Puerto RicoPS 070720th Legislative Assembly (2025-2028)SenateWALLET

Para enmendar los Artículos 40, 58, 59, 60, 105, 106, 177, 185 y 209 de la Ley Núm. 210- 2015, según enmendada, conocida como "Ley del Registro de la Propiedad Inmobiliaria del Estado Libre Asociado", a los fines de realizar varias enmiendas para armonizar el estatuto al ordenamiento jurídico vigente conforme a la Ley Núm. 55-2020, según enmendada, conocida como Código Civil de Puerto Rico; y para otros fines relacionados.

Sponsored By: José L. Dalmau Santiago (PPD)

Signed by Governor

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

6 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 1 costs, 5 mixed.

Broader mortgage backing, broad borrower liability

In Puerto Rico, a mortgage can secure any kind of obligation, not just a home loan. Borrowers remain personally responsible with all present and future assets, not just the mortgaged property. Assets protected by law are excluded. The creditor and borrower can also agree to exclude assets. The law took effect immediately upon approval.

Stricter proof for claiming land ownership

People seeking to register ownership through long-term possession must prove the land kept the same size and shape. This requirement covers the required possession periods and each component parcel when parcels have been combined. A subdivision from a larger registered parcel needs approval from the responsible government agency through a registration plan. A title to an undivided share in land that has not been subdivided does not count as “just title.” Neither does a title to a parcel split from a larger registered parcel.

Landowners get first chance at surface rights

When surface rights over land are transferred for payment, the landowner has a right to buy them first. The landowner also has a right to reclaim them by purchase from the buyer. These rights apply unless the parties agree otherwise. Puerto Rico's 2020 Civil Code sets their deadlines and legal effects.

Mortgage limits and options for surviving spouses

Most legal usufructs—rights to use and benefit from another person's property—cannot be used as mortgage collateral. A surviving spouse's usufruct granted under Puerto Rico's 1930 Civil Code is an exception. It can be mortgaged if it still exists after Act 55-2020 took effect.

Owners face limits on removing property restrictions

Voluntary private property restrictions can end only through the listed legal routes. These include the terms of their founding document, a court declaration, or government taking through eminent domain. Cancellation by public deed requires every affected property holder's consent. Where cancellation by vote applies, every affected holder must vote in favor.

Property auctions get hours and bidding limits

Property auctions must occur on court business days between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Auction marshals and assistants cannot bid at sales they conduct. Guardians, agents, estate executors, and estate division accountants cannot bid on property entrusted to them. Officials cannot bid on property they administer or administered. Judges, arbitrators, mediators, attorneys, procurators, and prosecutors cannot bid on property in cases they handle or handled. A ban based on an official position ends one year after the person leaves that position.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

  • José L. Dalmau Santiago

    PPD • Senate

Cosponsors

There are no cosponsors for this bill.

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 78 • No: 0

House vote • 8/17/2026

Aprobado por Cámara en Votación Final

Yes: 52 • No: 0

Senate vote • 11/13/2025

Aprobado por el Senado en Votación Final

Yes: 26 • No: 0

Actions Timeline

  1. Ley Núm. 197 — Firmada por la Gobernadora

    9/25/2026Senate
  2. Enviado a la Gobernadora

    9/14/2026House
  3. Firmado por el Presidente de la Cámara

    9/11/2026House
  4. Firmado por el Presidente del Senado

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

    9/3/2026House
  6. Cuerpo de Origen concurre con enmiendas

    9/3/2026Senate
  7. Aprobado por Cámara en Votación Final

    8/17/2026House
  8. Aprobado con enmiendas en sala

    8/17/2026House
  9. Aprobado con enmiendas del informe

    8/17/2026House
  10. En el Calendario de Ordenes Especiales de la Cámara

    8/17/2026House
  11. Remitido a Comisión de Calendarios de la Cámara

    6/5/2026House
  12. Entirillado del Informe

    6/5/2026House
  13. 1er Informe Comisión rendido con enmiendas

    6/5/2026House
  14. Referido a Comisión(es)

    11/17/2025House
  15. Aparece en Primera Lectura de la Cámara

    11/17/2025House
  16. Texto de Aprobación Final enviado a la Cámara

    11/13/2025Senate
  17. Aprobado por el Senado en Votación Final

    11/13/2025Senate
  18. Aprobado con enmiendas del informe

    11/13/2025Senate
  19. En el Calendario de Ordenes Especiales del Senado

    11/13/2025Senate
  20. Remitido a la Comisión de Reglas y Calendario del Senado

    11/12/2025Senate
  21. Entirillado del Informe

    11/12/2025Senate
  22. 1er Informe Comisión rendido con enmiendas

    11/12/2025Senate
  23. Referido a Comisión(es)

    8/28/2025Senate
  24. Aparece en Primera Lectura del Senado

    8/28/2025Senate
  25. Radicado

    8/26/2025Senate

Bill Text

  • Se dispone que sea enrolado

    9/3/2026

  • Texto de Aprobación Final enviado a la Cámara

    11/13/2025

  • Radicado

    8/26/2025

  • Radicado (Senado mirror)

    8/26/2025

Related Bills

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