WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

PC 529

Para enmendar el Artículo 1.039 de la Ley 107-2020, según enmendada, conocida como el “Código Municipal de Puerto Rico”; y enmendar los artículos 31, 32 y 34-A del Código Político de 1902, con el fin de reafirmar la autoridad de las Legislatura Municipales en Puerto Rico para requerir la comparecencia, cooperación y Testimonio de testigos en procesos de investigación y evaluación de ordenanzas municipales; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Strengthens municipal legislatures' power to compel witness appearance and cooperation in investigations of ordinances, boosting oversight over officials and affected residents.

Retirada por su Autor
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PC 529

Summary — Puerto Rico Bill PC 529

Overview

PC 529 is a proposed measure to amend provisions in both the Puerto Rico Municipal Code (Law 107-2020, as amended) and the Political Code of 1902. Its stated objective is to reaffirm and strengthen the authority of Municipal Legislatures in Puerto Rico to require the appearance, cooperation, and testimony of witnesses during investigations and evaluations of municipal ordinances and related processes.

What the bill would do

  • Amend Article 1.039 of Law 107-2020 (the Municipal Code) to clarify or enhance the municipal investigative powers, specifically regarding compelling appearance and cooperation from witnesses in the context of investigating and evaluating municipal ordinances.
  • Amend Articles 31, 32, and 34-A of the Political Code of 1902 to similarly reaffirm the authority of municipal legislatures to demand appearance, cooperation, and testimony from witnesses in investigations and evaluations related to municipal ordinances.

Key provisions (high-level)

  • Strengthening or clarifying the power of municipal legislative bodies to compel witness testimony and cooperation during inquiries related to municipal ordinances.
  • Ensuring consistency between the Municipal Code and the Political Code in asserting oversight and investigative capabilities at the municipal level.
  • Focused on processes of investigation and evaluation of municipal ordinances rather than general administrative powers.

Note: The full text of the amendments is not provided here; the summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose and the articles identified for amendment.

Affected parties and potential impact

  • Municipal Legislatures: Receives reaffirmed authority to require witnesses and cooperation during investigations and evaluations of ordinances.
  • Municipal officers and staff, and other potential witnesses: May be subject to compelled testimony or cooperation in investigative proceedings.
  • Residents and stakeholders affected by municipal ordinances: Could be indirectly impacted through enhanced oversight and enforcement mechanisms.
  • Compliance and accountability mechanisms: Potentially strengthened, with clearer procedural authority for investigations.

Procedural history and current status

  • Introduced: April 10, 2025
  • First Reading: April 22, 2025
  • Referenced to Committee(s): April 22, 2025
  • Legislative Action: Withdrawn by its Author on May 1, 2025
  • Status: Withdrawn; no immediate action pending, though the bill could be reintroduced in the future.

Notes

  • The withdrawal indicates the bill did not advance to further stages in the legislative process, but the underlying concepts could reappear in later proposals.
  • If reintroduced, expect potential amendments to align with procedural rules for compelled testimony and the balance between legislative oversight and other constitutional rights.

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

Sign in to ask a question.