An amended measure to change how new residents convert out-of-jurisdiction driver's licenses advanced through the chamber after senators approved an amendment and moved the bill to the third-reading/voting file with no objections.

An unnamed senator proposed adding language to Bill 165-38 COR that would require a person seeking an extension to "register his or her license in person or electronically with the Department of Revenue and Taxation," setting a clear administrative time clock for the conversion process. The sponsor said the change is intended to improve transparency and accountability in the licensing process.

The bill sponsor, an unnamed senator who spoke in support of the amendment, said the change extends the conversion period from 30 to 90 days. "Extending the driving period from 30 to 90 days may appear modest, but its impact is significant for the individuals and families who arrive on Guam and must navigate our licensing system," the sponsor said, arguing that the extra time would ease pressure on the department's limited testing and licensing resources.

The sponsor also emphasized agency verification powers in the amended language, saying the Department of Revenue and Taxation (DRT) would retain authority to deny registration if a license cannot be verified. The sponsor framed the provision as a safeguard against trafficking and fraudulent activity and noted that DRT can check whether an out-of-jurisdiction license is expired or revoked.

On process, the sponsor moved to add the bill, as amended, and invited cosponsors from members on the floor. The motion to include all members on the floor as cosponsors drew "no objections" and was ordered. The sponsor then moved to place Bill 165-38 COR, as amended and further amended, on the voting/third-reading file; the presiding officer asked for objections and, hearing none, the motion carried.

No roll-call vote was recorded on the amendment or the motions; the transcript records the presiding officer asking for objections and receiving none. The sponsor named Senator Tina Munoz Barnes during the cosponsor colloquy.

The presiding officer recessed the chamber until 10:00 a.m. the following day.

What the bill would do: The amendment requires registration of an out-of-jurisdiction license either in person or electronically with the Department of Revenue and Taxation and lengthens the allowable period before conversion to a Guam license from 30 days to 90 days; the bill retains the ultimate requirement that drivers convert to a Guam license and preserves DRT's authority to verify and deny registrations where the license cannot be validated.

Next steps: With no objections on the floor, the measure was placed on the third-reading/voting file for consideration at a later date.