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PC 991

Para adoptar la “Ley para Prohibir Ruidos Innecesarios y Proteger la Tranquilidad Pública” y derogar la Ley Núm. 71 de 26 de abril de 1940, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley para Suprimir los Ruidos Innecesarios”; derogar la Ley Núm. 155 de 15 de mayo de 1937, según emendada, conocida como la “Ley para Disponer sobre los Amplificadores o Altoparlantes cuando Afecten la Tranquilidad Pública”, y derogar la Ley Núm. 211 de 23 de julio de 1974, conocida como “Ley para Prohibir el Uso de Altoparlantes o Amplificadores en la Proximidad de las Escuelas Públicas o Privadas en Puerto Rico“; establecer parámetros, excepciones y penalidades; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico consolidates three decades-old noise laws into one modernized statute with updated parameters, exceptions, and penalties to regulate unnecessary noise and protect public tranquility.

Quedó Pendiente de Acción Posterior en la Cámara
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Bill Summary · PC 991

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 991 consolidates and modernizes Puerto Rico's noise control laws by repealing three outdated statutes (from 1937, 1940, and 1974) and replacing them with a single comprehensive "Law to Prohibit Unnecessary Noise and Protect Public Tranquility." The new law establishes updated noise parameters, exceptions, and penalties for violations.

Why is this important

Noise pollution affects public health, sleep quality, and workplace productivity. Consolidating fragmented 80+ year-old laws into one modern framework allows for more consistent enforcement and clearer standards for residents and businesses. This modernization reflects current urban development and technology changes since the original laws were enacted.

Potential points of contention

  • Definition clarity: What constitutes "unnecessary noise" may be subjectively interpreted; the bill's success depends on clearly defined decibel thresholds and timeframes
  • Enforcement equity: Risk of discriminatory enforcement against specific communities or business types (vendors, nightlife venues, construction) if parameters aren't precisely calibrated
  • Exception scope: Balancing legitimate activities (religious events, cultural celebrations, emergency services, construction) against noise restrictions could prove contentious, particularly in densely populated areas

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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