WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

PS 419

“Para crear la “Ley del Registro de Cabilderos de Puerto Rico”, a fin de establecer la política pública sobre el ejercicio de funciones de cabildeo ante todas las ramas del Gobierno de Puerto Rico; establecer definiciones y excepciones; reglamentar esta profesión; establecer penalidades; establecer facultades administrativas particulares para la creación de los registros; y para otros fines relacionados.”

2025-2028 Session

Establishes a centralized Puerto Rico lobbying registry to regulate lobbyists and disclosures, boosting transparency about who influences government decisions across all branches.

Referido a Comisión(es)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PS 419

PS 419 — Summary: Ley del Registro de Cabilderos de Puerto Rico

Overview

PS 419 proposes the creation of a comprehensive "Ley del Registro de Cabilderos de Puerto Rico" to establish public policy governing lobbying activity before all branches of the Puerto Rico Government. The bill aims to define key terms, set exemptions, regulate the lobbying profession, impose penalties for noncompliance, and delineate administrative powers for establishing and maintaining registry records. It is currently in the early stages of the legislative process.

Purpose and Scope

  • Establish a formal public policy framework for lobbying in Puerto Rico.
  • Create a centralized registry of individuals and entities engaged in lobbying activities.
  • Ensure transparency and accountability in interactions between lobbyists and government decision-makers across all branches.

Key Provisions (as described)

  • Definitions and Exemptions: The bill would define terms related to lobbying (e.g., who is a lobbyist, what constitutes lobbying activity) and specify exemptions where certain communications or actors may be outside the registry's scope.
  • Regulation of the Profession: Establish standards and rules governing the practice of lobbying, including permissible activities and required disclosures.
  • Penalties: Create penalties for violations of the registry requirements or related provisions to enforce compliance.
  • Administrative Powers: Grant specific administrative authorities or functions necessary to create, manage, and operate the lobbying registry (registration processes, reporting, recordkeeping, and enforcement mechanisms).
  • Scope of Coverage: Applies to lobbying activities before all branches of the Government of Puerto Rico.

Note: The text of the bill is not provided here; the above reflects the bill’s stated intent and typical components of a lobbying registry measure.

Who Would Be Affected

  • Lobbyists and lobbying firms: Required registration and ongoing compliance with reporting and disclosure rules.
  • Clients/advocacy groups and organizations: Must disclose clients, the nature of lobbying efforts, and related expenditures tied to lobbying activity.
  • Government agencies and officials: Subject to registry disclosures and interactions with registered lobbyists; potential access to lobbying records.
  • General public: Greater transparency and access to information about who is lobbying on public policy and government decisions.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: March 13, 2025.
  • Legislative Actions:
    • March 13, 2025: Radicado (filed).
    • March 19, 2025: Appears in Primera Lectura del Senado (First Reading) and referred to Comisión(es).
  • Status: Referido a Comisión(es) (in committee stage, not yet enacted).

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • Increased transparency of lobbying activities in Puerto Rico.
  • Additional administrative workload and compliance costs for lobbyists and their clients.
  • Potential improvements in accountability over access to and influence on governmental decision-making.
  • Effect on current advocacy practices, procurement processes, and policy formation timelines.

This summary reflects the bill’s current publicly available information as of its initial readings and committee referral.

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

Sign in to ask a question.