“Para crear la Ley de Educación en Blockchain y Criptomonedas para Jóvenes Emprendedores en Puerto Rico; integrar cursos obligatorios y optativos en currículos de escuelas secundarias públicas, universidades del sistema público y programas vocacionales; ofrecer certificados gratuitos de competencia básica y avanzada; fomentar la creación de startups en finanzas digitales y tecnologías descentralizadas; promover el desarrollo de talento local en la industria blockchain; y para otros fines relacionados.”

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill mandates blockchain and cryptocurrency education in public schools and universities, offering free certificates and promoting digital finance startups to develop local tech talent.

Comisión no recomienda aprobación de la medida

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 934 proposes creating a comprehensive blockchain and cryptocurrency education law in Puerto Rico that mandates both required and elective courses in public secondary schools, public universities, and vocational programs. The bill establishes free basic and advanced competency certificates and aims to foster digital finance startups and decentralized technology development to build local blockchain industry talent.

Why is this important

Puerto Rico has positioned itself as a cryptocurrency hub through previous tax incentives, and this bill attempts to develop human capital to support that sector. The initiative could create economic opportunities for young entrepreneurs while positioning the island as a regional leader in blockchain education and innovation. However, it commits significant educational resources to a volatile and still-emerging industry.

Potential points of contention

Educational priorities: Mandating blockchain courses in public school curricula diverts resources and instructional time from foundational STEM subjects and core competencies with broader labor market applications

Industry volatility and speculation: Cryptocurrency and blockchain markets experience extreme price fluctuations and regulatory uncertainty; promoting startups in this sector carries elevated financial risk for young entrepreneurs with limited capital

Regulatory misalignment: Puerto Rico's cryptocurrency regulatory framework remains incomplete and evolving; educational programs may outpace legal clarity, potentially training students for an unstable or shifting regulatory environment

Equity and access concerns: "Free certificates" don't guarantee equal access to quality instruction or equal outcomes across socioeconomically diverse student populations