Puerto RicoPC 058220th Legislative Assembly (2025-2028)House

Para enmendar los Artículos 511-A, 511-B y 512 de la Ley Num. 4 del 23 de junio de 1971 según enmendada, conocida como Ley de Sustancias Controladas de Puerto Rico a los fines de precisar su lenguaje con relación a las facultades delegadas al Departamento de Salud; hacer emniendas técnicas; y para otros fines relacionados.

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

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

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

Clear rules for drug evidence handling

When Police or the Justice Department confiscate controlled drugs, they must fill out a detailed form. It records weight, package count, names, dates, condition, lab send date, and the officer’s name and signature. Police or Justice keep the form and share it with Health Inspectors when drugs go to Health for final disposal. If Health receives a different amount, it must ask the Justice Department to investigate. If safe storage or transport is not available, or the drugs are perishable, the three agencies must destroy them together. One Health Inspector, one Police official, and one Justice official must be present, and they sign a record. Police or Justice keep a labeled sample when a criminal case needs evidence. Health Inspectors who seize drugs must use the same form and steps.

Health inspectors get police powers

The law lets Health Inspectors in the Controlled Substances Division act as law officers when the Health Secretary delegates. They can carry firearms under Law 168-2019, make arrests, serve warrants and subpoenas, seize property, and take sworn statements. These powers apply only while they perform assigned duties. Inspectors must complete specialized training with the Police and the Department of Justice. The Secretary of Justice must certify them before they use these powers.

Uniform, faster seizures in drug cases

The Health Secretary, Police Superintendent, or Justice Secretary can summarily seize property listed in Article 512(1), (2), (3), and (5). While officials hold the property, third parties cannot get it back unless a court orders it. For forfeitures under Article 512(4), agencies must follow the procedures in Law 119-2011, the Uniform Forfeiture Law.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Carlos ‘Johnny' Méndez Núñez

    PNP • House

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 72 • No: 2

Senate vote 3/5/2026

Aprobado por el Senado en Votación Final

Yes: 23 • No: 1

House vote 10/14/2025

Aprobado por Cámara en Votación Final

Yes: 49 • No: 1

Actions Timeline

  1. Ley Núm. 60 — Firmada por la Gobernadora

    4/24/2026House
  2. Enviado a la Gobernadora

    4/16/2026House
  3. Firmado por el Presidente del Senado

    3/16/2026Senate
  4. Firmado por el Presidente de la Cámara

    3/12/2026House
  5. Se dispone que sea enrolado

    3/12/2026House
  6. Cuerpo de Origen concurre con enmiendas

    3/12/2026House
  7. Aprobado por el Senado en Votación Final

    3/5/2026Senate
  8. Aprobado con enmiendas en sala

    3/5/2026House
  9. En el Calendario de Ordenes Especiales del Senado

    3/5/2026Senate
  10. Remitido a la Comisión de Reglas y Calendario del Senado

    11/14/2025Senate
  11. 1er Informe Comisión rendido sin enmiendas

    11/14/2025House
  12. Referido a Comisión(es)

    10/20/2025House
  13. Aparece en Primera Lectura del Senado

    10/20/2025Senate
  14. Texto de Aprobación Final enviado al Senado

    10/14/2025Senate
  15. Aprobado por Cámara en Votación Final

    10/14/2025House
  16. Aprobado sin enmiendas

    10/14/2025House
  17. En el Calendario de Ordenes Especiales de la Cámara

    10/14/2025House
  18. Remitido a Comisión de Calendarios de la Cámara

    10/7/2025House
  19. 2do Informe Comisión rendido sin enmiendas

    10/7/2025House
  20. Devuelto a la Comisión(es)

    10/2/2025House
  21. Se retira 1er Informe

    10/2/2025House
  22. Remitido a Comisión de Calendarios de la Cámara

    9/30/2025House
  23. Entirillado del Informe

    9/30/2025House
  24. 1er Informe Comisión rendido con enmiendas

    9/30/2025House
  25. Reunión Ejecutiva: Oficina de la Comisión

    9/24/2025House

Bill Text

  • Se dispone que sea enrolado

    3/12/2026

  • Texto de Aprobación Final enviado al Senado

    10/14/2025

  • Radicado

    5/5/2025

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