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PC 644

Para crear la "Ley para Facultar el Establecimiento de Aranceles en los Procedimientos Administrativos del Gobierno de Puerto Rico", para establecer el cobro de aranceles en los procedimientos adjudicativos ante agencias administrativas del Gobierno de Puerto Rico bajo la Ley 38-2017, conocida como "Ley de Procedimiento Administrativo Uniforme del Gobierno de Puerto Rico"; disponer sobre el reembolso del arancel pagado por la parte querellante cuando la decisión administrativa le sea favorable; incorporar medidas para desalentar querellas o pleitos frívolos; sufragar los gastos administrativos asociados a dichos procedimientos; establecer exenciones provisionales del pago de arancel; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill imposes filing fees on administrative complaints, refundable if complainant wins, to reduce frivolous claims and fund agency operations.

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Bill Summary · PC 644

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 644 proposes creating a fee structure for administrative proceedings before Puerto Rico government agencies under the 2017 Uniform Administrative Procedure Law. The bill would impose filing fees on complainants in administrative disputes, with provisions for fee refunds if the complainant prevails and temporary exemptions for certain parties. The fees would fund administrative costs while discouraging frivolous complaints.

Why is this important

Access to administrative remedies is a fundamental aspect of government accountability in Puerto Rico. Introducing fees creates a potential barrier for lower-income citizens seeking redress against government agencies, while also affecting businesses that challenge administrative decisions. The fee structure directly impacts who can afford to participate in administrative processes and may shift the balance of power between citizens/businesses and government agencies.

Potential points of contention

  • Access to justice concerns: Fees may disproportionately burden low-income individuals and small businesses unable to afford filing costs, effectively creating a two-tiered system
  • Definition of "frivolous claims": Determining what constitutes a frivolous complaint is subjective and could be weaponized to discourage legitimate grievances against agencies
  • Fee refund mechanism: The practicality and fairness of determining when complainants deserve refunds could be complex and lead to additional litigation over fee reimbursement

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

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