All Roll Calls
Yes: 0 • No: 0
GuamBill No. 218-38 (COR)38th Guam Legislature (2025-2026)legislature
AN ACT TO ADD A NEW § 421 TO CHAPTER 4, TITLE 1, GUAM CODE ANNOTATED, RELATIVE TO MANDATING THE OFFICIAL USE OF THE SPELLING “CHAMORU” IN PLACE OF “CHAMORRO” IN GUAM LAW, POLICY, AND PUBLIC DOCUMENTS, AND TO REQUIRE IMPLEMENTATION OF THIS CHANGE BY ALL GOVERNMENT AGENCIES AND PUBLIC EDUCATION INSTITUTIONS.
Sponsored By: Shelly V. Calvo (Republican)
Signed by Governor
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Bill Overview
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Guam agencies and schools adopt CHamoru
Effective upon enactment, the law makes “CHamoru” the official spelling for Guam and the Mariana Islands’ Indigenous people, language, and culture. Guam agencies, including autonomous and semi-autonomous entities, and public education institutions must use it in official materials and programs. This includes laws, policies, agency names, documents, signs, websites, correspondence, and educational materials. Existing materials must phase out “Chamorro” within 18 months of enactment. Agencies must work with the Department of CHamoru Affairs and Guam’s language and culture commission on correct spelling. The Compiler of Law can also work with the commission on proposed replacements. The Office of Technology and Department of Administration must coordinate digital system and communication updates. A working group, jointly led by CHamoru Affairs and Administration, must provide spelling guidance and training or information to agencies and educators. It must report progress and challenges to Guam’s legislature within one year of enactment. Implementation funding can come from existing agency budgets, cultural preservation grants, or later appropriations; agencies are encouraged to include costs in budget requests.
Sponsors & Cosponsors
Sponsor
Shelly V. Calvo
Republican • legislature
Cosponsors
There are no cosponsors for this bill.
Roll Call Votes
legislature vote • 3/27/2026
Floor Vote
Yes: 0 • No: 0
Actions Timeline
Public Law 38-113 — signed
4/8/2026GovernorCommittee report filed
3/3/2026legislaturePublic hearing held
1/20/2026legislatureFiscal note filed
11/25/2025legislatureFiscal note requested
11/17/2025legislatureReferred to committee
11/17/2025legislatureIntroduced as Bill No. 218-38 (COR)
11/7/2025legislatureTransmitted to Governor
legislature
Bill Text
Introduced
11/7/2025
Committee Report
Enrolled (Public Law)
Transmittal
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