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PC 254

Para crear la “Ley de Seguridad Ciudadana sobre la Construcción, Instalación y Ubicación de Torres de Telecomunicaciones de Puerto Rico”; establecer los parámetros y distancias para la construcción de torres de telecomunicaciones en las que se instalen estaciones de transmisión de radiofrecuencias, “antenas”; definir el término; disponer los requisitos de anclaje y diseño de éstas; establecer un sistema de uso integrado o co-ubicación; requerir notificación de colindantes, según la distancia dispuesta en esta Ley; disponer que la Oficina de Gerencia y Permisos (OGPe) adopte todas aquellas providencias reglamentarias pertinentes para el cumplimiento de esta Ley; derogar la Ley 89-2000, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley sobre la Construcción, Instalación y Ubicación de Torres de Telecomunicaciones de Puerto Rico”; y para otros fines.

2025-2028 Session

Establishes a new regulatory framework for telecom towers in PR, standardizing siting, safety, co-location, neighbor notification, and OGPe oversight, replacing Law 89-2000.

Referido a Comisión(es)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PC 254

Summary of PC 254 – “Ley de Seguridad Ciudadana sobre la Construcción, Instalación y Ubicación de Torres de Telecomunicaciones de Puerto Rico”

Note: The bill title is in Spanish; a translation is provided for context.

Overview

PC 254 seeks to establish a new regulatory framework governing the construction, installation, and location of telecommunications towers and their antennas (RF transmission facilities) in Puerto Rico. The bill would set parameters and distances for tower siting, define key terms, impose anchoring and design requirements, promote integrated use or co-location, require neighbor notification based on prescribed distances, and compel the Office of Management and Permits (OGPe) to adopt relevant regulations. It also would repeal Law 89-2000, as amended, known as the “Law on the Construction, Installation and Location of Telecommunications Towers in Puerto Rico.”

Purpose and Intent

  • Create standardized safety, siting, and design requirements for telecom towers and antennas.
  • Encourage shared use of towers (co-location) or integrated use to reduce the proliferation of towers.
  • Increase transparency with neighbor and affected-party notifications.
  • Modernize or replace the existing regulatory regime (Law 89-2000) with a new framework and regulatory guidance.
  • Centralize regulatory adoption and oversight through the OGPe.

Key Provisions (highlights)

  • Parameters and distances: Establish siting parameters and setback/distancing rules for towers and mounted antennas. The exact distance requirements are defined in the bill (not provided in the summary).
  • Definitions: Create or clarify terms such as “telecommunications towers,” “antennas,” “co-location,” and related concepts to ensure clear applicability.
  • Anchoring and design requirements: Specify structural and anchoring standards to ensure safety and stability of towers and antennas.
  • Integrated use / co-location: Promote or require a system that allows multiple operators to share a single tower or site when feasible.
  • Neighbor notification: Require notification to adjacent or nearby property owners or residents according to the distances established by the law.
  • Regulatory adoption by OGPe: Direct the OGPe to adopt all pertinent regulatory provisions and administrative rules necessary to implement the law.
  • Repeal of Law 89-2000: Abolish the current Law 89-2000 upon the effective date of the new statute (as amended by PC 254).

Who Is Affected

  • Telecom operators, tower owners, developers, and contractors involved in the construction, installation, or maintenance of telecom towers and antennas.
  • Property owners and residents in proximity to proposed tower sites (due to notification requirements).
  • Municipalities and local planning authorities that may be involved in permitting or site approvals.
  • OGPe, which would assume a lead regulatory role in implementing and enforcing the new regime.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: January 15, 2025.
  • Legislative actions so far:
    • January 15, 2025: Filed (Radicado).
    • January 16, 2025: Appears in First Reading of the House.
    • January 16, 2025: Referred to one or more committees.
  • Next steps: Committee hearings and potential amendments; OGPe would begin adopting regulations to implement the law. Final enactment would follow once the bill passes both legislative chambers and is signed (or otherwise enacted) into law.

Potential Impact

  • Clarified standards may improve safety and resilience of telecom infrastructure.
  • Increased coordination of tower use could reduce the total number of towers needed.
  • Enhanced transparency for neighbors may affect project timelines and community relations.
  • Significant regulatory changes may affect timelines, costs, and compliance processes for industry stakeholders.

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

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