Para crear la “Ley para Facultar la Suspensión Cautelar de Contratos Gubernamentales por Acusaciones de Delitos contra la Función Gubernamental o Fraude” a los fines de establecer un mecanismo de suspensión de contrato con el Gobierno de Puerto Rico cuando la entidad o persona contratada es objeto de acusación de delito contra la función gubernamental o fraude hasta que recaiga determinación final; enmendar el Artículo 5 de la Ley 237-2004, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley para Establecer Parámetros Uniformes en los Procesos de Contratación de Servicios Profesionales y Consultivos para las Agencias y Entidades Gubernamentales del ELA” a los fines de incluir un nuevo inciso Q para incluir una cláusula mandatoria sobre suspensión cautelar; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Bill automatically suspends government contracts with entities accused of corruption or fraud until final court conviction, protecting public funds but risking due process violations and business destruction.

Referido a Comisión(es)

Legislative bill overview

This bill creates a "Law to Authorize Precautionary Suspension of Government Contracts for Accusations of Crimes Against Governmental Function or Fraud" and amends Law 237-2004 to mandate suspension clauses in all government service and consulting contracts. When a contracted entity or individual is accused of crimes against governmental function or fraud, their government contracts would be automatically suspended pending final judicial determination.

Why is this important

Government contracts represent significant public resources, and protecting against fraud and corruption is critical for fiscal integrity. However, contract suspension mechanisms directly impact businesses' operations, cash flow, and employment—making this a consequential policy that affects both government accountability and private sector confidence in government contracting.

Potential points of contention

Presumption of innocence concerns: Automatic suspension based on accusation (not conviction) may conflict with due process rights and presume guilt before trial concludes, potentially harming innocent contractors

Economic impact on contractors: Suspension can destroy businesses and eliminate jobs during the lengthy judicial process, even if the accused party is ultimately exonerated

Definition ambiguity: The bill doesn't clearly define what constitutes "crimes against governmental function" or how minor accusations versus serious charges are differentiated, creating potential for inconsistent application

Implementation burden: Government agencies must quickly identify accused contractors across all contracts and manage suspensions without clear procedures, timelines, or appeals mechanisms outlined