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PC 963

Para crear la “Ley para la Creación del Programa de Identificación y Sello Oficial para Pastores, Ministros y Líderes Religiosos en Servicio Comunitario de Puerto Rico”, a los fines de reconocer oficialmente la labor espiritual, social y humanitaria de los líderes religiosos activos en el país; autorizar al Departamento de Estado a expedir una identificación oficial y un sello o marbete vehicular distintivo que les permita realizar gestiones oficiales y comunitarias con acceso y legitimidad; establecer un registro electrónico de líderes religiosos acreditados; disponer los criterios de elegibilidad, verificación, vigencia, renovación y sanciones por uso indebido; coordinar la implementación del programa con el Departamento de Transportación y Obras Públicas y el Departamento de Seguridad Pública; garantizar el acceso ordenado de los líderes religiosos a hospitales, cárceles, instituciones públicas y áreas de emergencia; promover el respeto y reconocimiento estatal a la función pastoral; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Creates a state program to issue IDs and vehicle seals for religious leaders, enabling official access to hospitals, prisons, and public areas.

Referido a Comisión(es)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PC 963

Summary of Puerto Rico Bill PC 963

Overview

Bill PC 963 proposes the creation of a formal program under the Departamento de Estado (Department of State) to recognize and regulate the work of pastors, ministers, and religious leaders who serve in the community. The bill would authorize the issuance of an official identification card and a distinctive vehicle seal (sello o marbete vehicular distintivo) to eligible religious leaders, enabling them to conduct official and community duties with recognized access and legitimacy. It also creates an electronic registry of accredited religious leaders and sets standards for eligibility, verification, validity, renewal, and sanctions for misuse. Administration and implementation would be coordinated with the Departamento de Transporte y Obras Públicas (DTPW) and the Departamento de Seguridad Pública (Department of Public Safety). The program aims to ensure orderly access to hospitals, prisons, public institutions, and emergency areas, while promoting official recognition of the pastoral vocation.

  • Bill Number: PC 963
  • Title (in Spanish): Para crear la “Ley para la Creación del Programa de Identificación y Sello Oficial para Pastores, Ministros y Líderes Religiosos en Servicio Comunitario de Puerto Rico”
  • Status: Referido a Comisión(es)
  • Introduced: 5 de noviembre de 2025

Key Provisions

  • Creation of a program administered by the Department of State to issue:
    • An official identification card for pastors, ministers, and religious leaders.
    • A distinctive vehicle seal or marbete for use in community activities and official duties.
  • Establishment of an electronic registry of accredited religious leaders (registro electrónico).
  • Establishment of criteria and processes for:
    • Eligibility (criterios de elegibilidad)
    • Verification (verificación)
    • Validity/expiration (vigencia)
    • Renewal (renovación)
    • Sanctions for misuse (sanciones por uso indebido)
  • Interagency coordination requirements:
    • With the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTPW)
    • With the Department of Public Safety
  • Access provisions:
    • Guarantee orderly access of religious leaders to hospitals, prisons, public institutions, and emergency areas.
  • Policy goals:
    • Official state recognition of the pastoral role
    • Related purposes as needed

Who Would Be Affected

  • Primary beneficiaries: Pastors, ministers, and religious leaders actively serving in Puerto Rico.
  • Government entities: Department of State, DTPW, Department of Public Safety.
  • Public institutions: Hospitals, correctional facilities, other public agencies and emergency areas.
  • General public: Affects how religious leaders interact with official spaces and services.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: November 5, 2025
  • Legislative actions:
    • November 5, 2025: Filed (Radicado)
    • November 6, 2025: Appears in First Reading of the House (Primera Lectura)
    • November 6, 2025: Referred to Commission(es)

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Administrative: Creates a formal, credentialed framework for religious leaders, requiring ongoing administration, eligibility verification, and sanctions oversight.
  • Access and Safety: Could facilitate direct access of religious leaders to sensitive facilities and during emergencies, potentially improving community engagement.
  • Privacy and Due Process: May raise questions about eligibility criteria, data handling in the electronic registry, and enforcement of sanctions.
  • Fiscal/Operational: Would require funding and interagency coordination for program implementation and maintenance.

Next Steps

  • Committee hearings and potential amendments in the referenced commissions.
  • If approved, passage by the full chamber and, subsequently, any companion procedures or formats for enactment.

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

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