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PC 282

Para eliminar el inciso (I) del Artículo 1.02; enmendar el inciso (j) Artículo 2.05 y eliminar el inciso (HH) del Artículo 2.08 de la Ley 158-2015, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley de la Defensoría de las Personas con Impedimentos del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, así como añadir un nuevo inciso (j) a la Sección 2 de la Ley Núm. 15 de 14 de abril de 1931, según enmendada, conocida como la “Ley Orgánica del Departamento del Trabajo y Recursos Humanos de Puerto Rico” a los fines de transferir de la defensoría señalada al Departamento del Trabajo y Recursos Humanos (DTRH) el programa de Sistema Integrado de Cumplimiento Laboral; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Bill transfers labor compliance oversight for disabled workers from the Disabilities Ombudsman to the Department of Labor, consolidating but potentially weakening specialized disability workplace protection.

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Bill Summary · PC 282

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 282 proposes transferring the Integrated Labor Compliance System (Sistema Integrado de Cumplimiento Laboral) from the Office of the Ombudsman for Persons with Disabilities to the Department of Labor and Human Resources (DTRH). The bill modifies the 2015 Disabilities Ombudsman Law and the 1931 Department of Labor Organic Law to effectuate this administrative reorganization.

Why is this important

This transfer could significantly impact how labor compliance and workplace accommodations for persons with disabilities are overseen in Puerto Rico. The consolidation may improve coordination between labor enforcement and disability rights protection, but it also risks diminishing specialized oversight if the DTRH lacks adequate disability expertise or resources. The change affects both institutional accountability structures and potentially the quality of services for vulnerable workers.

Potential points of contention

  • Loss of specialized oversight: Moving the program from a disability-focused ombudsman office to a general labor department may dilute expertise and advocacy specifically for workers with disabilities
  • Institutional capacity concerns: The DTRH's ability to manage this additional program effectively, particularly regarding technical knowledge of disability accommodation requirements under labor law
  • Accountability and independence: The ombudsman's role typically includes independent advocacy; consolidation into DTRH could compromise the autonomous oversight function and reduce direct access to specialized complaint mechanisms

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

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