WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

PS 393

Para crear la Ley de la Zona Costanera de Puerto Rico; establecer la política pública del Gobierno de Puerto Rico en cuanto a la protección, administración y manejo sabio de los bienes de dominio público marítimo-terrestre de la zona costanera de Puerto Rico, así como de la zona costanera misma, para garantizar a los ciudadanos el acceso a aquéllos de forma libre, pública y gratuita para su uso común y el disfrute armónico con la naturaleza; definir la zona marítimo-terrestre, crear la Oficina para el Manejo de la Zona Costanera, establecer responsabilidades y otros fines relacionados.”

2025-2028 Session

Establishes a formal framework and a Coastal Zone Office to protect and manage Puerto Rico's maritime-terrestrial zone and guarantee free public coastal access.

Comisión no recomienda aprobación de la medida
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PS 393

Summary: Puerto Rico PS 393 – Coastal Zone Law (Zona Costanera)

Overview

PS 393 is a proposed Puerto Rico bill introduced on March 7, 2025, with the aim of creating a formal framework for the protection, administration, and wise management of public maritime-terrestrial assets in Puerto Rico’s coastal zone, as well as the adjacent coastline. The bill would establish public access to these areas as free, open, and available for common use and harmonious enjoyment with nature. It would define the maritime-terrestrial zone, create the Office for the Management of the Coastal Zone, delineate responsibilities, and set other related purposes.

Purpose and intent

  • Establish a public policy framework for the protection and management of the public maritime-terrestrial property in the coastal zone.
  • Guarantee free, public, and universal access for citizens to coastal areas for common use and enjoyment in harmony with nature.
  • Define the boundaries and scope of the maritime-terrestrial zone.
  • Create an administrative body (the Office for the Management of the Coastal Zone) to oversee the zone and related responsibilities.

Key provisions (as described)

  • Definition and delineation of the maritime-terrestrial zone and the coastal zone itself.
  • Creation of the Office for the Management of the Coastal Zone (an administrative entity) responsible for oversight and administration.
  • Assignment of responsibilities related to protection, administration, and sustainable use.
  • Establishment of related objectives and duties to support public access and environmental stewardship.

Who would be affected

  • Public land and coastal resources within Puerto Rico’s coastal zone.
  • Puerto Rico government agencies involved in land management, environmental protection, and public access.
  • Citizens and visitors who would gain (or be affected by) clarified access rights and use of coastal areas.

Procedural timeline and status

  • Introduced (Radicado): March 7, 2025.
  • First Reading in the Senate: March 10, 2025.
  • Referred to committees: March 10, 2025.
  • Legislative action: June 25, 2025 – Comisión no recomienda aprobación de la medida (Committee does not recommend approval of the measure).

Potential impact and considerations

  • If enacted, a centralized office would guide the management of the coastal zone and potentially standardize access policies across municipalities.
  • The emphasis on free, public access could affect current management practices, development projects, and ongoing use of coastlines.
  • The measure reflects a policy shift toward formal public stewardship of coastal assets and may require funding, regulatory rules, and interagency coordination.
  • As of the latest action, the bill did not receive approval recommendation from the committee, signaling potential political or policy challenges ahead.

Next steps for readers

  • Monitor committee hearings and floor votes for any amendments or changes to the bill.
  • Review the proposed functions and funding needs of the Office for the Management of the Coastal Zone if the bill progresses.
  • Consider implications for coastal access, environmental protections, and interagency coordination in Puerto Rico.

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

Sign in to ask a question.