Para enmendar el Articulo 11, añadir un nuevo inciso (i) al Artículo 37 de la Ley Núm. 88 de 9 de julio de 1986, según enmendada, conocida como "Ley de Menores de Puerto Rico", con el propósito de precisar que, para admitir la renuncia del menor a cualquier derecho constitucional, el interrogatorio a esos fines deberá ser grabado en audio y video en su totalidad; enmendar la Regla 13.8 de las Reglas de Procedimiento para Asuntos de Menores, según enmendadas, para atemperarla con lo establecido en el Artículo 11 de la Ley Núm. 88 de 9 de julio de 1986; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Mandates full audio-video recording of custodial interrogations of minors to admit any waiver of constitutional rights, increasing transparency and shaping admissibility.

Ley 51-2026

Summary — PS 689

Title (Spanish): Para enmendar el Artículo 11 y añadir un nuevo inciso (i) al Artículo 37 de la Ley Núm. 88 de 9 de julio de 1986, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley de Menores de Puerto Rico”, con el propósito de precisar que, para admitir la renuncia del menor a cualquier derecho constitucional, el interrogatorio a esos fines deberá ser grabado en audio y video en su totalidad; y para otros fines relacionados.

Main purpose

The bill requires that any custodial interrogation conducted for the purpose of obtaining a minor’s waiver of constitutional rights (for example, the right to remain silent or the right to counsel) must be recorded in its entirety using both audio and video. The amendment clarifies admissibility standards for statements and waivers by minors under Puerto Rico’s Juvenile Law (Law No. 88 of July 9, 1986).

Key provisions

Amends Article 11 and adds a new subsection (i) to Article 37 of Law No. 88 (Juvenile Law).

Establishes that, to admit a minor’s waiver of any constitutional right, the interrogation must be completely recorded in audio and video.

Seeks to make the recording requirement an explicit condition for admitting waiver statements from minors (clarifies evidentiary standard and procedure).

Includes general language suggesting related or implementing measures (“y para otros fines relacionados”), though the bill text is not provided here to specify details such as exceptions, retention periods, or sanctions for noncompliance.

Who is affected

Minors subject to custodial interrogation under the Juvenile Law.

Law-enforcement agencies and police interview units (must equip and train personnel for full A/V recording).

Prosecutors and defense counsel (evidence handling, motions over admissibility).

Juvenile courts (will adjudicate admissibility and compliance).

Agencies responsible for records retention, privacy and chain-of-custody procedures.

Potential impacts and considerations

Likely to increase transparency and reduce disputes about voluntariness and coercion in juvenile interrogations.

May result in exclusion of statements not recorded in compliance with the requirement (depending on implementing rules or court interpretation).

Administrative and fiscal impacts: costs for equipment, training, storage, and redaction/privacy safeguards.

Implementation details (exceptions for exigent circumstances, technical failures, or remote interviews) are not specified in the summaryed information and would affect practical application.

Legislative status and timeline

Introduced (radicado): 2025-08-18

Senate first reading: 2025-08-21; referred to committee(s)

1st Committee report (Senate): 2025-09-16 — rendered without amendments

Approved by Senate (final vote): 2025-10-01; approved without amendments

Text of final approval sent to the House: 2025-10-01

House first reading: 2025-10-07; referred to committee(s)

Current status: Referred to committee(s) in the House

Note: The summary is based on the bill title and procedural record provided. The full legislative text would be needed to identify precise language, exceptions, enforcement mechanisms, and technical requirements.