Lawmakers are preparing for a busy March legislative session with several bills touching on healthcare, tourism, culture, and the local cannabis industry on the agenda. The Legislative Committee on Rules approved a list of 13 bills and two resolutions for debate, with another nine measures that could be taken up if time permits. Senators will also vote on five gubernatorial nominations to various boards and commissions.

Among the measures up for discussion is legislation from Sen. Telo Taitague aimed at addressing Guam’s doctor shortage. Bill 206-38 would allow the Guam Board of Medical Examiners to establish rules to license foreign-trained physicians, particularly in specialty fields. Priority placement would be given to positions at Guam Memorial Hospital, the Department of Public Health and Social Services, and community health centers.

Lawmakers are also expected to debate Vice Speaker Tony Ada’s Bill 160-38, which would enforce standards in hotel-resort zones using the International Property Management Code and impose fines of up to $5,000 for violations such as property neglect, debris, and graffiti.

Cultural language recognition is also on the agenda. Bill 218-38 by Sen. Shelly Calvo would officially adopt the spelling “Chamoru” in Guam law and require its use in government publications, educational materials, and signage.

Two additional bills seek to support Guam’s developing cannabis industry. One would extend a temporary waiver on required laboratory testing for locally grown cannabis while Guam still lacks a testing facility, while another would remove the requirement that cannabis be grown using strictly organic fertilizers and natural cultivation methods.

Other proposals include a measure to increase the discount on tobacco tax stamps for wholesalers and legislation requiring the Guam Visitors Bureau board to approve any travel funded by the agency.

Speaker Frank Blas, Jr. has yet to formally call senators into session. The March session is expected to be the last before lawmakers shift their focus to the government’s fiscal year budget discussions beginning in April.