GuamBill No. 30-38 (COR)38th Guam Legislature (2025-2026)legislatureWALLET

AN ACT TO ADD A NEW ARTICLE 11 TO CHAPTER 51A OF TITLE 10, GUAM CODE ANNOTATED; AND ADD A NEW § 14104(p) TO CHAPTER 14 OF TITLE 12, GUAM CODE ANNOTATED, RELATIVE TO ESTABLISHING THE GUAM SOLID WASTE AUTHORITY ISLANDWIDE COLLECTION PLAN.

Sponsored By: Sabina F. Perez (Democrat)

Became Law

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 2 mixed.

Lower trash bills for low-income homes

GSWA creates a Customer Assistance Program to lower trash bills for low‑income homes. Money can come from legislative appropriations, federal grants, or other subsidies. GSWA cannot use ratepayer revenue for CAP unless the Public Utilities Commission approves it first. GSWA sets income rules, and households on SNAP/food stamps, Medicaid, or WIC may qualify. CAP funds meant for customers are used only on CAP bills and shared equally until the money runs out, unless a law or grant says otherwise. Every residential bill shows the regular rate, any GSWA lifeline subsidy on your account, and any outside subsidies.

Mandatory islandwide trash service for homes

The Guam Solid Waste Authority runs one islandwide trash plan for homes with four units or less. It includes pickup for unwanted appliances, electronics, and most batteries, and it blends public and private collection. Owners must subscribe to public or private trash service. New and existing Guam Waterworks customers are enrolled, and the applicant must set up and pay; the owner stays responsible even if a lease makes the tenant pay. You can get a yearly renewal exemption if the home is vacant with a valid occupancy permit, the occupied home makes no waste, you have a weekly contract with a permitted private hauler, you are a registered self‑hauler using residential transfer stations, or a lease requires the tenant to subscribe. The GSWA Board sets penalties for not subscribing or for late or unpaid fees. GWA shares customer info and forms with GSWA and is not liable for doing so. GSWA must adopt rules within 180 days, and service rolls out after the Legislature approves those rules.

Trash rates change during rollout

GSWA reviews and updates trash rates to reflect the new islandwide service. Legislative findings note the current residential rate is $30/month, with planned interim increases of $3 in 2025, $2 in 2026, and $3 in 2028, reaching about $38 during rollout. After full islandwide service, targeted by January 2028, the plan aims to reduce the residential rate to $22.50/month. Actual rates depend on the adopted rate schedules for the program.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Sabina F. Perez
Democrat • legislature

Cosponsors

Chris “Malafunkshun” Barnett
Democrat • legislature
Sabrina Salas Matanane
Republican • legislature
Shelly V. Calvo
Republican • legislature
Telo T. Taitague
Republican • legislature
Therese M. Terlaje
Democrat • legislature
V. Anthony Ada
Republican • legislature

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 0 • No: 0

legislature vote • 7/31/2025

Floor Vote