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PS 1011

Para enmendar el Artículo 136 de la Ley 146-2012, según enmendada, conocida como “Código Penal de Puerto Rico”, a los fines de aumentar la severidad de la pena cuando la exposición obscena ocurra en presencia de menores de edad; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill increases criminal penalties for indecent exposure committed in presence of minors to strengthen child protection measures.

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Bill Summary · PS 1011

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 1011 proposes amending Article 136 of Puerto Rico's Penal Code (Law 146-2012) to increase criminal penalties for indecent exposure when the offense occurs in the presence of minors. The bill is currently in early legislative stages, having just been introduced and referred to committee on January 29, 2026.

Why is this important

This legislation addresses child protection by enhancing legal consequences for exposing minors to obscene conduct, reflecting a policy priority to deter conduct deemed harmful to children's development and safety. The severity enhancement could meaningfully increase incarceration time and fines for offenders in cases involving minors versus adults.

Potential points of contention

  • Definitional clarity: The bill does not specify what constitutes "obscene" conduct or whether existing definitions in the Penal Code sufficiently address modern contexts (digital exposure, circumstances, etc.)
  • Proportionality concerns: Critics may argue that blanket sentencing enhancements lack nuance regarding circumstances, offender history, or whether intent to expose minors existed
  • Implementation scope: Unclear whether the amendment applies to accidental exposure scenarios or only deliberate acts, which affects fairness and prosecutorial discretion

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

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