Legislature backs tougher penalties for bomb scares and modernizes law for digital threats

Vice Speaker introduced Bill 162-38, a measure to expand and modernize Guam’s terroristic-conduct statute to include bomb scares and related threats made in public places and through modern digital channels. The bill raises penalties, directs fines to the Criminal Injuries Compensation Fund, and clears the way for civil suits by businesses that suffer interruption.

Floor discussion highlighted recent local incidents — evacuations at Micronesian Mall, a lockdown at Guam Memorial Hospital, and coordinated threats affecting shopping centers and government offices — as motivating factors. Committee amendments refined public-building definitions, clarified penalties for minors in serious juvenile cases, and explicitly listed modern communication methods including social media and artificial intelligence-driven synthetic media.

Lawmakers from across the floor supported the measure, arguing it is necessary to deter disruptive hoaxes and to reduce the diversion of emergency resources. Some members emphasized the need to pair stronger penalties with public education in schools so minors understand consequences. The bill was moved to the third-reading file by unanimous consent.