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PS 317

Para crear la “Ley para la Fiscalización y Rendición de Cuentas en Tiempos de Emergencia”; establecer los términos de un estado de emergencia; prohibir la suspensión de leyes con motivo de un estado de emergencia mientras la Asamblea Legislativa se encuentre en Sesión; establecer el deber del Gobernador o Gobernadora de someter informes cada quince (15) días a la Asamblea Legislativa si un estado de emergencia se extiende por más de treinta (30) días; establecer el deber de divulgación de acciones de la Rama Ejecutiva realizadas al amparo de una Declaración de Estado de Emergencia; establecer el deber del Gobernador o Gobernadora o su representante de comparecer a una vista pública ante la Asamblea Legislativa si un estado de emergencia se extiende por más de treinta (30) días; establecer las obligaciones del Gobernador o Gobernadora cuando un estado de emergencia se extienda por más de sesenta (60) días; establecer los requisitos para extender un estado de emergencia por más de seis (6) meses; añadir un nuevo Artículo 15 a la Ley 76-2000, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley de Procedimientos para Situaciones o Eventos de Emergencias” y renumerar los actuales incisos 15, 16 y 17; enmendar el Artículo 5.10 de la Ley 20-2017, según enmendada, conocida como la “Ley del Departamento de Seguridad Pública”; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Creates an emergency oversight framework: requires the Governor to publish reports every 15 days after 30 days, disclose actions, and face public hearings on extended emergencies.

Derrotado a viva voz
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PS 317

Summary: Puerto Rico Senate Bill PS 317

Title and Purpose

PS 317 proposes the creation of a new framework, the “Ley para la Fiscalización y Rendición de Cuentas en Tiempos de Emergencia” (Law for Oversight and Accountability in Times of Emergency). Its core aim is to establish clear rules, reporting obligations, and public accountability mechanisms for decisions and actions taken by the Executive Branch during a declared emergency. The bill also sets terms for state-of-emergency declarations and seeks to limit suspensions of laws while the Legislature is in session. It would enact governance requirements when emergencies extend beyond certain time periods and modify related emergency procedures in existing law.

Key Provisions

  • State of Emergency terms and suspensions

    • Establishes specific terms and conditions for a state of emergency.
    • Prohibits the suspension of laws on the basis of an emergency while the Legislative Assembly is in session.

  • Reporting and disclosure requirements (Executive branch)

    • Requires the Governor (or Governor) to submit reports every 15 days if an emergency lasts longer than 30 days.
    • Requires disclosure of executive actions taken under the Emergency Declaration.

  • Public accountability and oversight

    • Mandates the Governor (or their representative) to appear at a public hearing before the Legislative Assembly if the emergency extends beyond 30 days.

  • Procedures for very long emergencies

    • Establishes obligations for the Governor when an emergency extends beyond 60 days.
    • Sets requirements for extending an emergency beyond six (6) months.

  • Legislative changes to emergency procedures

    • Adds a new Article 15 to Law 76-2000 (as amended), the “Law of Procedures for Emergency Situations or Events,” and renumbers current subsections 15, 16, and 17.
    • Amends Article 5.10 of Law 20-2017 (the “Public Security Department Law”).

  • Other purposes

    • The bill contemplates additional related goals to enhance transparency and accountability during emergencies.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Executive Branch: Governor (and representatives) would face new reporting, disclosure, and public appearance requirements during extended emergencies.
  • Legislative Branch (La Asamblea Legislativa): Receives enhanced oversight tools, including public hearings and more frequent updates, increasing legislative visibility into emergency governance.
  • General Public: Gains greater access to information about emergency actions and a potential public hearing on ongoing emergency measures.
  • Legal Framework: Requires amendments to Law 76-2000 and Law 20-2017, affecting procedures and governance during emergencies.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Introduced: February 10, 2025
  • Legislative actions: Filed, first reading in the Senate on February 10, 2025; referred to committees; placed on the Senate’s Special Orders Calendar.
  • Status: Defeated by voice vote (derrotado a viva voz) on February 10, 2025.

Summary Observation

PS 317 articulates a comprehensive accountability framework for emergencies, emphasizing transparency, frequent executive reporting, and opportunities for legislative scrutiny. While it sets concrete time-based triggers (30-day, 60-day, 6-month thresholds) and specific public-facing duties, the bill was ultimately defeated in the Senate as of the most recent actions. If reintroduced, key considerations would include the balance between rapid emergency response and legislative oversight, as well as the practical administration of 15-day reporting cycles and public hearings.

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

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