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PC 1232

Para añadir un nuevo inciso (z) a la Sección 4 de la Ley Núm. 40 de 1 de mayo de 1945, según enmendada, conocida como la “Ley de Acueductos y Alcantarillados de Puerto Rico”, a los fines de prohibir a la Autoridad de Acueductos y Alcantarillados de Puerto Rico (AAA) el cobro de cargos por concepto de instalación, conexión o construcción de acometidas en propiedades donde se demuestre la existencia física de dicha infraestructura; disponer que en tales casos la Autoridad solo podrá cobrar el depósito de garantía y los cargos administrativos mínimos de activación de cuenta; requerir inspección de campo previa; imponer a la Autoridad la carga de la prueba cuando alegue que la acometida preexistente es inservible o no cumple con los estándares de seguridad; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Prohibits AAA from charging installation/connection fees for preexisting acometidas, allowing only a security deposit and minimum activation fees, plus an on-site pre-activation in

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Bill Summary · PC 1232

Summary of Bill PC 1232 (Session: 2025-2028, Puerto Rico)

Title and Objective

  • Purpose: To add a new subsection (z) to Section 4 of Puerto Rico Law No. 40 of May 1, 1945, as amended (commonly known as the Water and Sewer Act). The primary intent is to prohibit the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (AAA) from charging installation, connection, or construction fees for service connections (acometidas) on properties where there is verifiable physical infrastructure in place. The bill would instead limit AAA to charging only:
    • a security deposit, and
    • the minimum activation-related administrative fees
    • and would require a field inspection prior to service activation
  • Burden of proof: The AAA would bear the burden of proof if it asserts that a preexisting connection is unusable (inservible) or does not meet safety standards.
  • Related goals: Enhance consumer protections for property owners with existing infrastructure and establish clearer standards for when fees can be charged.

Key Provisions (What the Bill Would Change or Add)

  • New subsection (z) to Section 4 of Law No. 40-1945 (Water and Sewer Act):
    • Prohibits the AAA from charging installation, connection, or construction fees for acometidas on properties where physical infrastructure exists.
    • Allows the AAA to charge only:
    • a security deposit, and
    • the minimum administrative activation fees.
  • Pre-activation field inspection: Requires an on-site field inspection before activation of service to verify conditions and existence of infrastructure.
  • Burden of proof on AAA: If the AAA claims a preexisting acometida is inoperative or noncompliant with safety standards, it must prove this claim.
  • Scope of applicability: Applies specifically to cases where an actual physical connection/infrastructure exists on the property prior to the service request.
  • Related or ancillary considerations: The bill references “other related purposes” without specifying additional provisions in the text provided.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Primary affected entity: Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (AAA).
  • Property owners and applicants: Individuals or entities seeking utility service connections may benefit from reduced upfront charges (elimination of installation/connection fees) when a preexisting connection is demonstrated.
  • AAA operational procedures: May need to adjust fee schedules, enforce procedural requirements for field inspections, and uphold the burden of proof standards in disputes over preexisting infrastructure.
  • Regulatory/consumer protection stance: Shifts some risk and verification responsibilities to AAA, emphasizing verification of existing infrastructure before charges are imposed.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Status: Radicado (filed) on 2026-04-23.
  • Next steps (typical legislative process): The bill would advance through committee review (likely focusing on infrastructure, utilities, and consumer protection), potential amendments, and votes in legislative chambers, then proceed to the governor for signature or veto. If enacted, the effective date would be determined by the statute’s language or a separate transitional provision, which is not provided in the summary.

Practical Implications

  • Consumer savings: Potential reduction in upfront connection/installation costs for properties with verifiable existing infrastructure.
  • Disputes and enforcement: Clearer criteria and required field inspections may reduce ambiguity but could require enhanced coordination and record-keeping by the AAA.
  • Infrastructure verification: Emphasizes proof of existing infrastructure and shifts some burden of proof to the AAA in disputes over the validity of preexisting acometidas.

If you’d like, I can convert this into a one-page briefing for a specific audience (e.g., legislators, journalists, or public utility stakeholders) or compare it to existing AAA fee structures.

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

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