3 Strikes Bill Passes Unanimously

by Sabrina Salas Matanane

Guam - Among the many bills passed by lawmakers during session Monday included Bill 107. The legislation introduced by Senator Brant McCreadie enhances criminal penalties for habitual offenders.

"I would personally like to thank my co-sponsors to this bill, Senator Dennis Rodriguez, Jr., Senator Tina Rose Muña Barnes, Senator Michael San Nicolas, Senator Tony Ada, Senator Michael Limtiaco, Senator Rory Respicio, Senator Tommy Morrison, Senator Aline Yamashita, Ph.D., and Senator Frank Aguon, for their efforts in ensuring the safety of the community," said Senator McCreadie. "It is unfortunate that this legislation is needed on our island, but the safety of the community is of utmost important to me and my colleagues. 

Bill 107-32(LS) was amended on the floor to add a section under the terms of the Compacts of Free Association (COFA) requiring the Attorney General of Guam to immediately notify the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Division of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) of Guam's desire to have the convicted COFA citizen deported.  This directive will then assist the federal agency in beginning the process of deportation and removal. 

The bill was also amended to add an additional strike and a stipulation that if the court certifies that the defendant has a mental health illness, then the provisions of the enhanced punishment contained in this bill do not apply."

McCreadie adds, "I would also like to thank my colleagues who voted unanimously for the passage of this legislation.  As we wait for the Governor's action on the bill, we will continue to work for a safer Guam."