Summary — PS 550
Title (Spanish): Para añadir nuevos Artículos 5 y 6 a la Ley 21-2021, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley Contra la Venganza Pornográfica de Puerto Rico”, para reconocer el derecho de las víctimas del delito a la indemnización por los daños y perjuicios sufridos, así como establecer protecciones en el ámbito laboral; para renumerar los actuales Artículos 5 y 6; y para otros fines relacionados.
Main purpose
PS 550 would have amended Puerto Rico’s Law 21-2021 (the “Ley Contra la Venganza Pornográfica”) by adding two new articles (Articles 5 and 6). The bill’s primary aims were:
- To recognize explicitly victims’ right to indemnification for harms suffered as a result of revenge porn; and
- To establish protections for victims in the workplace/ labor context.
The bill also proposed to renumber the existing Articles 5 and 6 of the statute to accommodate the additions, and included other related technical changes.
Key provisions (as described in the bill title and summary)
- Creation of a statutory right for victims of revenge porn to seek indemnification (civil compensation) for damages and losses suffered.
- Establishment of labor-related protections for victims — intended measures to protect employment rights and guard against workplace retaliation or discrimination tied to being a victim of the crime.
- Renumbering of preexisting statutory articles to integrate the new provisions.
- Ancillary or “other related” provisions to implement and clarify the above changes.
Note: The bill text itself, including precise definitions, remedies, available damages (compensatory, exemplary, attorney’s fees), enforcement mechanisms, and specific employer obligations (leave, confidentiality, reinstatement, anti-retaliation) are not provided here; the title indicates scope but not detailed mechanics.
Who would be affected
- Victims of revenge porn in Puerto Rico — by creating or clarifying a statutory right to monetary relief and workplace protections.
- Employers and human resources functions — potentially subject to new duties to protect victims’ rights and prevent retaliation or discrimination.
- Courts and administrative bodies — would apply and enforce the amended statute if enacted.
Legislative history & final status
- Introduced / First Reading: April 10, 2025
- Referred to committee(s): April 10, 2025
- Committee report (1st) with amendments: August 14, 2025; report filed and sent to Rules & Calendar
- Placed on Senate Special Orders calendar: August 18, 2025
- Approved with report amendments and approved in floor with amendments (same day)
- Final outcome: Defeated by the Senate in final vote on August 18, 2025 — bill did not become law.
Potential impact (summary)
If enacted, PS 550 would have expanded remedies available to victims of non-consensual image-sharing and added labor protections to mitigate secondary harms (job loss, retaliation, workplace stigma). Because the measure was defeated in the Senate, those changes were not adopted.
