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PC 355

Para enmendar el Artículo 14 de la Ley 146-2012, según enmendada, denominada “Código Penal de Puerto Rico”, a los fines de restaurar el orden alfabético de las definiciones recogidas en el estatuto, introducir definiciones para los términos “persona con impedimentos” y “persona de edad avanzada” y realizar enmiendas técnicas; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Reorganizes Puerto Rico's Penal Code definitions alphabetically and adds legal definitions for persons with disabilities and elderly persons to clarify criminal law application.

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Bill Summary · PC 355

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 355 proposes amendments to Article 14 of Puerto Rico's Penal Code (Law 146-2012) to reorganize definitional sections in alphabetical order and add specific legal definitions for "person with disabilities" and "elderly person." The bill also includes technical corrections to the existing statute.

Why is this important

Clear legal definitions in the Penal Code are foundational for consistent law enforcement and judicial interpretation. Adding explicit definitions for vulnerable populations (elderly persons and persons with disabilities) could influence how crimes affecting these groups are prosecuted, potentially affecting sentencing guidelines or protective measures under criminal law.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of definitions: The precise language defining "person with disabilities" and "elderly person" may have broad implications for criminal liability, victim protection statutes, or enhanced penalties—stakeholders may disagree on thresholds or which conditions qualify
  • Technical amendments: "Technical corrections" are sometimes controversial if they substantively alter existing law; transparency about what changes are "technical" versus substantive is essential
  • Legislative history: The commission's recommendation against approval (October 2025) suggests unresolved concerns that warrant scrutiny of the bill's actual content and reasoning

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

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