Para crear la “Ley de Rescate al Empresario Puertorriqueño” a los fines de establecer un programa de reembolso salarial, beneficios y planes de pago de utilidades para las empresas que ante una merma en el volumen de ventas, ganancias o producción que deseen proteger la cantidad de empleados que tienen a tiempo completo y/o transicional los empleados de medio tiempo a tiempo completo; establecer los requisitos de elegibilidad para que una empresa pueda acogerse a los beneficios dispuestos bajo esta Ley; definir las facultades y responsabilidades de la Compañía de Comercio y Exportación de Puerto Rico en la administración de esta Ley; derogar el Artículo 2.4 de la Ley Núm. 120 de 31 de julio de 2014, según enmendada, conocida como la “Ley de Incentivos para la Generación y Retención de Empleos en PyMEs”; asignar fondos para su implementación; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico proposes wage reimbursement subsidies for businesses experiencing sales declines that maintain full-time employment and convert part-time to full-time positions.

Vista Pública: Salón de Audiencias #2

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 451 proposes the "Puerto Rican Business Rescue Law" to create a wage reimbursement and benefits program for companies experiencing declining sales, profits, or production. The program would help businesses retain full-time employees and convert part-time workers to full-time status, while repealing certain provisions of the 2014 Small Business Employment Incentive Law.

Why is this important

This bill addresses employment stability during economic downturns by providing direct financial support to businesses attempting to maintain their workforce. In Puerto Rico's economically vulnerable context, such programs can prevent layoffs and support worker transitions, though the approach represents significant public expenditure during fiscal challenges.

Potential points of contention

Fiscal sustainability: The bill allocates government funds for wage reimbursements during sales declines; unclear whether funding mechanisms exist or if this creates new public debt during Puerto Rico's ongoing fiscal recovery

Eligibility and abuse potential: Broad definitions of "merma en volumen de ventas" (sales decline) lack specific thresholds, creating risk of subsidizing companies with minor fluctuations while potentially favoring well-connected businesses

Market distortion: Direct wage subsidies may artificially sustain uncompetitive businesses that should restructure, potentially delaying necessary economic adjustment and unfairly disadvantaging non-participating competitors

Administrative capacity: Places significant oversight responsibility on the Commerce and Export Company without clear details on verification, audit mechanisms, or fraud prevention