FOR IMMEDIATE PRESS RELEASE: (May 18, 2022  – Hagåtña, Guam) Speaker Therese Terlaje stated, “As the Chairperson of the Committee on Health, regardless of my personal views on the issue of abortion and this bill, I have carried through with my duty to create a fair and accurate record of all the testimony on Bill 291, for any subsequent legislative deliberation and debate on this bill, and so that senators contemplating any further action on the bill can be fully informed by the public hearing.”

The Committee Report for Bill No. 291-36 (LS)– “Relative to Abortion, including abortion after detection of an unborn child’s heartbeat; authorizing a private civil right of action, introduced by Senator Telena C. Nelson, Senator Amanda L. Shelton, Senator Christopher Dueñas, and Senator Frank Blas Jr.,” was sent to committee members for their vote at 7:00 a.m. today. As of 3:30 p.m., only two votes have been received, none of which are from the three bill sponsors that sit on the Health Committee. 

The report for Bill No. 291-36 (LS) holds more than 2000 pages and outlines the intervening circumstances of the leaked Supreme Court decision and the resulting complicated issue of the 1990 law (PL 20-134), amongst other relative documentation.  The committee report more importantly includes as official record, an overwhelming eight-hundred and eighty-one (881) written testimonies against and two-Hundred and eighty-four (284) in favor of the bill. It is required that the Committee Report for Bill No. 291-36 be reported out of committee, for there to be a permanent legislative record of this testimony and so that there can be deliberation on this divisive issue by all senators, to all be held accountable. 

Bill 291 was removed today from the May session agenda “potential items” listing by a vote during the Committee on Rules meeting, including two co-sponsors of the bill, Senator Amanda Shelton and Senator Frank Blas, Jr. The prime sponsor Senator Nelson was not present and is on military duty until tomorrow. This vote temporarily prevents action on the bill. 

“Absent withdrawal of the bill, a vote blocking the bill from the agenda merely puts it off for another day when conditions are more favorable to the sponsors. For example, one of the largest concerns stated at the public hearing, was that this bill was timed prior to the election. Placement of this bill on the agenda closer to the election may be the strategy. Unfortunately, that prolongs a very painful and divisive debate, as we have seen to be the goal in some states. I do not want that for our community,” stated Speaker Terlaje. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (May 4, 2022 – Hagåtña, Guam) – All testimonies on Bill 291-36 (LS) submitted to the Committee on Health, Land, Justice and Culture, chaired by Speaker Therese M. Terlaje, will be made available to the public via Google Drive link on Speaker Terlaje’s website. The website can be accessed here: http://senatorterlaje.com/. As of this morning the Committee has received 127 testimonies in favor of Bill 291-36 (LS) and 678 testimonies in opposition to Bill 291-36 (LS). So far, 36 people have testified in-person on Bill 291-36 (LS).

Following the two public hearings on Bill 291-36 (LS) completed from 1:00-5:00 and 6:00-10:00 PM on May 4, there will be two more public hearings on Bill 291-36 (LS) on Friday, May 6, 2022 from 1:00-5:00 and 6:00-10:00 PM. Those interested in providing oral testimony must register at (671) 472-3586 or senatorterlajeguam@gmail.com.

Unlimited written testimony may be submitted to the Committee via email: senatorterlajeguam@gmail.com or hand delivery to the Office of the Speaker Therese M. Terlaje at the Guam Congress Building before close of business on, Monday May 9, 2022. All oral and written testimony will be included in the Committee Report on the bill and made available for view to the public on the Guam Legislature’s website. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, individuals needing special accommodations can contact the Office of Speaker Therese M. Terlaje.

You can access the Bill 291-36 (LS) Committee Report pending completion of committee vote sheet here.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (May 4, 2022 – Hagåtña, Guam) – Below is a statement from Speaker Therese Terlaje on behalf of the 36^th Guam Legislature:

“It is with sadness that we received the news of the passing of Popoy Zamora, former Commissioner and Assistant Commissioner of Dededo, and longtime Filipino community leader.  Mr. Zamora passed away on May 3, 2022, in Cavite, Philippines at the age of 94. 

