“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- 2027, 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

Puerto Rico formalizes a religious chaplains corps within public safety to provide emergency counseling, repealing previous volunteer law and raising church-state separation questions.

Retirada por su Autor

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 409 formalizes the creation of an "Interdenominational Chaplains Corps" within Puerto Rico's Department of Public Safety, allowing volunteer chaplains to provide counseling and pastoral care to citizens and agency personnel during emergencies, disasters, and crises. The bill amends Law 20-2027 and repeals the previous Law 168-2012 that governed a similar voluntary chaplains program.

Why is this important

This legislation establishes a formal, updated legal framework for spiritual and psychological support services during critical incidents—a function previously operating under older legislation. Chaplaincy services can improve mental health outcomes and community trust in public safety agencies, particularly in post-disaster and high-stress situations affecting both first responders and civilians.

Potential points of contention

Separation of church and state concerns: Creating a formal government corps of religious chaplains may raise constitutional questions about government endorsement of religion, despite the "interdenominational" approach

Voluntary vs. formal status: Shifting from informal voluntary work to a formally established corps could create expectations about compensation, liability, and accountability that conflict with volunteer nature

Replacement of existing framework: Repealing Law 168-2012 without clear transition provisions could disrupt ongoing chaplaincy services if implementation delays occur