Legislators met in an emergency special session last Friday to solve the leadership crisis in Yona, Guam.

Yona Mayor Jesse Blas is currently in jail awaiting trial on extortion and bribery charges stemming from a methamphetamine smuggling operation he allegedly facilitated.

Blas has not resigned and has continued to make appointments from behind bars.

In the emergency session, the unicameral Legislature passed a bill requiring a municipal planning council to appoint an acting mayor in the event of an extended mayoral absence.

Lawmakers declined to pass proposed language that would authorize and fund a recall election in Yona.

Vice Speaker Telena Nelson called the session after Speaker Tina Muna Barnes, who opposed the idea, temporarily made Nelson acting speaker when she left the territory to attend a funeral.

Gov. Lou Leon Guerrero now has ten days to sign or veto the new bill, or it will automatically become law.