Guam Legislature passes multiple bills including lease-term change and ADU rules; resolution urging federal funding for air-raid shelters fails

At a session of the Guam Legislature, members voted to approve a series of bills on land leases, housing, public employee benefits and agency procedures, and to confirm several nominations. Lawmakers passed a measure extending the government lease term from five to 15 years, approved legislation to permit accessory dwelling units in certain residential zones, authorized an appropriation to the University of Guam and moved several other items. A resolution asking the federal government to fund air-raid shelters and civil-defense infrastructure on Guam failed.

The votes reflect contested views on transparency, land control and environmental and fiscal risk. Multiple senators spoke during brief extensions of remarks after the votes, with critics warning that reduced legislative oversight over long-term leases could bind future legislatures and supporters saying the changes will encourage investment and infrastructure. Lawmakers also debated the housing and groundwater impacts of allowing more accessory dwelling units (ADUs) over the island’s primary aquifer.

Votes at a glance:

- Bill No. 8-38 COR — Extend government lease term from 5 to 15 years: Introduced as an amendment to sections of Title 5 of the Guam Code Annotated to extend certain Government of Guam leases from five to 15 years. Final tally: 10 yays, 5 nays. Outcome: Passed. Notes: The floor vote followed substantial public and senator commentary about removing or reducing legislative oversight for long-term leases; several senators warned this could permit multi-decade contracts without future legislative approval.

- Bill No. 10-38 COR — Public safety line-of-duty death benefit: Adds sections to Title 4 of the Guam Code Annotated to establish a Government of Guam public safety and law enforcement officers line-of-duty death benefit and to require administrative rules. Final tally: 15 yeas. Outcome: Passed.

- Bill No. 14-38 COR — Duties of the public auditor: Amends provisions in Title 1 regarding duties of the public auditor. Final tally: 15 yeas. Outcome: Passed.

- Bill No. 25-38 COR — Modernize public agency notice requirements: Amends Title 5 to authorize posting of public notices in locally licensed electronic newspapers and websites. Final tally reported in session: 11 yays, 4 nays. Outcome: Passed.

- Bill No. 34-38 COR — Drug testing for reemployment: Amends Title 4 to require employees who resign within 30 days of announced or random drug testing to submit to and pass drug testing to retain reemployment rights, and to require testing prior to reemployment. Final tally: 15 yeas. Outcome: Passed.

- Bill No. 35-38 COR — Prohibit import of coral-harming skin-care products: Adds a new article to Title 5 to prohibit importation of skin-care products deemed to pose a danger to Guam’s coral reefs and marine life. Final tally: 15 yeas. Outcome: Passed.

- Bill No. 46-38 COR — Guam Master Awards remedial grant authority: Adds a section to Title 5A authorizing grants for Guam Master Awards for award years 02/2018 and 02/2022 when the Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency was unable to give all allotted awards. Final tally: 15 yeas. Outcome: Passed.

- Bill No. 57-38 COR — Accessory dwelling units in residential zones (ADUs): Adds a new subarticle and sections to Title 21 (Chapter 61) authorizing construction of accessory dwelling units in residential zones and adjusting related zoning code sections to strengthen housing options. Final tally: 11 yeas, 4 nays. Outcome: Passed. Notes: Sponsors described the bill as a means to strengthen housing options; opponents and some members raised concerns about impacts on groundwater and septic systems over the Northern Guam lens (GPZ) and urged sewer infrastructure or moratoria in sensitive areas.

- Resolution No. 7-38 COR — Urge federal funding for air-raid shelters and civil-defence infrastructure: A resolution requesting the U.S. federal government fully fund construction and maintenance of air-raid shelters and other civil-defense infrastructure on Guam. Final tally: 6 yeas, 9 nays. Outcome: Failed. Notes: Supporters called for federal recognition and funding; opponents declined to support the measure and it did not achieve a majority.

- Bill No. 58-38 COR — Appropriation to the University of Guam: Appropriates $5,750,984 from FY25 general fund revenues collected in excess of adopted levels to the University of Guam for repairs, maintenance, capital improvements and accreditation priorities. Final tally: 14 yays, 1 nay. Outcome: Passed. Notes: A motion was raised and approved on the floor to determine whether a senator with adjunct employment at the University of Guam could vote; the body voted to allow that senator to participate in the vote. A senator stated a position letter had been submitted as required by rules.

Nominations confirmed: The body confirmed several nominees by unanimous or majority support for boards and commissions, including (majority/unanimous as reported): Joseph F. Artero Cameron (Chamorro Land Trust Commission, majority), Donna W. Klappenberg (Guam Council on the Arts and Humanities Agency Board, unanimous), Peter R. Onadera (Arts & Humanities Board, unanimous), Saina Francisco B. Rabone (Arts & Humanities Board, unanimous), Fabrine Cruz Respicio (Chamorro Land Trust Commission, majority), Jeremy J. Rojas (Chamorro Land Trust Commission, majority), Christine M. Woke (Hagåña Restoration and Redevelopment Authority Board, unanimous), and Gerald P. Yingling (Guam Land Use Commission, majority).

Additional context and points raised during floor remarks: Several senators used brief extension-of-remarks time after the votes to emphasize concerns or support. Criticisms clustered around reduced legislative oversight for long-term land leases and potential long-term fiscal or environmental consequences; supporters said extending lease terms would reduce barriers to investment and restore flexibility for government operations. On housing, members debated whether ADUs over the primary aquifer should be allowed without expanded sewer infrastructure; some senators pressed for moratoria or for the government to prioritize sewer expansion. The University appropriation prompted one senator to emphasize disclosure and compliance with recusal rules prior to the vote.

Next steps: Passed bills will proceed to the governor for signature or further action per Guam’s legislative process. The Legislature recessed and adjourned subject to the call of the Speaker; a state funeral for the late Speaker Mark Forbes was announced for April 8.