Puerto RicoPC 001720th Legislative Assembly (2025-2028)House

Para aprobar la "Ley de Administración y Conservación de Documentos Públicos para el Siglo XXI"; derogar la Ley Núm. 5 de 8 de diciembre de 1955, según enmendada, conocida como "Ley de Administración de Documentos Públicos de Puerto Rico"; instaurar la nueva estructura del Archivo General de Puerto Rico; establecer la política pública sobre la identificación, manejo, protección y conservación de los documentos públicos; crear el Programa de Gestión de Documentos Públicos para el Gobierno, que aplicará a la Rama Ejecutiva, así como a las corporaciones públicas y los municipios del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico; delinear las funciones del referido Programa y los procedimientos de conservación de documentos e información pública; establecer penalidades por el incumplimiento de esta Ley o de la reglamentación adoptada en su virtud; y para otros fines relacionados.

Sponsored By: Carlos J. Méndez Núñez (PNP)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

7 provisions identified: 3 benefits, 3 costs, 1 mixed.

Tougher audits, fines, and disposal rules

The Program can audit records and inspect without notice when mishandling is suspected. Agencies must allow access and get 6 months to 1 year to fix problems. Breaking the law can cost $500 to $5,000 per violation, with 30 days to seek review. Agencies may only destroy records using approved schedules or emergency permission. Illegal disposal can bring criminal charges.

Archivo General is central records home

The Archivo General is the official place to keep government records in any format. It reviews agency disposal lists within 60 days to save items of historical value. The Archivero can order transfers of records older than 50 years, from closed agencies, or at risk, with limited exceptions. Certified copies from the Archivo count like originals in court. A system of municipal and departmental historical archives is created and run by the Archivero.

New government records program and director

The law creates a central program in the Institute of Puerto Rican Culture to manage public records. It sets rules to keep, store, digitize, and dispose of documents across agencies and towns. The program trains and certifies staff and reviews disposal lists. A director is appointed and confirmed for a five-year term, with one possible five-year renewal, and can be removed for just cause.

Three-year transition and old law repeal

The old 1955 records law is repealed. Agencies have three years from this law's start date to finish changes and meet the new rules.

Agencies must staff and store records

Each agency must name a records administrator and needed coordinators. Agencies must keep inventories, send them yearly, and maintain storage for active, inactive, and permanent files. Some permanent records stay on-site for 20 or 50 years as set by the Program. Each agency must keep a Program-approved procedures manual. Departments must run a Recycling Office, keep shredders there, never put records in regular trash, and set rules for safe digital deletion.

Archives exempt from open-data rules

Collections held by the Archivo General, including ex-governors' and ex-first ladies' collections, are not covered by the Open Data and Transparency laws. These materials do not have to be published under those laws.

Rules for depositing private collections

The Archivo can accept temporary deposits when it has space and resources. A deposit lasts five years and can renew up to ten years total. Depositors must pay costs, give a detailed inventory, and sign an agreement. If there is no response within one year after the maximum term, the deposit passes to the Archivo.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Carlos J. Méndez Núñez

    PNP • House

Cosponsors

  • Víctor L Parés Otero

    PNP • House

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 53 • No: 24

Senate vote • 6/23/2025

Aprobado por el Senado en Votación Final

Yes: 20 • No: 8

House vote • 3/17/2025

Aprobado por Cámara en Votación Final

Yes: 33 • No: 16

Actions Timeline

  1. Ley Núm. 107 — Firmada por la Gobernadora

    8/10/2025House
  2. Enviado a la Gobernadora

    7/11/2025Senate
  3. Firmado por el Presidente del Senado

    7/7/2025Senate
  4. Firmado por el Presidente de la Cámara

    6/30/2025House
  5. Se dispone que sea enrolado

    6/23/2025Senate
  6. Aprobado por el Senado en Votación Final

    6/23/2025Senate
  7. Aprobado sin enmiendas

    6/23/2025Senate
  8. En el Calendario de Ordenes Especiales del Senado

    6/23/2025Senate
  9. Remitido a la Comisión de Reglas y Calendario del Senado

    6/10/2025Senate
  10. 1er Informe Comisión rendido sin enmiendas

    6/10/2025Senate
  11. Referido a Comisión(es)

    3/19/2025Senate
  12. Aparece en Primera Lectura del Senado

    3/19/2025Senate
  13. Texto de Aprobación Final enviado al Senado

    3/17/2025House
  14. Aprobado por Cámara en Votación Final

    3/17/2025House
  15. Aprobado con enmiendas del informe

    3/17/2025House
  16. En el Calendario de Ordenes Especiales de la Cámara

    3/17/2025House
  17. Remitido a Comisión de Calendarios de la Cámara

    3/10/2025House
  18. Entirillado del Informe

    3/10/2025House
  19. 1er Informe Comisión rendido con enmiendas

    3/10/2025House
  20. Referido a Comisión(es)

    1/16/2025House
  21. Aparece en Primera Lectura de la Cámara

    1/16/2025House
  22. Radicado

    1/2/2025House

Bill Text

  • Se dispone que sea enrolado

    6/23/2025

  • Texto de Aprobación Final enviado al Senado

    3/17/2025

  • Radicado

    1/2/2025

Related Bills

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