Puerto RicoPC 040620th Legislative Assembly (2025-2028)HouseWALLET

Para crear la "Ley de la Policía de Puerto Rico" definir sus funciones y deberes; asignar los recursos necesarios para su constitución y operación; establecer penalidades; enmendar los Artículos 1.02, 1.06, 1.11, 1.12, 1.17, 1.18, 1.19 y 1.20; eliminar el Capítulo 2 y reenumerar los Capítulos 3 al 8, como los Capítulos 2 al 7, respectivamente; reenumerar los actuales Artículos del 3.01 al 8.07 como los nuevos Artículos 2.01 al 7.07, respectivamente, en la Ley Núm. 20-2017, según enmendada, conocida como "Ley del Departamento de Seguridad Pública de Puerto Rico", con el propósito de atemperar dicha Ley con la creación de la Policía de Puerto Rico; derogar la Ley 103-2010, según enmendada, mejor conocida como "Ley para la Educación Continua de los Miembros de la Policía de Puerto Rico"; enmendar el Artículo 2-104 de la Ley Núm. 447 de 15 de mayo de 1951, según enmendada; establecer las normas de transición aplicables para la implantación de esta ley; y para otros fines relacionados.

Sponsored By: Carlos ‘Johnny' Méndez Núñez (PNP), Miembros PNP -

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

34 provisions identified: 23 benefits, 1 costs, 10 mixed.

Free care for police and firefighters

Government and municipal hospitals give free medical care, hospital stays, and prescribed medicines to Police members and firefighters. Eligible dependents include a spouse, children under 18, students up to 25, and incapacitated dependents. Some retirees also qualify: 25 years of honorable service or a duty‑related disability. If you have prepaid insurance, the hospital can bill it, and you do not pay the deductible. Firefighter families may get ID cards; any fee cannot be higher than the card’s production cost.

Line‑of‑duty death payments

If a member dies in the line of duty, the family gets a lump sum equal to 24 months of the member’s gross monthly pay. Funeral costs are covered up to $5,000. These payments are in addition to other benefits. The law also grants a posthumous honorary promotion to Colonel and applies to municipal police.

Medical board and health ID cards

A Medical Evaluation Board reviews disability retirement, return‑to‑work fitness, and provides counseling for members. The Superintendent may issue free ID cards to spouses, minor children, students up to age 25, and incapacitated dependents. The card helps families access free medical services available by law.

Serve as reservist or auxiliary

Retired police can be hired as reservists after medical clearance. They keep their pension and get paid, but no more than a full‑time salary and 8 hours per day. Time as a reservist does not count toward retirement. Citizens may volunteer as Auxiliary Police after Academy training. While on duty they are treated as public‑order agents and get workers’ compensation; the Police pay the insurance premium.

Stronger overtime rules for police

The standard day is up to 8 hours and the week up to 40 hours. Extra hours earn time‑and‑a‑half pay, or you may choose compensatory time. Overtime must be paid within 45 days unless the Governor certifies a national security exception. Some administrative, executive, supervisory staff, and trainees are exempt.

Police overtime pay is tax-free

Police officers do not include overtime pay in taxable income. This lowers your tax bill. To estimate savings, multiply your overtime pay by your marginal tax rate.

Keep politics out of police work

Police may not campaign or wear party signs while on duty or in uniform. They also may not use their role to get transfers, promotions, or other personal gains. These rules aim to keep police neutral and protect public trust.

New data office, reports, and alerts

A new office manages police communications and data sharing with local and federal partners. It gets access to many security databases and uses protocols to prevent misuse. The Police keep a crime registry, send monthly reports within 15 days, and file yearly audits by February 1. A weekly electronic registry tracks stolen items and matches them with pawn and precious‑metal buyer records. The Police also coordinate AMBER and similar public alerts across TV, radio, cell alerts, and social media, and report yearly to the Governor on anti‑trafficking coordination.

