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PS 1181

Para enmendar el acápite (l), del inciso (10), del Artículo 7 de la Ley 430-2000, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley de Navegación y Seguridad Acuática de Puerto Rico”, a los fines de aumentar la cuantía de la multa dispuesta en dicha Ley, a quienes permanezcan en un cuerpo de agua luego de haber sido requeridos a desalojar el mismo por condiciones meteorológicas adversas; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico increases fines for refusing evacuation orders from bodies of water during severe weather to improve public safety compliance during maritime emergencies.

Referido a Comisión(es)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PS 1181

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 1181 amends Puerto Rico's Navigation and Water Safety Law (Law 430-2000) to increase the monetary penalties imposed on individuals who remain in bodies of water after being ordered to evacuate due to adverse weather conditions. The amendment specifically targets section (l) of subsection (10) of Article 7, raising the fine amounts for non-compliance with official evacuation orders.

Why is this important

Severe weather events, including hurricanes and tropical storms, pose serious risks to life and safety in Puerto Rico's waters. By increasing financial penalties for non-evacuation, the bill aims to incentivize public compliance with emergency orders, potentially reducing rescue operations and casualties during dangerous weather. This reflects growing concern about voluntary evacuation compliance rates during maritime emergencies.

Potential points of contention

  • Equity concerns: Higher fines may disproportionately affect lower-income individuals who cannot afford significant penalties, raising questions about whether financial punishment is an effective or fair enforcement mechanism
  • Enforcement clarity: The bill does not specify the new penalty amounts, leaving uncertainty about how much steeper these fines will be and whether they align with comparable maritime safety violations
  • Alternative compliance methods: Critics may argue the legislation relies solely on punitive measures rather than exploring education, real-time warning systems, or assistance programs that help people comply with evacuation orders

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

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