“Para enmendar el Artículo 1.05, añadir un nuevo Artículo 1.17, y reenumerar los actuales artículos del 1.17 al 1.21, como los artículos del 1.18 al 1.22, respectivamente, en la Ley 20- 2017, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley del Departamento de Seguridad Pública de Puerto Rico”, con el propósito de proveer, formalmente, para la creación del “Cuerpo Interdenominacional de Capellanes” del Departamento de Seguridad Pública, cuyos integrantes podrán ofrecerle a la ciudadanía y a los miembros pertenecientes a los distintos Negociados que comprenden la Agencia, servicios voluntarios de consejería y cuidado pastoral en situaciones de emergencias, desastres naturales y crisis; derogar la Ley 168-2012, conocida como “Ley para la Creación del Cuerpo Voluntario de Capellanes del Gobierno de Puerto Rico”; y para otros fines relacionados.”

2025-2028 Session

Bill PS 452 formally creates a state-funded interdenominational chaplains corps within Puerto Rico's Public Security Department to provide voluntary pastoral counseling during emergencies and disasters, repealing prior legislation.

Comisión no recomienda aprobación de la medida

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 452 formally establishes an "Interdenominational Chaplains Corps" within Puerto Rico's Department of Public Security to provide voluntary pastoral counseling and care services to citizens and agency personnel during emergencies, disasters, and crises. The bill amends the 2017 Public Security Department law, reorganizes existing articles, and repeals the 2012 law that previously created a voluntary chaplains corps.

Why is this important

This legislation addresses mental health and spiritual support infrastructure for both emergency responders and civilians during disaster response situations—critical services given Puerto Rico's vulnerability to hurricanes and other emergencies. The formal establishment of this corps clarifies the legal framework, funding mechanisms, and operational structure for pastoral services that may currently operate informally or under an outdated legal statute.

Potential points of contention

Religious establishment concerns: Formalizing denominational chaplaincy within a government agency raises questions about separation of church and state and equal representation of diverse faiths in Puerto Rico's pluralistic society

Resource allocation: Creating a new corps structure requires budget allocation during fiscal constraints; unclear whether this supplements or replaces existing mental health services

Voluntary vs. compensated roles: The bill emphasizes "voluntary" services, which may create ambiguity about liability, training standards, and whether positions are truly unpaid or receive hidden compensation