After almost three weeks in session, lawmakers finally came to a vote today, sending multiple bills to Governor Lou Leon Guerrero’s desk for signature.

Among those bills is a measure setting the bar at 25 years in prison for those caught with large amounts of crystal methamphetamine and fentanyl. 

“Bill number 239,-37 (COR) is duly passed by this body,” said Speaker Therese Terlaje. 

Bill 239, introducing quantity-based sentencing, also punishes repeat offenders with a life sentence and imposes fines and penalties for businesses involved in the importation of meth and fentanyl. 

13 senators voted to pass that legislation and while bill sponsor, Senator Chris Barnett, opted out of making remarks on its passage on the floor, other senators took the opportunity during today’s session to speak their minds. 

Tensions flared as Senator Chris Duenas alleged his passed Bill 175, regarding including nitrogen-reducing systems, establishing administrative process, and creating sewage disposal assistance, and the NGLA study fund was held up in committee for years. 

“Because you don’t like a bill. And when you don’t like something, and you got the power of committee, and you got the power of majority, you can just sit on it, that is an abuse of power,” said Sen. Duenas.

Senator Telo Taitague fired back at Duenas’ statements, taking up for committee chairperson on environment, Senator Sabina Perez. Perez’ vote on the bill was excused due to her absence. 

“So why all of a sudden now? Who really had the opportunity first to address this? It sure wasn’t the author of this legislation. Actually, Senator Perez was working on this, and working with realtors, and working with EPA,” said Sen. Taitague. 

Meantime, a large majority of the bills passed the body with Bills 227 and 213 failing to garner enough votes to override the Governor’s previous veto.