A public hearing was held Tuesday on legislation by Sen. Will Parkinson aimed at prohibiting nepotism and conflicts of interest in government hiring and supervision.
Bill No. 62-38, known as the No More Pari Pari Act of 2025, would establish uniform anti-nepotism rules across the Government of Guam. The measure would bar appointing authorities from hiring close relatives or romantic partners within the same agency and prohibit relatives or partners from serving within the same supervisory chain.
Parkinson said the bill targets favoritism that undermines merit-based employment while preserving fair opportunities for qualified applicants.
“Government hiring and management should not be based on who someone’s uncle is or who their romantic partner is,” Parkinson said, adding that nepotism discourages qualified residents, demoralizes career employees and erodes public trust.
During the hearing, Parkinson said nepotism sends a message that merit does not matter and that government favors insiders over the public. He said the bill mirrors anti-nepotism standards already in place in many states and within the federal civil service.
The legislation does not prohibit relatives from working in government outright. Instead, it focuses on what Parkinson described as high-risk scenarios, including employment within the same agency overseen by a related appointing authority or direct supervision involving relatives, spouses or close romantic partners such as fiancés.
Parkinson also rejected arguments that Guam’s size makes such restrictions impractical, saying clear rules are more necessary in smaller communities where favoritism can have lasting effects.
The bill remains under legislative consideration following the hearing.