Puerto RicoPS 004820th Legislative Assembly (2025-2028)Senate

Para enmendar los Artículos 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20 y 37 de la Ley 135-2020, según enmendada, conocida como "Ley del Instituto de Ciencias Forenses de Puerto Rico", a los fines de eliminar el término de juez instructor como persona facultada para realizar la investigación y autorización del levantamiento de cadáveres; y para otros fines relacionados.

Sponsored By: Thomas Rivera Schatz (PNP)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 1 costs, 2 mixed.

Autopsy results given to families and defense

After an autopsy, the results must be given promptly to the prosecutor. The same results must also be shared with the defense lawyers and the family.

Standard reports for fire and custody deaths

If Institute staff do not come and the death was not criminal or violent, police must write a report that goes with the body to the Institute. For deaths caused by fire, a preliminary scene report must go with the body. For deaths in correctional facilities, the official in charge must prepare a report with names and statements, and it must accompany the body.

Doctors required to do autopsies when ordered

The Institute’s Director or any prosecutor may require a qualified Puerto Rico physician to perform an autopsy. Refusing a valid order is a misdemeanor. A doctor who performs the autopsy must send the results to the Institute right away.

Prosecutors now lead death investigations

When a death fits Article 11, the prosecutor must tell the Forensic Institute, which orders the investigation. When told of those deaths or asked by a prosecutor, the Institute sends investigators and needed experts to the scene. Investigators must take notes and photos and send a preliminary report to the prosecutor right away. Only the investigating prosecutor can authorize removal of the body and decide if it goes to the Institute or to the family. For non‑criminal deaths, Institute pathologists or investigators may authorize release to the family.

Report covered deaths and don't move bodies

If you know of a death under Article 11, you must report it right away to police, a judge, or a prosecutor. Do not touch, move, or remove a body, its clothes, or nearby objects without written permission. Authorized doctors and hospital staff may handle bodies in non‑criminal or non‑violent deaths. The deceased’s clothes and nearby objects must be kept intact for the prosecutor or the Institute. Failing to report or handling a body without permission is a misdemeanor.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Thomas Rivera Schatz

    PNP • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 78 • No: 0

House vote • 10/27/2025

Aprobado por Cámara en Votación Final

Yes: 50 • No: 0

Senate vote • 1/27/2025

Aprobado por el Senado en Votación Final

Yes: 28 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Ley Núm. 142 — Firmada por la Gobernadora

    12/5/2025Senate
  2. Enviado a la Gobernadora

    11/13/2025House
  3. Firmado por el Presidente de la Cámara

    11/7/2025House
  4. Firmado por el Presidente del Senado

    11/6/2025Senate
  5. Se dispone que sea enrolado

    10/27/2025House
  6. Aprobado por Cámara en Votación Final

    10/27/2025House
  7. Aprobado sin enmiendas

    10/27/2025House
  8. En el Calendario de Ordenes Especiales de la Cámara

    10/27/2025House
  9. Remitido a Comisión de Calendarios de la Cámara

    10/23/2025House
  10. 1er Informe Comisión rendido sin enmiendas

    10/23/2025House
  11. Reunión Ejecutiva: Oficina de la Comisión

    10/23/2025House
  12. Referido a Comisión(es)

    2/3/2025House
  13. Aparece en Primera Lectura de la Cámara

    2/3/2025House
  14. Texto de Aprobación Final enviado a la Cámara

    1/27/2025Senate
  15. Aprobado por el Senado en Votación Final

    1/27/2025Senate
  16. Aprobado sin enmiendas

    1/27/2025Senate
  17. En el Calendario de Ordenes Especiales del Senado

    1/27/2025Senate
  18. Descargado en Senado

    1/27/2025Senate
  19. Referido a Comisión(es)

    1/16/2025Senate
  20. Aparece en Primera Lectura del Senado

    1/16/2025Senate
  21. Radicado

    1/2/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Se dispone que sea enrolado

    10/27/2025

  • Texto de Aprobación Final enviado a la Cámara

    1/27/2025

  • Radicado

    1/2/2025

  • Radicado (Senado mirror)

    1/2/2025

Related Bills

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