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PS 969

“Para añadir un subinciso (69) al inciso (b) del Artículo 2.04; añadir un inciso (e) al Artículo 5.01; y añadir un nuevo Artículo 5.02 a la Ley Núm. 85-2018, según enmendada, mejor conocida como la “Ley de Reforma Educativa de Puerto Rico”, a los fines de establecer requisitos de evaluación de idoneidad psicológica y certificación conforme a la Ley Núm. 300-1999, como condiciones previas al nombramiento de personal con acceso directo a estudiantes; y para otros fines relacionados.”

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill mandates psychological fitness evaluations and professional certification for all school personnel with direct student access before hiring or appointment.

Vista Pública: Salón Miguel Angel García Méndez
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Bill Summary · PS 969

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 969 amends Puerto Rico's 2018 Education Reform Law to require psychological fitness evaluations and certification under Law 300-1999 before hiring any personnel with direct student access. This creates mandatory mental health and professional screening requirements for teachers, support staff, and other school employees who interact with students.

Why is this important

Direct access to students makes school personnel positions sensitive roles where psychological fitness can affect student safety and wellbeing. This bill attempts to standardize vetting procedures across the education system and ensure personnel meet professional psychological standards before employment.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation costs and timeline: Mandatory psychological evaluations for all school personnel could create significant budgetary demands and administrative delays in hiring, potentially exacerbating existing teacher shortages
  • Privacy and scope concerns: The bill's breadth ("direct access to students") may capture ancillary staff whose psychological fitness seems less directly relevant, raising privacy questions about what personal information is collected and retained
  • Definition and enforcement clarity: The bill doesn't specify which Law 300-1999 certifications apply, who conducts evaluations, what disqualifies candidates, or how existing employees are handled—leaving implementation questions unresolved

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

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