How a Bill is Passed by the Guam Youth Congress

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This process ensures that every bill considered by the Guam Youth Congress is deliberated through a transparent, structured, and participatory process that mirrors the procedures of I Liheslaturan Guåhan. Through this framework, Guam’s youth have a meaningful opportunity to engage in lawmaking, policy development, and civic leadership.​

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Introducing a Bill

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Youth legislation begins as an idea. These ideas may come from a Youth Representative or from members of the community. Citizens and youth who have ideas for new policies or youth-related laws may contact their Youth Representative to discuss their ideas. If the Representative agrees, they research the issue and write it into a bill for consideration by the Guam Youth Congress.​

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Drafting a Bill

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A Youth Representative desiring to introduce a bill submits an initialed copy to the Clerk of the Guam Youth Congress, who will number the bill in the order of its filing. The Clerk transmits the bill to the Committee on Rules to begin the referral process.

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The Pre-Referral Process

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Upon introduction of a bill, the Committee on Rules reviews the measure to ensure it conforms with the Standing Rules of the Guam Youth Congress and is properly formatted. If corrections are required, the Committee on Rules returns the bill to its Prime Sponsor for revision. Once corrected, the bill will be marked “As Corrected by the Prime Sponsor” and continue to the referral process.

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Referral of a Bill

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Referral to Committee of Jurisdiction

Upon completion of the pre-referral review, the Chairperson of the Committee on Rules refers the bill to the appropriate standing committee having jurisdiction over the subject matter, in accordance with the Standing Rules. 

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The committee may hold discussions, meetings, or hearings to receive input from youth organizations, government agencies, and members of the public. Written and oral testimonies may be received to help guide the committee’s deliberation.

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Committee Actions

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Bill Amendments or Substitutions

While a bill is in committee, the committee may make necessary amendments or create a substitute bill to strengthen or clarify the measure.

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Committee Report and Vote

After review, the committee votes on the bill in the same manner as the full Guam Youth Congress. The report includes testimonies, committee findings, and recommendations.

Committee members vote either TO DO PASS, TO NOT PASS, TO REPORT OUT ONLY, TO ABSTAIN, or TO PLACE IN THE INACTIVE FILE. Bills may not be placed on the Session Agenda without the necessary number of votes to PASS or REPORT OUT.

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Committee reports are submitted to the Committee on Rules for review. Once filed by the Committee on Rules, the reported bill is available for placement on the Session Agenda.

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Committee on Rules Meets to Set Session Agenda

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The Committee on Rules meets to decide which bills will be placed on the Session Agenda for debate and consideration by the Members of the Guam Youth Congress.

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Guam Youth Congress in Session

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Second Reading

Once placed on the Session Agenda, Members of the Guam Youth Congress may discuss, amend, or make changes to the bill. During the Second Reading, Members debate the measure and may offer amendments for consideration.

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After discussion, a bill may be placed in the Inactive File or referred back to the committee of jurisdiction for further study.

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Third Reading and Voting

During the Third Reading, no further debate may occur. Bills are engrossed, or prepared for voting, in the Third Reading.

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After engrossment, Members of the Guam Youth Congress vote to pass or reject the bill. A majority of Members present and voting is required for passage. If the bill fails to receive a majority vote, it does not pass.

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Certification and Transmittal

Once passed, the bill is certified by the Speaker and attested to by the Legislative Secretary of the Guam Youth Congress.

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Certified bills are then transmitted to the Chairperson of the Committee on Youth of I Liheslaturan Guåhan for consideration and formal introduction in the Guam Legislature, where the measure will undergo the legislative process of I Liheslaturan Guåhan.