by Ken Quintanilla

Guam - Legislation was introduced today that would require the Guam Police Department to issue concealed firearms permits to applicants who meet certain requirements. Senator Tony Ada introduced Bill 296 with bipartisan support from co-sponsors Senators Aline Yamashita, Chris Duenas, Tommy Morrison, Rory Respicio, Brant McCreadie and Michael San Nicolas.

While the chief of police would retain his authority under the provisions of Bill 296, applicants would no longer need to show cause to have a permit. GPD would issue concealed carry permits to applicants who meet all the requirements set forth in the bill. The bill gives Guam residents a controlled "shall issue" authorization to obtain a concealed firearms permit. If enacted the bill would prevent the issuance of concealed firearms licenses to those who don't have a Guam Firearms Identification, who committed most types of misdemeanors within three years of application, who are deemed mentally incompetent and with a history of substance or alcohol abuse.

Ada says the provisions in Bill 296 are more in line with our constitutional right to keep and bear arms than what current statute allows.