New standalone Puerto Rico Police and leadership

The law creates the Policía de Puerto Rico as a separate, civilian force. The Governor appoints a Superintendent with Senate approval, who sets the agency’s structure and issues rules. The Superintendent takes over powers the Public Safety Secretary and Commissioner held for police. A Commissioner already confirmed becomes Superintendent without a new vote, and past laws and contracts that named the old bureau now refer to the new Police. The law takes effect now and must be read in the way most favorable to police members.

Police split: staff, property, budget

A Transition Committee manages the split from the Department of Public Safety. It reports to the Governor in 90 days and must finish the full separation within 180 days. All police employees move to the new Police and keep their job rights, pensions, and bargaining status. Property and contracts tied to the old bureau transfer over, and federally funded items stay limited to federal uses. For fiscal year 2025–2026, the Police operate with the same assigned funds, and OGP certifies what is needed.

Stronger police training standards

The Superintendent sets pre‑service and in‑service training that meets U.S. and Puerto Rico standards. All members complete at least 12 hours of continuing education each year. Members also get at least 6 extra hours each year on domestic violence, developed with the Office of the Women’s Advocate.

New paths to join the police

The Police run a recruitment program with clear eligibility rules. You must be at least 18; the maximum age is 46 for first‑time entry and 50 for reentry. Members sworn in since July 1, 2021 must finish an associate degree within three years or face separation. High school students planning to join can start earning college credits before graduating under accredited programs.

Path for municipal officers to join

Municipal police can transfer into the Policía de Puerto Rico through a voluntary agreement. You must have at least an associate degree and complete 900 hours of Police Academy training and required courses. Transfers depend on Police funds being available. Once you transfer, you follow Police rules.

Police rank system and promotions

The rank ladder runs from Cadet to Colonel. If you are in this rank system, Law 8‑2017 rules on recruitment, transfers, evaluations, and promotions do not apply. The Superintendent’s internal rules now control those processes.

Retirement timelines and notices for police

Retirement triggers when you reach age 55 with 30 years of service, but you may choose to keep working up to age 62. Tell the agency at least 90 days before reaching that mark if you plan to retire or continue; after 55, give 180 days’ notice before retiring. For other high‑risk public jobs, retirement is mandatory at 58 with 30 years unless a dispensation lets you work up to 62. Agencies may require medical and fitness exams; failing them ends service.

Licenses for guard dog businesses

Businesses that sell, rent, or train guard or detection dogs must get a license from the Superintendent. Applicants must be up to date on applicable taxes. The Superintendent sets who qualifies and how to operate by regulation.

Discipline rules and 30‑day appeals

The Superintendent defines minor and serious infractions and corrective steps. Officers can appeal a final decision to CIPA within 30 days of notice. The Superintendent can suspend an officer and, in some cases, suspend pay when there is probable cause for serious crimes.

Carry a firearm after service

Former members and certain senior officials may carry a firearm after leaving their jobs. They must show they are mentally and physically fit to do so.

Medical review board for responders

A medical review board now advises on health and mental‑health rules for department staff. It can evaluate firefighters and EMTs to decide if they can return to work or need accommodations. Reviews happen when the State Insurance Fund authorizes them.

Central training for public safety

A central training center now coordinates department training. Members get a required yearly sign‑language seminar. The center offers specialized courses, like autism crisis response, and can charge outside groups under rules.

Merit bonuses may be awarded

The Superintendent can create bonuses for outstanding and meritorious service by regulation. The law does not set bonus amounts.

Police Academy and training overhaul

The Police Academy is part of the force and runs standardized training in tactics, investigations, ethics, and civil rights. The old continuing‑education law is repealed. Training now follows the Academy and department rules set by the Superintendent.

Uniforms and equipment provided

The Superintendent sets uniform and equipment standards. The Police provide the required uniform items or pay an equivalent stipend.

Chaplains for crisis support

The Superintendent may set up a Chaplains Corps from recognized faiths. Chaplains give emotional and spiritual help during emergencies when someone asks. Duties and attire are set by rule, and the program respects separation of church and state.

Community policing and local councils

The Superintendent studies staffing and sets a plan that supports community policing. Assignments aim to let officers serve near where they live when possible. Volunteer community security councils work with police, and the Superintendent reports each year on their work. A unit also promotes common public‑order codes across towns.

