Guam lawmakers have wrapped-up their first session of the year – passing measures that touch our everyday lives from accessible housing and healthcare to worker’s rights.  Here's a breakdown of the bills that have cleared the legislature and now await final review by our Maga’håga.

Lawmakers comcluded session with a slate of bills aimed at expanding access, strengthening accountability, and clarifying long-standing gaps in our law.  Senator Sabina Perez’s Bill 29 passed unanimously, prohibiting discrimination in housing based on a person’s source of income, including federal housing vouchers.  Supporters say the measure opens doors for families, veterans, and people with disabilities, while still allowing landlords to verify affordability.

The senator said, “When we allow discrimination based on the source of income, we close the door on families, veterans, people with disabilities, and others who rely on public assistance to make ends meet.”

Two public safety also took center stage - both passing. Vice Speaker Tony Ada’s Bill 138 repeals limitations on the intoxication defense, holding individuals who knowingly, intentionally, or willingly consumed drugs or alcohol before committing a crime fully responsible. “And this bill makes a bold statement," he explained. "You get yourself drunk or high, you are fully responsible for any crime that you commit in your intoxicated state.”

And his Bill 162 increases penalties for terroristic conduct, including bomb threats, with fines reaching up to $25,000 and potential prison sentences of up to 10 years.

Healthcare access saw a structural shift with Senator Therese Terlaje’s Bill 169 passing, establishing Guam community health centers as an autonomous public corporation – while remaining aligned with federal standards – to continue serving patients regardless of ability to pay.

Education-related measures moved forward, as well. Senator Vince Borja’s Bill 202, the Guam Veterans Higher Education Benefits Act, passed after two days of debate and multiple amendments, including limits tied to institutional capacity and to reserving the program to local residents only.  Borja's Bill 215 additionally waives sanitary permit fees for student-led fund-raisers.

Workplace protections were also clarified with Senator Telo Taitague’s Bill 210, finally making the existing law of the Pregnant Workers Fairness Act operational. It establishes complaint processes, inspection authority, employer obligations, and penalties – ensuring that pregnant employees receive reasonable accommodations and are protected from retaliation or unfair treatment.

Original law author Senator Tina Muña Barnes was pleased the law is getting closer to implementation, saying, “No woman should have to choose between their job and their health, or their jobs and taking care of their family.”

Lawmakers also approved a series of measures aimed at expanding workforce and housing flexibility, and strengthening ties between education and industry – reflecting a broader push to streamline processes while preparing the island for future growth.

With the legislature's work now complete, these bills head to the governor's desk.