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PC 1149

Para añadir un nuevo inciso 2 al Artículo 5, enmendar el Artículo 6 y el Artículo 7(12) de la Ley 223-2011, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley Protectora de los Derechos de los Menores en Procesos de Adjudicación de Custodia” a los fines de autorizar la utilización de las aplicaciones parentales (Co-parenting) en los procesos de adjudicación de custodia; para correcciones técnicas; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill authorizes co-parenting apps as tools in custody cases, creating digital documentation of parent cooperation while raising privacy and equity concerns.

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Bill Summary · PC 1149

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 1149 proposes amending Puerto Rico's 2011 Child Protection Law (Law 223-2011) to formally authorize the use of co-parenting applications as evidence or tools in custody adjudication proceedings. The bill includes technical corrections to Articles 5, 6, and 7(12) of the existing law to integrate digital parenting coordination platforms into the legal framework governing custody disputes.

Why is this important

Custody cases directly affect thousands of Puerto Rican children and families annually. Formalizing co-parenting apps in legal proceedings could provide courts with documented communication records between separated parents, potentially improving decision-making by offering objective evidence of parenting behavior and cooperation. However, this also raises questions about digital privacy, data protection, and whether technology should influence family law outcomes.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy and data protection concerns: Co-parenting apps collect sensitive family information; the bill doesn't clearly specify data security standards, who has access, or how information is protected from misuse.
  • Accessibility and equity issues: Digital-dependent custody processes may disadvantage lower-income families, less tech-savvy parents, or those in areas with poor internet connectivity.
  • Evidence reliability: Courts must determine whether app-generated records constitute reliable evidence and how to weigh algorithmic data against traditional testimony and professional evaluation.
  • Potential for abuse: Controlling partners could use app monitoring features coercively; the bill lacks safeguards against tech-enabled harassment or manipulation.

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

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