Guam lawmakers are moving forward on three major bills aimed at public safety, neighborhood preservation, and border security – all advanced during this week’s legislative session.

The push to strengthen Guam’s criminal laws took center stage in the Guam Congress Building – starting with Bill 157, targeting gaps in penalties for sexual crimes against minors. Introduced by Vice Speaker Tony Ada, the measure creates a new, specified offense: aggravated third degree criminal sexual conduct. 

It follows a June case in which a 31-year-old convicted sex offender received only an 8-year sentence for forcibly assaulting a 14-year-old – the perpetrator's charges reduced because he didn’t live in the same household as the victim.

Under the bill, perpetrators more than four years older than a 14- or 15-year-old victim would face stronger penalties – matching sentencing ranges applied in other jurisdictions.

“All jurisdictions in the United States have long prison terms for those criminals that sexually assault children under the age of 14," Ada announced. "Most states also have tough sentences for those who sexually assault teenage victims. Especially those under the age of 16.”

Bill 157 advanced unanimously to the Third Reading File. Lawmakers also united behind Bill 167 - Speaker Frank Blas, Jr.’s bipartisan effort to toughen penalties for graffiti – a growing problem he says is visible across the island. The bill doubles fines to $2,000 for a first offense and $4,000 for repeat offenders, while increasing jail time to 180 days.

With co-sponsors added, the bill moved forward to the Third Reading File. Lawmakers also advanced Bill 183 by Senator Shawn Gumataotao, giving the Guam Customs and Quarantine Agency more time to develop the long-planned satellite inspection, holding, and secured sterile facility – originally authorized in 2018 but still not realized.

The Container Inspection Facility Working Group – responsible for overseeing all facts of the project, including facility design, equipment,  future growth of the agency, as well as “exploring all reasonable financing options to fund facility construction and sustainability” – was formed in 2024.

Senator Gumataotao said, “Based on the CIF Working Group’s assessment, the facility necessary to meet CQA’s operational and strategic needs is estimated to cost upwards of $40 million.”

Customs has already applied for a federal grant that would cover 80% of the costs – but with the July 2026 deadline approaching, lawmakers say more time is needed.

Senator Therese Terlaje emphasized, however, that Customs has already benefited from prior deadline extensions, yet the project remains stalled with progress limited to architectural and engineering planning.  Acknowledging the agency’s position, she questioned the absence of an interim setup and called for a temporary facility to be established now instead of waiting until 2028.

Bill 183 was ultimately moved to the third reading as well – the trio of measures now awaiting their final votes.