Mr. Zamora graced our televisions as the host of Buhay Pinoy from 1976 – 2006 bringing us the latest coverage of cultural events, special appearances from visiting Filipino leaders and dignitaries, entertainers, and information for relief drives to help victims of several calamities in the Philippines. As a civic leader and one of Guam’s first “influencers”, Mr. Zamora was recognized for his charitable and humanitarian work as the recipient of the Presidential Award for Outstanding Filipino Overseas for exemplary services to advance the cause of Filipinos on Guam. In addition, the 28^th Guam Legislature commended Mr. Zamora’s work as the founder of the Pilipino Amateur Basketball League.

Our prayers go out to the family of Mr. Zamora.  The impact of his dedication to Guam and service to his community will last for generations.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – The Committee on Health, Land, Justice, and Culture will convene public hearings on WEDNESDAY, MAY 4, 2022, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., and continued Friday, May 6, 2022, 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m., in the Guam Congress Building Public Hearing room, for the following agenda item:

·      Bill No. 291-36 (LS) – Telena Cruz Nelson / Christopher M. Dueñas / Amanda L. Shelton / V. Anthony Ada / Frank Blas, Jr.- “AN ACT TO ADD A NEW CHAPTER 91B TO DIVISION 4 OF TITLE 10 OF THE GUAM CODE ANNOTATED, RELATIVE TO ABORTION, INCLUDING ABORTIONS AFTER DETECTION OF AN UNBORN CHILD’S HEARTBEAT; AUTHORIZING A PRIVATE CIVIL RIGHT OF ACTION.”  Web link: https://www.guamlegislature.com/36th_Guam_Legislature/Bills_Introduced_36th/Bill%20No.%20291-36%20(LS).pdf

As stated in the published and email notices for these hearings, the registration deadline for both hearing days was set for Monday, May 2, 2022, or until all time slots have been filled. This notice is to update the public that the 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. time slots for both days has been filled. However, the Committee is continuing to accept registrations for the 6:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. time slots for both Wednesday, May 4, 2022, and Friday, May 6, 2022.  Please contact the Office of Speaker Terlaje at (671) 472-3586 or email senatorterlajeguam@gmail.com, if you would like to register to provide oral testimony at the public hearing, or for more information. Due to an anticipated high volume of individuals to provide testimony, oral testimonials are limited to a four (4) minute time slot on one (1) hearing day only, to allow as much public participation as possible. 

Unlimited written testimony may be submitted to the Committee via email: senatorterlajeguam@gmail.com or hand delivered to the Office of the Speaker Therese M. Terlaje at the Guam Congress Building before close of business on, Monday May 9, 2022. All oral and written testimony will be included in the Committee Report on the bill and made available for view to the public on the Guam Legislature’s website. A copy of the bill is attached to this notice and can also be accessed through the web link above. All hearings broadcast on GTA TV Channel 21, Docomo Channel 117/112.4, and livestream on the Guam Legislature YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/GuamLegislatureMedia. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, Individuals needing special accommodations can contact the Office of Speaker Therese M. Terlaje. 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (April 25, 2022 – Hagåtña, Guam) – Speaker Therese Terlaje is enlisting community support to urge Bill No. 261-36 (COR) be reported out of the Committee of Appropriations for action by the Legislature.  Bill No. 261-36 would bring a savings of 23 cents per gallon to all individuals and businesses at the gas pumps through the repeal of the Liquid Fuel Tax (LFT).  The proposal had a public hearing on April 7, 2022, where local gas companies lent their support for the measure promising that the reductions “if enacted, would be passed on to the consumers.”

