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PC 1008

Para añadir el Artículo 249-A a la Ley Núm. 146-2012, según enmendada, conocida como “Código Penal de Puerto Rico”, con el fin de tipificar como delito menos grave el acto de intentar cruzar intencionalmente una vía pública inundada, o un cuerpo de agua desbordado, cuando dicha acción requiera la intervención de empleados o funcionarios públicos para rescatar a la persona del riesgo de perecer; fijar la pena de seis meses de reclusión y la obligación de sufragar los gastos en los que necesariamente incurrió el Estado para lograr el rescate; y para otros fines relacionados..

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill criminalizes intentional dangerous water crossing requiring rescue, imposing six-month jail term and mandatory reimbursement of state rescue costs.

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Bill Summary · PC 1008

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 1008 would criminalize as a misdemeanor the intentional act of crossing flooded public roads or overflowing bodies of water when rescue intervention by public officials becomes necessary. The bill establishes a penalty of six months imprisonment and requires the individual to reimburse the state for all rescue operation costs incurred.

Why is this important

This legislation directly addresses public safety during natural disasters and extreme weather events, which are increasingly common in Puerto Rico. The financial accountability measure attempts to shift rescue operation costs from taxpayers to individuals whose actions necessitated intervention, while the criminal penalty aims to deter reckless behavior that endangers both civilians and emergency responders.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement and proportionality concerns: Critics may argue that criminalizing survival decisions made during emergencies is excessive, particularly when individuals may misjudge water depth or current strength, or lack alternative routes.
  • Reimbursement burden on vulnerable populations: Requiring cost recovery could disproportionately burden low-income residents who cannot afford rescue expenses, creating a two-tiered justice system based on ability to pay.
  • Ambiguity in "intentional" crossing: The definition of intentionality during emergency situations remains unclear—distinguishing between reckless behavior and legitimate mistakes during flooding could prove legally complex and difficult to prosecute consistently.

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

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