Puerto RicoPS 018320th Legislative Assembly (2025-2028)SenateWALLET

Para enmendar los Artículos 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8 y 9 de la Ley 166-1995, según enmendada, conocida como la "Ley del Programa de Desarrollo Artesanal", a los fines de transferirle al Banco de Desarrollo Económico para Puerto Rico, la responsabilidad de facilitar líneas de garantía o crédito para la concesión de préstamos, o cualquier otra ayuda económica a la clase artesanal para el establecimiento, operación, ampliación o mejoramiento de talleres de producci6n, elaboraci6n y confección de artesanías; hacer correcciones técnicas en la Ley, conforme al estado de derecho actual; y para otros fines relacionados.

Sponsored By: Ángel Toledo López (PNP)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

4 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.

Bank takes over artisan financing

The law transfers artisan financing duties to the Economic Development Bank for Puerto Rico, effective immediately upon approval. Artisans certified by the Artisan Development Program Director can seek loans, credit lines, guarantees, or other financial help. Help covers starting, running, expanding, or improving workshops and buying production equipment or tools. Funds must be available through Bank programs, including federally subsidized programs; the law adds no specific funding amount. Equipment may speed production but cannot replace handcrafting; artisans must use tools manually to finish their work. Loans require a reasonable expectation of repayment. The Bank can ease financing rules, including collateral requirements, only when it meets required financial-soundness standards.

Artisans get seats on governing board

The law establishes a governing board with six public-sector members or their authorized representatives. They represent economic development, culture, tourism, education, cooperative development, and the University of Puerto Rico's Río Piedras campus. The Governor appoints three artisans from a list submitted by the artisan class and two private-sector supporters of artisan development. Appointed members serve two- or three-year terms; the law does not specify which seats receive each term. They remain until their successors are appointed and take office.

Education partnerships bring arts into learning

Puerto Rico's Department of Education must include agreements with groups that support creativity and the arts in its partnership work. These agreements support bringing arts and creativity into education. The law sets no funding amount or direct payment to families.

Public agencies help artisans form cooperatives

Puerto Rico's economic development department and Cooperative Development Commission must promote turning artisan workshops into cooperative businesses. The Commission also helps form artisan cooperatives. The Artisan Development Program coordinates with the Commission on options for school-based youth cooperatives that teach artisan skills. The law sets no funding amount or direct household payment.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • Ángel Toledo López

    PNP • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 73 • No: 1

House vote • 9/1/2026

Aprobado por Cámara en Votación Final

Yes: 47 • No: 1 • Other: 1

Senate vote • 5/12/2025

Aprobado por el Senado en Votación Final

Yes: 26 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Ley Núm. 198 — Firmada por la Gobernadora

    9/26/2026Senate
  2. Enviado a la Gobernadora

    9/18/2026House
  3. Firmado por el Presidente de la Cámara

    9/16/2026House
  4. Firmado por el Presidente del Senado

    9/14/2026Senate
  5. Se dispone que sea enrolado

    9/10/2026House
  6. Cuerpo de Origen concurre con enmiendas

    9/10/2026Senate
  7. Aprobado por Cámara en Votación Final

    9/1/2026House
  8. Aprobado con enmiendas en sala

    9/1/2026House
  9. En el Calendario de Ordenes Especiales de la Cámara

    9/1/2026House
  10. Remitido a Comisión de Calendarios de la Cámara

    2/12/2026House
  11. 1er Informe Comisión rendido sin enmiendas

    2/12/2026House
  12. Referido a Comisión(es)

    5/19/2025House
  13. Aparece en Primera Lectura de la Cámara

    5/19/2025House
  14. Texto de Aprobación Final enviado a la Cámara

    5/12/2025Senate
  15. Aprobado por el Senado en Votación Final

    5/12/2025Senate
  16. Aprobado con enmiendas del informe

    5/12/2025Senate
  17. En el Calendario de Ordenes Especiales del Senado

    5/12/2025Senate
  18. Remitido a la Comisión de Reglas y Calendario del Senado

    5/2/2025Senate
  19. Entirillado del Informe

    5/2/2025Senate
  20. 1er Informe Comisión rendido con enmiendas

    5/2/2025Senate
  21. Referido a Comisión(es)

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

    1/16/2025Senate
  23. Radicado

    1/8/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Se dispone que sea enrolado

    9/10/2026

  • Texto de Aprobación Final enviado a la Cámara

    5/12/2025

  • Radicado

    1/8/2025

  • Radicado (Senado mirror)

    1/8/2025

Related Bills

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