To address any confusion regarding the source of funding for the repeal, Speaker Therese Terlaje requested an amendment be made to the legislative intent of the bill to remove any reference to federal ARP or Infrastructure money for clarification, though they were never identified as a funding source in the bill.  The substitute version of Bill No. 261-36 (COR) proposed to the Committee on Appropriations by Speaker Terlaje also keeps the 8-cent fuel tax for commercial aviation only, which would reduce the overall fiscal impact of the measure to approximately $4 million for the remainder of FY22 and $8 million annually (down from $10.5 million) moving forward. Bill No. 261-36 did not repeal any of the current FY 2022 agency appropriations and the substitute bill added language to reiterate that FY 22 appropriations for agencies receiving funds from the LFT would not be affected by the measure. 

Speaker Terlaje was able to get Bill No. 261-36 onto the April session agenda as a potential item, however, the committee has not reported the measure out, thus, not allowing the bill to move forward onto the April legislative session agenda for action.

With approximately $143.9 million in excess revenues over that last 3 years (between FY 2019 and FY 2021), and the current fiscal year tracking at $68.4 in surplus, the Speaker stated, “It is clear to me that the people of Guam are looking to the Legislature to help resolve some of the short-, medium- and long-term economic issues facing our island and our families due to the rapidly increasing cost of fuel and food.  We need to prioritize our struggling families, most of who were living paycheck to paycheck prior to the pandemic and are no longer able to stretch their money to the next payday.  These families are being hit the hardest and we must respond swiftly and decisively before we prioritize $5 million for capital improvement projects or other items that are not as timely as the needs of our residents. Bill No. 261-36 has the potential to assist all gas consumers on Guam, not just a select few.”

The Speaker is urging the community to contact the Committee on Appropriations and urge that this bill move forward. 

I Liheslaturan Guåhan will be called into Session on Friday, April 22, 2022 at 9:00 a.m. in the Speaker Antonio R. Unpingco Legislative Session Hall in the Guam Congress Building.

In addition to its regular Session agenda, the Legislature will resolve into the Committee of the Whole in order to receive the State of the Judiciary address on April 29th at 10:00 a.m.

The placement of bills, resolutions, and appointments on the session agenda will be pursuant to our standing rules. A copy of the session agenda and potential items to be placed on the session agenda is attached below:

The session will be broadcast on GTA Channel 21, Docomo Channel 117 or 112-4 and at http://www.guamlegislature.com/live_feed.htm. A recording of the session will be available online via Guam Legislature Media on YouTube after the session. Please email senatorterlajeguam@gmail.com or call 472-3586, if you require any special accommodations or further information.

Due to the current public health emergency, all persons attending Session will be required to wear masks and to observe social distancing protocols.

Si Yu′os ma′åse′.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (April 7, 2022 – Hagåtña, Guam) – Speaker Therese Terlaje’s measures to provide relief to consumers at the gas pump were given a public hearing today.   Bill 260-36 (LS) proposes to repeal Public Law 34-44 which increased the Liquid Fuels Tax Rate by four cents ($0.04) per gallon in 2017.  The second measure, Bill 261-36 (LS) proposes to repeal 11 GCA Chapter 26 Articles 4 & 5, which would eliminate the Liquid Fuels Tax altogether.  Currently, every gallon of gasoline is taxed an additional 15 cents through a local liquid fuel tax and an additional 8 cents in surcharges, totaling 23 cents per gallon for non-diesel fuel.  Bill 261-36 intends to aid working class residents by putting that money back in gas consumers’ pockets. 

Local gas companies lent their support to the measures through written testimony.  IP&E stated that reductions in liquid fuel tax “would have a net effect to reduce costs for Guam consumers.”   South Pacific Petroleum Corporation concurred, noting that reductions, “if enacted, would be passed on to the consumers.”

BBMR originally estimated that eliminating the gas tax would decrease Guam Highway Fund revenue by $9.6 M to $10.5 M. However, at the public hearing, they conceded that the actual impact would be only $5.25 million for the rest of FY 2022.

There was discussion at the hearing that a funding source needed to be identified, however, as has been stated at numerous public hearings, legislative sessions, and through the enactment of other bills, the administration’s policy, according to the fiscal team, is to fund Special Fund shortfalls with the General fund. The Speaker emphasized that the government should prioritize the current $61 M in excess General Fund revenues and future General Fund monies to pay for critical services like road repairs, mass transit, and village services.  Funding these services through the General Fund can help lower gas prices for all consumers and small businesses while still maintaining all of the critical government services currently funded by the Guam Highway Fund.

