Guam § 16101 - Legislative Intent.

§ 16101. 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.