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PC 893

Para crear la “Ley de Alivio Económico y Asistencia Directa a Empleados Federales Durante Cierres Gubernamentales”, a los fines de establecer moratorias en el cobro de préstamos hipotecarios y de vehículos de motor, pagos del servicio de agua potable y de energía eléctrica, y pagos de deudas con el Departamento de Hacienda y el Centro de Recaudación de Ingresos Municipales (CRIM); facilitar el acceso al Programa de Asistencia Nutricional (PAN), manejado por la Administración de Desarrollo Socioeconómico de la Familia (ADSEF), y al seguro por desempleo, administrado por el Departamento del Trabajo y Recursos Humanos (DTRH) en virtud de la Ley Núm. 74 de 21 de junio de 1956, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley de Seguridad de Empleo de Puerto Rico”, a todo ciudadano que, como consecuencia de un cierre del gobierno federal, sufra una merma de ingresos; disponer que un deudor que sea empleado federal podrá solicitar la suspensión de un litigio en cobro de dinero, durante un periodo mínimo de tres (3) meses; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Provides temporary financial relief during federal shutdowns by pausing certain debts and easing access to SNAP and unemployment benefits.

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Bill Summary · PC 893

Summary of Puerto Rico Bill PC 893

Overview

PC 893 proposes the creation of the “Ley de Alivio Económico y Asistencia Directa a Empleados Federales Durante Cierres Gubernamentales.” The bill aims to provide temporary financial relief and easier access to social safety nets for Puerto Rican citizens whose income is reduced due to a federal government shutdown. It also provides a temporary pause on certain debt collection actions and allows for quicker access to unemployment benefits and food assistance.

Purpose and Intent

  • To alleviate the financial hardship suffered by residents who experience income loss during a federal government shutdown.
  • To offer temporary protections and support across housing, utilities, debt payments, food assistance, and unemployment benefits.
  • To provide debtors who are federal employees with the ability to pause litigation for debt collection for a minimum period.

Key Provisions

  • Moratoriums (temporary relief) on payments for:
    • Mortgage loans
    • Motor vehicle loans
    • Water/sewage and electricity services
    • Debts owed to the Puerto Rico Treasury and the Municipal Revenue Collection Center (CRIM)
  • Access facilitation for social support:
    • Easier access to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (PAN/SNAP) administered by the Family Socioeconomic Development Administration (ADSEF)
    • Access to unemployment insurance administered by the Department of Labor and Human Resources (DTRH) under Puerto Rico’s Employment Security Act (Ley Núm. 74, 1956, as amended)
  • Scope of applicability:
    • Applies to any citizen who experiences income reductions due to a federal government shutdown
  • Litigations relief for federal employees:
    • A debtor who is a federal employee may request the suspension of a debt-collection lawsuit for a minimum period of three (3) months
  • Other related purposes as indicated by the bill

Affected Parties

  • Federal employees and their households
  • Debtors facing mortgage, auto loan, or utility bills, and those with tax debts to the Treasury or CRIM
  • Utilities providers, mortgage lenders, and auto lenders
  • Agencies administering SNAP (ADSEF) and unemployment benefits (DTRH)
  • Puerto Rico government agencies involved in debt collection and social welfare programs

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: October 3, 2025
  • First Reading: October 7, 2025
  • Referred to Committee(s): October 7, 2025
  • Next steps: Committee consideration, potential amendments, and voting depending on committee action

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Provides immediate financial relief to households affected by federal shutdowns, potentially reducing risk of utility disconnections and housing instability during such periods.
  • May require administrative adjustments to implement moratoria and to streamline access to SNAP and unemployment benefits.
  • Fiscal implications are not specified in the summary; could affect cash flows of utilities, lenders, and government programs.
  • The effectiveness will depend on interstate and interagency coordination and the duration of the shutdown and the associated economic impact.

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

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