Guam Legislature Enacts Major Bills Including Eight-Year Driver’s License

In a productive session earlier this week, Guam’s Senators approved a range of bills and resolutions aimed at improving state services and infrastructure. Among the significant changes is the introduction of an eight-year driver’s license, which promises to reduce wait times at the Department of Revenue and Taxation. The Acting Governor swiftly signed the bill into law, marking a notable shift in driver’s licensing regulations.

Eight-Year Driver’s License: A New Era for Guam Drivers

Senators passed Bill 174, which introduces an eight-year driver’s license aligned with the Real ID Act’s maximum renewal period. Starting tomorrow, residents obtaining a new license will benefit from this extended validity, potentially easing the frequency of renewals.

• Benefits:
  • Reduced frequency of renewals
  • Decreased wait times at licensing offices
  • Enhanced alignment with federal regulations

Governor Josh Tenorio highlighted the bill’s positive impact, emphasizing smoother processes for residents. This change is expected to streamline operations at the Department of Revenue and Taxation significantly.

Vape Tax Hikes: What You Need to Know

Another notable legislation is Bill 193, which imposes taxes on vape products containing nicotine. The tax structure is set at 10 percent in the first year, increasing to 20 percent in the subsequent year. This measure aims to curb the use of nicotine-delivering vape products among the population.

Key Points of Bill 193:

• Initial Tax Rate: 10% on nicotine vape products
• Future Tax Rate: 20% after the first year
• Purpose: Reduce nicotine consumption and associated health risks

Senators believe this tax will discourage vaping, particularly among younger demographics, while also generating additional revenue for public health initiatives.

Strengthening Environmental and Transport Policies

The legislative session also saw advancements in environmental protection and transportation infrastructure. Bills 249 and 286 were passed to support these areas.

Bill 249 allows the Bureau of Statistics and Plans, Guam Coastal Management Program, and the Guam Environmental Protection Agency to hire environmental law attorneys exclusively. This move is intended to bolster legal support for environmental initiatives.

Bill 286 provides free bus passes to individuals who lack access to reliable transportation. This initiative aims to enhance mobility for underserved communities, promoting greater access to essential services and employment opportunities.

Environmental and Transportation Bills Overview:

• Bill 249: Hiring of environmental law attorneys
• Bill 286: Free bus passes for those without reliable transportation

These measures reflect the legislature’s commitment to sustainable development and equitable access to transportation.

Overriding Vetoes: What It Means for Governance

Senators also took decisive action by overriding vetoes on Bills 213 and 227. Bill 213 empowers the Public Auditor to set deadlines for government agencies to submit financial and program data, enforcing compliance with a $250 fine for non-adherence.

Vetoed Bill 227 enhances the Office of Public Accountability (OPA) by allocating a continuous one-quarter percent of Guam’s annual budget. This funding ensures the OPA’s independence and effectiveness in overseeing government accountability.

Impact of Veto Overrides:

• Bill 213: Strengthens financial transparency
• Bill 227: Secures funding for the OPA’s independence

These overrides underscore the Senate’s dedication to maintaining rigorous oversight of governmental operations, promoting transparency and accountability across all agencies.