Therese Terlaje

Panelists testifying on Bill 253-38 told senators the bill should include more specific language to prohibit mining ships from docking, staging or supplying in Guam waters.

Lawmakers will hold a hearing Wednesday on a bill that would ban seabed mining and allow local officials to reject permits for mining businesses or turn away ships engaged in deep-sea mining.

The bill requires the Guam Visitors Bureau board, rather than the general manager, to approve travel.

A bill introduced by Sen. Shelly Calvo would provide legal recognition and regulations for common-law marriage on Guam.

Last week, the Legislature passed a resolution opposing the federal government's plan to allow seabed mining near the Mariana Trench.