A new bill introduced at the Guam Legislature aims to close a critical safety gap for crime victims—especially during one of the most dangerous moments: when an offender is released from prison.
Senator William Parkinson has introduced the Victim Protection Continuity Act of 2025, legislation designed to ensure protective orders do not expire simply because an offender was incarcerated.
Under the bill, courts would be authorized to issue protective orders at the time of sentencing in cases involving abuse, harassment, stalking, sexual offenses, or threats of violence—even if a victim has not filed a separate civil petition.
The measure would also automatically extend existing protective orders that are set to expire while an offender is behind bars, keeping them in effect after release. Courts could also issue new protective orders upon release if there is a credible threat to a victim or their family.
Parkinson says the goal is continuity—preventing victims from having to relive trauma or race against the clock just to stay protected.
National data shows reentry is a high-risk period, with nearly 70 percent of people released from prison re-arrested within three years. Advocates say clear, enforceable protective orders reduce opportunities for intimidation and retaliation, while giving law enforcement stronger tools to intervene.
The bill would also require the superior court to notify Guam Police, the Department of Corrections, and victims of any changes, with violations enforceable through criminal penalties or parole and probation consequences.
Senator Parkinson is encouraging public input as the bill moves through the legislative process.