by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - Legislation that would clarify language in local law for the Guam Fire Department to effectively issue Fire Code violations was moved to the Third Reading File. Senator Tom Ada introduced Bill 40, which would change Fire Code violations from misdemeanors to civil violations. The measure sets penalties for those caught violating the Fire Code with the fines to be deposited to the FLAME Fund.

Senator Ben Pangelinan, however, believes the revenue should go to the General Fund instead and introduced an amendment to that effect. "We don't really want to place GFD in a position where the public perception can say, 'Man, they're just enforcing that because they want a new car or they want a new truck.' Now, I don't mind the application fees or the inspection fees or the service fees for that to go to the fire department, because that's a service they provide."

Ada said, "I'm really annoyed by this implication of this self-serving enforcement of the Fire Code, because maybe they need something they're going to become more aggressive with their enforcement or not and I guess, it's my outlook is that people wake up in the morning thinking about what kind of good things we can do to today not so much how I can squeeze more out of the people so I can meet my needs here."

The Pangelinan amendment failed.

Meanwhile just before recessing lawmakers waived public hearing requirements and added Bill 43 to session agenda. The measure was introduced earlier this week to close loop holes related to the ever changing production of the drug Spice. The measure not only updates the current definition of Spice, but also strengthens penalties for those caught distributing or possessing it.

Session resumes tomorrow at 9 in the morning.