Puerto RicoPS 009220th Legislative Assembly (2025-2028)SenateWALLET

Para enmendar los Artículos 3, 8 y 11 de la Ley 121-2019, según enmendada, conocida como “Carta de Derechos y la Política Pública del Gobierno a favor de los Adultos Mayores”, con el fin de realizar enmiendas técnicas y conformar el lenguaje en las Leyes 130-2024 y 195-2024, y para otros fines relacionados.

Sponsored By: Thomas Rivera Schatz (PNP)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.

More health and mental health support for seniors

The Health Department joins the WHO Decade of Healthy Ageing plan (2021–2030). It runs prevention, education, and access programs with a focus on aging. Mental-health services must include plans and actions for older adults. Older adults with chronic mental-health conditions must be placed in licensed substitute-care facilities under Puerto Rico law.

Justice can recover elder-care costs from families

The Department of Justice can sue to get back money the Commonwealth paid for an older adult’s care after medical discharge. This applies when a family member, guardian, or responsible person refused or failed to take custody. Families may face repayment claims for those costs.

Hospitals must secure care for unaccompanied seniors

The law expands what counts as a medical-hospital institution. It covers places that give medical care for at least 12 straight hours to two or more unrelated older adults. Home-care and custodial-care places are not included. When an older adult cannot self-care and has no known guardian or family, the facility must try to find one and notify the Department of the Family. If someone is found but refuses, the facility can ask a court to require that person to take responsibility. If no one is found at discharge, the facility must ask the Department of the Family to assume custody.

Courts make it easier to protect seniors

Anyone can ask a court for protection for an older adult who is incapacitated or in an emergency. This right remains even if the person left home to avoid abuse. The Courts must provide simple forms and help people fill and file them. If self-neglect is alleged, a judge can require a medical or mental evaluation before issuing an order.

Justice offers guidance on elder rights

The Department of Justice must give information and guidance on older adults’ rights. This includes protection from ageism and financial abuse. DOJ units, including the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, provide this help as part of their programs.

Family Department leads elder protections

The Department of the Family is the central agency for this elder-rights law. It ensures compliance and coordinates work with other agencies. It also coordinates actions tied to custody and placement notifications.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Thomas Rivera Schatz

    PNP • Senate

Cosponsors

  • Brenda Pérez Soto

    PNP • Senate

  • Carmelo J. Ríos Santiago

    PNP • Senate

  • Gregorio Matías Rosario

    PNP • Senate

  • Héctor Gabriel González López

    PNP • Senate

  • Héctor Joaquín Sánchez Álvarez

    PNP • Senate

  • Jamie Barlucea Rodríguez

    PNP • Senate

  • Jeison Rosa Ramos

    PNP • Senate

  • Joanne M. Rodríguez Veve

    Independent • Senate

  • Juan Oscar Morales Rodríguez

    PNP • Senate

  • Karen Michelle Román Rodríguez

    PNP • Senate

  • Luis Daniel Colón La Santa

    PNP • Senate

  • Marissa Jiménez Santoni

    PNP • Senate

  • Migdalia Padilla Alvelo

    PNP • Senate

  • Nitza Moran Trinidad

    PNP • Senate

  • Rafael Santos Ortiz

    PNP • Senate

  • Roxanna I. Soto Aguilú

    PNP • Senate

  • Wanda M. Soto Tolentino

    PNP • Senate

  • Wilmer Reyes Berríos

    PNP • Senate

  • Ángel Toledo López

    PNP • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 75 • No: 0

House vote • 4/28/2025

Aprobado por Cámara en Votación Final

Yes: 49 • No: 0

Senate vote • 1/23/2025

Aprobado por el Senado en Votación Final

Yes: 26 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Ley Núm. 17 — Firmada por la Gobernadora

    5/14/2025Senate
  2. Enviado a la Gobernadora

    5/8/2025House
  3. Firmado por el Presidente de la Cámara

    5/6/2025House
  4. Firmado por el Presidente del Senado

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

    4/28/2025House
  6. Aprobado por Cámara en Votación Final

    4/28/2025House
  7. Aprobado sin enmiendas

    4/28/2025House
  8. En el Calendario de Ordenes Especiales de la Cámara

    4/28/2025House
  9. Remitido a Comisión de Calendarios de la Cámara

    4/24/2025House
  10. 1er Informe Comisión rendido sin enmiendas

    4/24/2025House
  11. Referido a Comisión(es)

    1/28/2025House
  12. Aparece en Primera Lectura de la Cámara

    1/28/2025House
  13. Texto de Aprobación Final enviado a la Cámara

    1/23/2025Senate
  14. Aprobado por el Senado en Votación Final

    1/23/2025Senate
  15. Aprobado con enmiendas en sala

    1/23/2025Senate
  16. En el Calendario de Ordenes Especiales del Senado

    1/23/2025Senate
  17. Descargado en Senado

    1/23/2025Senate
  18. Referido a Comisión(es)

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

    1/16/2025Senate
  20. Radicado

    1/2/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Se dispone que sea enrolado

    4/28/2025

  • Texto de Aprobación Final enviado a la Cámara

    1/23/2025

  • Radicado

    1/2/2025

  • Radicado (Senado mirror)

    1/2/2025

Related Bills

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