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PC 985

Para añadir un nuevo Artículo 14-A a la Ley 119-2011, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley Uniforme de Confiscaciones de 2011”; con el fin de establecer un término uniforme para que el Ministerio Público o el Tribunal disponga de los vehículos ocupados como evidencia una vez concluido el proceso judicial o investigativo; disponer la transferencia de custodia a la Fiscalía o al Tribunal cuando se incumpla dicho término; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Establishes mandatory timeline for Puerto Rico prosecutors and courts to dispose of seized vehicles after cases conclude, transferring custody if deadlines are missed.

Referido a Comisión(es)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PC 985

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 985 proposes adding Article 14-A to Puerto Rico's 2011 Uniform Forfeiture Law to establish a standardized timeline for the Public Ministry or Courts to dispose of vehicles seized as evidence once judicial or investigative proceedings conclude. The bill would transfer custody to the Prosecutor's Office or Court if this deadline is not met, addressing the problem of vehicles remaining in government custody indefinitely after cases end.

Why is this important

Vehicle seizures in criminal cases frequently result in prolonged custody periods, creating logistical and financial burdens for law enforcement while preventing legitimate owners from recovering their property. Establishing clear disposal timelines provides due process protections, reduces government storage costs, and clarifies procedures that currently lack uniformity across Puerto Rico's judicial system.

Potential points of contention

  • Property rights vs. government interest: The bill may conflict with forfeiture statutes that allow permanent government seizure; unclear whether "disposal" includes returning vehicles to owners versus auctioning them for government revenue
  • Timeline feasibility: Questions about whether proposed deadlines are realistic given court backlogs, administrative capacity, and the complexity of determining true vehicle ownership in cases involving criminal organizations
  • Custody transfer implications: Transferring custody to the Prosecutor's Office or Court if deadlines are missed could create perverse incentives or paradoxically increase government burden rather than resolve it

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

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