Legislative Intent

I Liheslaturan Guåhan [the Guam Legislature] finds and recognizes that the American Red Cross and other non-governmental organizations (NGOs), as well as faith-based member organizations, have a long tradition of humanitarian service. Guam has been assisted by the American Red Cross during times of disasters in addition to humanitarian assistance involving finding or locating relatives, along with blood drives. Our island has also been the recipient of assistance provided by various NGOs and faith-based member organizations, whether during a declared disaster or in response to a humanitarian need. In response to an increasing number of disasters in recent years, and in response to their rising costs, several states have enacted legislation authorizing paid leave for government employees who volunteer for American Red Cross disaster operations. Often, government employees possess skills that can be transferred to disaster operations, including shelter management, mass feeding, damage assessment and family services. This Act allows government employees a maximum of fifteen

(15)days paid leave during a twelve (12)-month period, without loss of seniority, vacation time, sick leave, or earned overtime accumulation. I Liheslaturan Guåhan [the Legislature] further finds that it is essential that the government of Guam allows for its employees to request for disaster leave during periods of disasters and humanitarian need assisting the American Red Cross, other NGOs and faith-based member organizations.