“Para añadir un nuevo inciso (j) al Artículo 3 y un nuevo inciso (s) al Artículo 5.1 de la Ley 66 de 17 de agosto de 1989, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley Orgánica de la Administración de Vivienda Pública”, a los fines de establecer como parte de los propósitos de la Administración de Vivienda Pública la creación y mantenimiento de una base de datos digital y actuarial de apartamentos y viviendas públicas desocupadas, así como facultar al Administrador para implementar inspecciones recurrentes, rotulaciones visibles y publicaciones digitales instantáneas de dichas unidades, y compartir esta información con agencias de seguridad y bienestar público; y para otros fines relacionados.”

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill establishes mandatory digital database and public tracking of vacant public housing units with recurring inspections and inter-agency data sharing to reduce vacancy-related crime and administrative waste.

Comisión no recomienda aprobación de la medida

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 663 proposes amending Puerto Rico's Public Housing Administration Law to mandate creation and maintenance of a digital database tracking vacant public housing units, including regular inspections, visible markings, and instant digital publication of vacancy information. The bill would authorize the Housing Administrator to share this data with security and public welfare agencies.

Why is this important

Vacant public housing creates security risks, enables illegal occupation, and represents wasted public resources in a jurisdiction with significant housing needs. A centralized tracking system could improve administrative efficiency and coordination between agencies, potentially reducing crime and accelerating unit rehabilitation for eligible residents.

Potential points of contention

Privacy and surveillance concerns: Real-time digital publication of vacant unit locations and conditions could facilitate targeted theft, vandalism, or squatting rather than prevent it

Data sharing scope: The bill's language allowing information sharing with undefined "security and welfare agencies" lacks specificity about which agencies, what data elements they receive, and what privacy safeguards apply

Implementation costs: Creating and maintaining digital infrastructure, conducting recurring inspections, and managing database systems requires significant funding not addressed in the bill

Enforcement gaps: The bill establishes tracking mechanisms but doesn't specify consequences for non-compliance or timeline requirements for filling vacancies