The bill, introduced by Telo T. Taitague and co-sponsored by several legislators, seeks to amend Section 161.90 (a) of Chapter 161, Title 8 of the Guam Code Annotated. The primary purpose of this amendment is to authorize the Criminal Injuries Compensation Commission (CICC) to consider late applications for compensation from victims of violent crimes, provided there is a showing of good cause. This change acknowledges that victims may face various challenges that prevent them from applying within the current 18-month statute of limitations, which can be emotionally taxing and difficult to navigate in the aftermath of a crime.

The proposed amendment includes specific language that defines "good cause" to encompass a range of circumstances, such as physical or mental incapacity, trauma from the offense, fear of retaliation, hospitalization, and other extraordinary situations beyond the applicant's control. By allowing for these exceptions, the bill aims to enhance the fairness and accessibility of the compensation process for victims, aligning Guam's approach with practices in other states that provide similar provisions.

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