Puerto RicoPC 102720th Legislative Assembly (2025-2028)HouseWALLET

Para enmendar el Artículo 2 y añadir nuevos Artículos 18 al 28 y reenumerar los actuales Artículos 18 y 19 como Artículos 29 y 30 de la Ley Núm. 238-2004, según enmendada, mejor conocida como “La Carta de Derechos de las Personas con Impedimentos”, a los fines de incorporar nuevas definiciones; disponer el derecho de las personas con impedimentos o diversidad funcional a solicitar una orden de protección por la violación de ciertos derechos dispuestos en la Ley; establecer la competencia del Tribunal de Primera Instancia para expedirlas y disponer el trámite procesal; disponer penalidades por la violación de las condiciones de las órdenes de protección; tipificar nuevos delitos y penalidades por actos de maltrato y negligencia; 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

6 provisions identified: 6 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Protection orders for people with disabilities

The law gives people with disabilities the right to ask a court for a protection order when harmed or threatened, including abuse, neglect, harassment, intimidation, sexual abuse, and financial exploitation. You do not need a prior criminal complaint to file. You can file for yourself, or others can file for you: a guardian or adult for an incapacitated person, parents or tutors for a minor, police or public officials, and some employers for workplace victims. If someone files for another person, they must have seen the acts or been told about them by the victim. The law also adds clear definitions of covered abuse and who is protected.

Faster court process and ex parte help

You can start a case by speaking or writing. Simple forms are available at the clerk’s office, and staff must help you. Any trial judge can issue an order. The court sets a hearing within 5 days and warns that missing it can mean contempt. A judge can issue a short‑term ex parte order if notice fails, would cause harm, or there is an immediate risk, and must hold a hearing within 5 days. Clerks must notify you within 24 hours after service, send copies to the police and the disability advocate, and tell the Department of the Family if a minor is involved. Every order must state its date, time, length, court findings, remedies, and clear warnings about penalties for violations.

Financial and housing protections for people with disabilities

Courts can order many protections in a protection order. A judge can make the aggressor leave a shared home, stay away, stop contact, and stop touching the victim’s money or property. Courts can require support payments and order repayment for moving costs, repairs, legal fees, medical and counseling care, housing, and assistive technology. If the court orders monthly financial reports and the respondent fails to file, the judge can fine $20 per day. Courts can also direct employers or institutions to take steps so the order is followed.

Agencies must train and coordinate services

Courts, Justice, Family, Police, and other agencies must train staff on rights, access, communication, and care for people with disabilities. Agencies must set an interagency plan to give support when a caregiver is removed by a court order. The court administration must also update rules and forms to carry out this law.

Crime to violate a protection order

Knowingly breaking a protection order is a felony. The punishment is 2 years in prison, a fine up to $5,000, or both. If a jail sentence is suspended, the court must order electronic monitoring.

New crimes for abusing disabled people

The law creates new crimes for abuse against people with disabilities. Penalties include 10 years for abuse and 12 years for aggravated abuse. Threat‑based abuse carries 6 years, and restricting freedom carries 5 years. Negligence is 2 years, or 3 years if done by an operator of an establishment. Companies can be fined up to $10,000.

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: 0

Senate vote • 4/23/2026

Aprobado por el Senado en Votación Final

Yes: 25 • No: 0

House vote • 2/19/2026

Aprobado por Cámara en Votación Final

Yes: 47 • No: 0

Bill Text

  • Se dispone que sea enrolado

    4/30/2026

  • Texto de Aprobación Final enviado al Senado

    2/19/2026

  • Radicado

    1/12/2026

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