All Roll Calls
Yes: 0 • No: 0
GuamBill No. 155-38 (COR)38th Guam Legislature (2025-2026)legislatureWALLET
AN ACT TO ADD A NEW ARTICLE 3 TO CHAPTER 1, TITLE 19, GUAM ADMINISTRATIVE RULES AND REGULATIONS, RELATIVE TO ADOPTING “THE RULES AND REGULATIONS FOR THE ADJUDICATION OF VICTIM CLAIMS 2024” ATTACHED HERETO AS EXHIBIT “A”.
Sponsored By: Telo T. Taitague (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.
How much compensation you can get
The law sets the maximum help you can get. Medical bills are capped at $20,000 per claim. All other covered losses are capped at $10,000 per claim. If you use a lawyer, the Commission can order reasonable attorney fees based on your award. The lawyer must file a fee affidavit within 30 days of the final decision, and that fee order is final.
How hearings work and appeals
Hearings are informal and recorded. Normal courtroom evidence rules do not apply, and everyone testifies under oath. You may have a lawyer at your own cost. If you go without a lawyer, you cannot question witnesses directly but may submit questions to the Commission. You may call witnesses and request subpoenas, but you must pay the court’s witness fee for any subpoenaed witness. If you appeal on the record, a digital transcript costs $25, paid to the Treasurer of Guam. The Commission can order a medical exam at its cost; you may file a rebuttal report at your cost. The Commission must issue a final decision within 120 days after the last hearing, with one written extension up to 30 days. If an ALJ hears your case, the ALJ issues a recommendation in 20 days; the Commission may accept, reject, or review the record anew. You may seek reconsideration within 10 working days for a factual mistake, with no new evidence. You may appeal to the Superior Court only if the Commission exceeded its authority or jurisdiction, and you must file within 30 calendar days.
Who can apply and key deadlines
You can apply if a crime caused injury or death. The crime must happen in Guam, or you were a Guam resident then and the other place has no victim pay law. Residency means living in a place for 30 straight days. You must file within 18 months of the injury, death, or property damage. Use the official form and sign a sworn declaration. You must give a police report, invoices, receipts, and other proof, or your claim can be denied. You must also report any other payments you got, except life insurance to a spouse or dependents. The office tells you within 20 business days if you are eligible and if your file is complete. Driving over the legal alcohol or drug limit counts as intent under this law.
New rules for victim claims
Guam adopts the 2024 Rules for Adjudication of Victim Claims. These rules govern how the Commission takes applications, holds hearings, and issues awards. They provide one standard process for all victim claims.
Privacy for victim records and hearings
Your claim records are private. They are not shared without your written consent, unless a court order or law requires it. Most Commission business follows the Open Government Law. Hearings to decide your compensation can be closed to protect your privacy.
How the Commission runs hearings
The Commission has five members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Legislature. Members elect a Chair for two years; the Chair can be reelected once and may be removed by a majority. The Chair calls hearings; a majority can request one, and if refused, the Attorney General can convene a meeting and provides staff support and pays public notice costs. Working sessions are only for internal matters and cannot decide cases; they may be held by video and need no quorum or records. A valid hearing needs a quorum of three members; video participation is allowed, and any decision without a quorum is void. Vacancies are filled under law, and the Governor and Legislature are asked to fill them quickly.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Telo T. Taitague
Republican • legislature
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
legislature vote • 7/31/2025
Floor Vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Public Law 38-52 — signed
8/18/2025GovernorCommittee report filed
7/15/2025legislaturePublic hearing held
7/9/2025legislatureFiscal note filed
6/30/2025legislatureFiscal note requested
6/24/2025legislatureReferred to committee
6/24/2025legislatureIntroduced as Bill No. 155-38 (COR)
6/20/2025legislatureTransmitted to Governor
legislature
Bill Text
Introduced
6/20/2025
Committee Report
Enrolled (Public Law)
Transmittal
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