Hon. Viviana J. Torres para un ascenso como Jueza del Tribunal de Apelaciones de Puerto Rico.

2025-2028 Session

Nomination of Hon. Viviana J. Torres to the Puerto Rico Court of Appeals seeks the Senate’s advice and consent for her elevation to judge.

Notificado a la Gobernadora

Overview

Bill: NM 405

Session: 2025-2028

Jurisdiction: Puerto Rico

Title: Hon. Viviana J. Torres para un ascenso como Jueza del Tribunal de Apelaciones de Puerto Rico

Purpose: To submit for the counsel and consent of the Senate of Puerto Rico the nomination of Hon. Viviana J. Torres for promotion to the position of Judge of the Puerto Rico Court of Appeals.

Main purpose and intent

The bill is a formal nomination for a judicial appointment. It seeks the Senate of Puerto Rico’s advice and consent (confirmation) for elevation of a sitting or nominated judge to the rank of Judge of the Puerto Rico Court of Appeals.

The action reflects adherence to constitutional and statutory requirements for judicial appointments in Puerto Rico, including the executive nomination and legislative confirmation process.

Key provisions and changes

Nomination: Designates Hon. Viviana J. Torres for promotion to the Court of Appeals.

Confirmation process: Requires the Senate of Puerto Rico to provide advice and consent (confirmation) for the elevation.

Judicial position: Elevates or appoints Hon. Viviana J. Torres to a judgeship at the Court of Appeals (the intermediate appellate court in Puerto Rico).

Who/what would be affected

Affected individual: Hon. Viviana J. Torres, who would assume the position of Judge of the Court of Appeals upon confirmation.

Judicial system: The Court of Appeals would receive a new judge, potentially impacting caseload distribution, panel composition, and the development of case law through the added judge.

Government branches: Interaction among the Executive branch (nomination by the Governor) and the Legislative branch (Senate confirmation) remains the focal procedural dynamic for this appointment.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Nomination date (Action History): May 6, 2026 — Nomination submitted and referred to relevant Senate commissions for consideration.

Next steps: Senate commissions would assess the nomination, potentially hold hearings, and report back to the full Senate with a recommendation.

Final step: Senate vote to provide advice and consent (confirm the appointment) per constitutional and statutory provisions governing judicial appointments in Puerto Rico.

Implications of timing: Once confirmed, the appointment would become effective and the target individual would assume duties on the Court of Appeals pending any ceremonial swearing-in or administrative requirements.

Summary

NM 405 is a formal executive nomination for the promotion of Hon. Viviana J. Torres to the Puerto Rico Court of Appeals, awaiting the Senate of Puerto Rico’s advice and consent. The bill outlines the standard constitutional process for judicial elevation, with the nomination currently referred to Senate commissions as of May 6, 2026. If confirmed, Hon. Torres would join the Court of Appeals, impacting the judiciary’s composition and potential jurisprudence through her participation.