Guam Senators Advance Bill to Waive ID Fees for Students, Foster Children, and Elderly

Guam senators have moved forward with a bill that would waive the $25 fee for Guam ID and Guam Real ID cards for high school juniors and seniors, foster children, and Guam residents aged 65 and older. The bill, introduced by Speaker Therese Terlaje, aims to ensure easy access to identification cards for young people and the elderly, enabling them to fully participate in society.

During a legislative session, senators discussed the proposed legislation, with Sen. Joe San Agustin successfully amending it to extend the fee waiver to those 65 and older. Terlaje noted that the Legislature has previously passed similar fee waivers for other groups, such as the homeless, with the goal of making them eligible for public services that require a valid ID.

Why this matters: Access to valid identification is essential for individuals to engage in various aspects of society, from accessing public services to exercising their right to vote. By waiving ID fees for students, foster children, and the elderly, the bill seeks to remove financial barriers and promote greater social inclusion for these groups.

The bill was sent to the voting file without objection, signaling strong support among the senators. "The bill aims to ensure easy access to IDs for young people and the elderly, empowering them to participate fully in society," Terlaje stated, emphasizing the importance of making identification accessible to all residents of Guam.

Key Takeaways

• Guam senators propose waiving $25 ID fees for minors, elderly, and foster children.
• The bill aims to ensure easy access to IDs and promote social inclusion.
• The Legislature has previously passed similar fee waivers for other groups.
• Access to valid ID is essential for accessing public services and voting.
• The bill has strong support among senators and is expected to pass.