“I absolutely believe that village road repairs, and other critical services provided by the Mayors, Guam Regional Transit Authority, and DRT are important and should be funded but I don’t think our road repairs should be funded on the backs of our gas consumers.  The appropriations to the Mayors, GRTA, DPW, DOA, GPD, and DRT would not be repealed or impacted by these measures.  These bills prioritize our families who are struggling to pay for gas, rent and utilities by removing the local liquid fuel tax and redirect our General Fund revenues so that village road repairs and other critical government services continue uninterrupted,” stated the Speaker.

In addition to the gas companies, former Executive Manager of GRTA, Cel Babauta, as well as the Guam Chamber of Commerce submitted testimony in support of the bills.  The Speaker is encouraging residents to submit testimony via email or to the Office of Speaker Therese Terlaje at the Guam Congress Bldg; 163 Chalan Santo Papa, Hagåtña, Guam.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE (April 4, 2022 – Hagåtña, Guam) – A public hearing has been scheduled for two measures introduced by Speaker Therese Terlaje aimed to bring direct relief to residents at the gas pumps.  The hearing for Bills 260-36 (LS) and 261-36 (LS) will be convened on Thursday, April 7, 2022, in person at the Guam Congress Building beginning 1:30 p.m.

Bill 260-36 (LS) proposes to repeal Public Law 34-44 which increased the Liquid Fuels Tax Rate by four cents ($0.04) per gallon in 2017.  The second measure, Bill 261-36 (LS) proposes to repeal 11 GCA Chapter 26 Articles 4 & 5, which would eliminate the Liquid Fuels Tax altogether, currently estimated at least $0.15 for each gallon.

“Our residents are experiencing a dramatic increase to their cost of living on Guam due to uncertainty around the world and a slowly recovering economy. I believe that with proper use of $62 million excess revenues, road repairs exceeding the current $10.5 million annually collected from the Liquid Fuels Tax can still be prioritized while bringing relief to struggling families and small businesses on Guam,” stated the Speaker.

Speaker Terlaje added, “These efforts are important in ensuring that our families who are struggling to pay rent and utilities are given sustainable financial support. I want to encourage our community to attend the public hearing this Thursday and to weigh in on these bills, especially if they want $0.15 per gallon cut from their final costs at the gas pump.”

The public hearing will be convened by the Committee on General Government Operations, Appropriations and Housing Chaired by Senator Joe San Agustin.

FOR IMMEDIATE NEWS RELEASE (April 1, 2022 – Hagåtña) –Bill No. 41-36 (COR) introduced by Speaker Therese M. Terlaje, “AN ACT TO AMEND §4210 OF CHAPTER 4, TITLE 19, GUAM CODE ANNOTATED, RELATIVE TO EXPEDITING SOCIAL STUDIES FOR ADOPTIONS,” received majority support from senators on the session floor today.

Bill 41-36 allows the DPHSS Division of Children’s Wellness to hasten its home studies prior to adoptions by authorizing and expanding access to experienced and qualified personnel from other divisions, retirees or private contractors to assist with conducting adoption home studies. 

Currently, Guam law requires adoption home studies to be conducted prior to court granting of an adoption. Speaker Terlaje stated, “This Bill allows home studies to be done quicker through the use of additional personnel, retirees or private contractors. The bill also allows home studies to be done earlier in the process, even prior to the filing of a petition for adoption in court. Bill 41 ultimately ensures safe and expeditious placement of children with adoptive families.”

“I want to acknowledge the Division’s efforts to ensure our children are being placed into proper homes despite being faced with staffing shortages and overwhelming caseloads. This measure provides a mechanism for the Division to obtain assistance when a critical need arises and so that there’s no repeat of backlogs and request for extensions which keep our children waiting to be placed into safe homes,” stated Terlaje.