As lawmakers convened for their November session, they turned their attention to some of Guam’s most pressing needs -- from ensuring families have a place to lay loved ones to rest, to preparing the island for the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence.

From a public cemetery nearing capacity to the rising influence of AI in everyday life, as they began their November session senators worked through measures aimed at meeting both immediate concerns and future risks. Up for debate first, the Vicente Limtiaco Cemetery -- Guam’s only public cemetery -- is nearly out of burial space – prompting lawmakers to take up Bill 49 by Senator Tina Muña Barnes.

The measure would transfer Lot No. 258 to the Department of Parks & Recreation, giving the agency enough land to extend burial capacity for up to 20 years. Barnes emphasized the urgency, citing a warning from DPR, saying, “Immediate action is necessary because Tiguac is Guam’s only public cemetery providing burial services for residents who cannot afford plots in commercial cemeteries.”

But the debate sharpened when Senator Therese Terlaje questioned DPR’s readiness to manage additional land. “If they could not manage the current cemetery, why are we going to give them more land without any plans, without any proposal of how it’s going to be managed better, or improvements to the current facility?” she said.

Despite concerns, lawmakers advanced Bill 49 to the Third Reading File.

And on the topic of capacity, the Guam Legislature also tackled Guam’s position in the technology world. As the world dives deeper into the digital age, the lines between AI and reality are becoming increasingly blurred, and Senator Telo Taitague believes Guam needs to act quickly to keep up.

Her Bill 64 would do just that -- creating the Guam Artificial Intelligence Regulatory Task Force. “As AI reshapes global markets, Guam must position itself to seize opportunities in innovation," Senator Taitague maintained.

The multi-sector group -- with representatives ranging from the Attorney General's Office to the Office of Homeland Security and private sector experts -- would craft a framework for safe, ethical, and transparent AI use across both the government and private sector. All while ensuring the protection of constitutional and organic act rights, strengthening cybersecurity, and preparing Guam’s workforce for new AI-driven careers.

But concerns were raised about the risks of unchecked AI – especially instances of discrimination and algorithmic bias. Senator Sabina Perez offered an amendment to expand the definition of discrimination to include categories like race, color, ethnicity, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, and age.

With the amendment adopted, lawmakers voted to move Bill 64 to the Third Reading File, as well.

Together, Bills 49 and 64 capture the wide spectrum of issues facing the island — from ensuring dignity in how we honor our dead, to safeguarding the future in a rapidly advancing digital world.

A reminder that Guam’s challenges span both the deeply traditional and the urgently modern.