by Michele Catahay

Guam - Lawmakers in the 31st Guam Legislature held their first session this morning in Hagatna. Among the bills discussed today include Bill 16, relative to the composition and powers of the Territorial Parole Board.

"If you look at the rules and regulations," said Senator Adolpho Palacios, "there are provisions that the board may or should. Anytime you have permissive issue there, I think they should be said with internal rules and regulations - the parameters within which discretion could be exercised consistently and regularly for the benefit of those coming before the board. There's no such thing, as we speak."

Also discussed today was Bill 33, which is an act to repeal the statute of limitations for the prosecution of sex crimes involving victims who are underage. Vice-Speaker B.J. Cruz says while many in the community believe he has a vendetta by introducing these bills, he says his goal was to protect the people of Guam, most especially having been a victim.

"Madam Speaker," he announced loudly, "I can tell you as a victim myself that you never, never ever forget that experience of what had happened to you." A few senators also shared their personal experiences on the matter.

As for the appointment of government boards and directors, Senator Rory Respicio placed those in the Voting File.