Puerto RicoPC 044520th Legislative Assembly (2025-2028)HouseWALLET

Para enmendar el inciso (y) del Artículo 1.05, añadir un nuevo Artículo 1.17, y reenumerar los actuales artículos del 1.17 al 1.21, como los artículos del 1.18 al 1.22, respectivamente, de la Ley 20-2017, según enmendada, conocida como "Ley del Departamento de Seguridad Pública de Puerto Rico", con el propósito de proveer, formalmente, para la creación del "Cuerpo Interdenominacional de Capellanes de Puerto Rico" adscrito al Departamento de Seguridad Pública, cuyos integrantes brindarán a la ciudadanía en general y a todos los empleados del Gobierno de Puerto Rico y a sus familias, servicios voluntarios de consejería en situaciones de emergencias, desastres naturales y crisis; disponer que todos los Cuerpos de Capellanes de las distintas agencias del Gobierno serán parte del "Cuerpo Interdenominacional de Capellanes de Puerto Rico"; derogar la Ley 168-2012, conocida como "Ley para la Creación del Cuerpo Voluntario de Capellanes del Gobierno de Puerto Rico"; y para otros fines relacionados.

Sponsored By: Carlos J. Méndez Núñez (PNP), Miembros PNP -

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

3 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 0 mixed.

Rules for chaplain help and privacy

Chaplains help only when you ask and agree. They offer comfort before, during, and after crises. They must keep information confidential under the law. They refer you to medical or mental health professionals when needed and do not interfere with their duties. The Department remains responsible for crimes or negligence tied to these services.

Interfaith chaplains for emergencies

The law creates an Interdenominational Chaplains Corps in the Department of Public Safety. It offers voluntary emotional and spiritual support in emergencies to the public and to government employees and their families. All agency chaplain groups join this new corps. The Secretary sets rules with advice from a multi‑faith Advisory Council and coordinates with faith‑based offices. The law repeals Law 168‑2012 and replaces it with this unified system.

New rules to serve as chaplain

To serve as a volunteer chaplain, you need theological training or approved chaplain courses and an ecclesiastical endorsement. You must pass a police background check and have a health certificate. You must be available to respond and take ongoing training. The law does not provide pay or benefits for this role.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsors

  • Carlos J. Méndez Núñez

    PNP • House

  • Miembros PNP -

    Affiliation unavailable

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 72 • No: 5

Senate vote • 10/1/2025

Aprobado por el Senado en Votación Final

Yes: 26 • No: 2

House vote • 5/19/2025

Aprobado por Cámara en Votación Final

Yes: 46 • No: 3

Bill Text

  • Se dispone que sea enrolado

    10/7/2025

  • Texto de Aprobación Final enviado al Senado

    5/19/2025

  • Radicado

    3/24/2025

Related Bills

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