lease parameters in consultation with the Guam Economic Development Authority, Department of Land Management, Department of Administration, and other government entities as deemed necessary." Perez said the change replaces the word "plan" with lighter, more flexible "parameters" so the department can move without being unduly constrained while still seeking expert guidance.

Major points of debate: - Minimum lease price: A separate amendment that would have required lease amounts to be a minimum of 90% of the appraised value (with a…