Guam - With 12 votes in support, Bill 127 was passed this morning by lawmakers. The legislation was introduced by Healthcare Committee chair Senator Dennis Rodriguez, Jr. as a result of this week's opinion by the attorney general deeming a portion in local law establishing a nominating council for the Guam Memorial Hospital's board of trustees as inorganic.

The bill removes the nominating council and instead allows the governor to appoint members with advice and consent of the Guam Legislature. The governor last week invoked his Organic Act authority to empanel a GMH board. A meeting is scheduled for next week on April 7.

Senators are cautioning the board not to proceed with that meeting because their actions could be subject to legal scrutiny. Senator Rory Respicio has said the legislature could exercise their option of filing a motion in the Supreme Court of Guam to seek a declaratory judgment.