Senators discuss Judiciary as equal branch

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Lawmakers convened in session this morning and began discussions on Bill 100, which reaffirms the Judiciary of Guam as a separate and equal branch of government, ensuring the proper and timely disbursement of cash allotments to the courts. For years the island's court system has had to operate both under funded and without receiving its' full allotments.

Senators testified in support of the measure, saying it's time the courts are recognized as an equal branch of government that must be adequately funded - even when government collections are down.  Senator Rory Respicio noted, "I think this goes a long way that the governor and the BBMR director would still be responsible for the cash management of this government and to prevent payless paydays for other departments and agencies."

Bill 100 was placed on the Third Reading File.  Lawmakers also discussed Bill 159, which would prohibit the importation of ingestible tobacco products and hard candies.