Protection details for top officials

The Police protect the Governor and the Governor’s family during the Governor’s term. The Police also protect the Superintendent and the Public Safety Secretary while in office. Escorts work within Puerto Rico unless the law specifically allows travel coverage for the Governor.

Stronger response to gender violence

The Police create a unit focused on domestic and gender‑based violence. The unit handles prevention, investigations, protective orders, and related prosecutions. Members get specialized training to serve victims better.

Undercover agent protections and age limit

The Superintendent sets confidential procedures to recruit and protect undercover agents. Undercover work is only for criminal investigations. No one under age 18 can be recruited as an undercover agent.

No fake fire or EMS uniforms

You cannot make, sell, or use uniforms or markings that look like official fire or EMS gear without permission. Breaking this rule is a misdemeanor with up to a $5,000 fine, up to six months in jail, or both.

Rules for off-duty police work

You may work a private job in your free time if it does not conflict with police goals. The Superintendent sets allowed activities, maximum outside hours, and conditions. You can use your service firearm in that job only if the activity has liability insurance and the Superintendent approves.

Academy can charge for outside training

The Police Academy can accept donations and federal or legislative funds. It may charge fees for training given to people who are not Police, and may bill municipalities when allowed by law. Money collected goes to improve Police training. The Police itself is not charged.

Centralized public safety structure and rules

The Department now has five main bureaus: Firefighters, Emergency Management, EMS, 9‑1‑1, and Special Investigations. Municipalities and most public entities cannot create their own police bodies unless another law allows it. Police and Department investigative and criminal‑processing work is excluded from one procedural law so agencies can follow needed federal procedures while still publishing rules. The statute’s chapters and articles are renumbered.

Police Band and event fees

The law creates the Police Band. Band members must spend at least half their time on regular police duties. The Superintendent may charge a minimum stipend for non‑official events to cover costs. Money goes to a separate General Fund account for the Band’s use.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 57 • No: 17

Senate vote • 6/16/2025

Aprobado por el Senado en Votación Final

Yes: 24 • No: 1

House vote • 4/28/2025

Aprobado por Cámara en Votación Final

Yes: 33 • No: 16

Actions Timeline

Ley Núm. 83 — Firmada por la Gobernadora
7/30/2025House
Enviado a la Gobernadora
7/16/2025House
Firmado por el Presidente del Senado
7/15/2025Senate
Firmado por el Presidente de la Cámara
7/11/2025House
Se dispone que sea enrolado
6/30/2025House
Senado aprueba informe de Comisión de Conferencia
6/30/2025Senate
Cámara aprueba informe de Comité de Conferencia
6/30/2025House
Entirillado Electrónico Informe de Conferencia
6/30/2025House
1er Informe de Comité de Conferencia rendido
6/30/2025House
Se accede a Conferenciar
6/30/2025House
Se solicita Comité de Conferencia
6/29/2025House
Cuerpo de Origen no concurre con enmiendas
6/29/2025House
Aprobado por el Senado en Votación Final
6/16/2025Senate
Aprobado con enmiendas en sala
6/16/2025House
Aprobado con enmiendas del informe
6/16/2025House
En el Calendario de Ordenes Especiales del Senado
6/16/2025Senate
Remitido a la Comisión de Reglas y Calendario del Senado
6/13/2025Senate
Entirillado del Informe
6/13/2025House
1er Informe Comisión rendido con enmiendas
6/13/2025House
Referido a Comisión(es)
5/5/2025House
Aparece en Primera Lectura del Senado
5/5/2025Senate
Texto de Aprobación Final enviado al Senado
4/28/2025Senate
Aprobado por Cámara en Votación Final
4/28/2025House
Aprobado con enmiendas en sala
4/28/2025House
Aprobado con enmiendas del informe
4/28/2025House

Bill Text

Se dispone que sea enrolado
6/30/2025
View
Texto de Aprobación Final enviado al Senado
4/28/2025
View
Radicado
3/17/2025
View

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