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PC 144

Para enmendar el Artículo 2.001 de la Ley 107-2020, según enmendada, conocida como “Código Municipal de Puerto Rico”, a los fines de clarificar, definir, impartir certeza y ampliar las facultades y deberes conferidos a los comités de transición entrantes, cuando dichos procesos de transición se produzcan porque un Alcalde Incumbente no es reelecto o por la muerte, renuncia, destitución o incapacidad total y permanente del Alcalde; disponer que todos los alcaldes, sus representantes, funcionarios designados, así como cualesquiera otros funcionarios o empleados municipales, tienen la obligación y el deber ministerial de participar en el proceso de transición de su municipio, incluyendo, pero sin limitarse a, comparecer a testificar, contestar preguntas relacionadas al estado general de las finanzas y de la administración municipal, y a producir los libros, papeles, récords o documentos u objetos, según se les requiera para estos fines; establecer que todo Alcalde Interino tendrá la obligación y el deber ministerial de rendir un informe escrito sobre el estado general de las finanzas y de la administración municipal, a radicarse en o antes de los diez (10) días naturales siguientes al cese en funciones del Alcalde Saliente, en la Secretaría Municipal y en la Secretaría de la Legislatura Municipal, el cual será de carácter público; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Expands transition committee powers and requires the interim mayor to issue a public 10-day report on municipal finances and administration to boost transparency during transitions.

Referido a Comisión(es)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PC 144

Summary: Bill PC 144 – Amendment to the Municipal Code (Código Municipal de Puerto Rico)

Overview

Bill PC 144 proposes to amend Article 2.001 of Law 107-2020, as amended (the Municipal Code of Puerto Rico). The purpose is to clarify, define, and expand the powers and duties of the incoming transition committees when municipal transitions occur due to: (a) an incumbent mayor not being reelected, or (b) death, resignation, removal, or total and permanent incapacity of the mayor. The bill strengthens participation requirements for municipal leaders and institutes a formal written report from an interim mayor, intended to increase transparency during transitions.

Purpose and intent

  • Improve certainty and accountability in municipal transitions.
  • Clarify the roles and duties of transition committees and municipal officials during the transition period.
  • Enhance transparency of municipal finances and administration during a transition.

Key provisions

  • Expansion of transition committee powers and duties:
    • Incoming transition committees receive clarified authority to oversee and inquire into the municipality’s finances and administration.
  • Ministerial duties for municipal leadership and staff:
    • All mayors, their representatives, designated officials, and other municipal officials or employees have a ministerial obligation to participate in the transition process.
    • This includes appearing to testify, answering questions related to the general state of finances and administration, and producing books, papers, records, documents, or objects as requested.
  • Written report by Interim Mayor:
    • The Interim Mayor has a ministerial duty to produce a written report on the general state of finances and administration.
    • The report must be filed within ten (10) calendar days after the cese (cessation) of the outgoing mayor.
    • The report must be filed with the Municipal Secretary and the Legislative Secretariat of the Municipal Legislature, and it will be public.
  • Public accessibility:
    • The interim mayor’s report is designated as public, ensuring transparency of the transition.
  • Scope of “other purposes”:
    • The bill references “other related purposes,” indicating potential additional measures connected to transitions, as needed.

Affected parties

  • Incumbent mayors and their staff
  • Incoming mayors and their transition committees
  • Mayors’ representatives and designated municipal officials
  • Other municipal officials and municipal employees
  • Municipal Secretary
  • Legislative Secretariat of the Municipal Legislature
  • The general public (through public report)

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduced: January 8, 2025
  • First reading: January 16, 2025
  • Referral: January 16, 2025 (to relevant commissions)
  • Status: Referido a Comisión(es) (referred to committees)

Potential impact and considerations

  • Transparency and accountability: Increases visibility into the financial and administrative state of municipalities during transitions.
  • Compliance burden: May create additional duties for incumbents, interim leaders, and staff to comply with testimony, document production, and timely reporting.
  • Public access: The mandated public report enhances public trust but may raise considerations about sensitive information; safeguards may be discussed in committee.
  • Administrative efficiency: Clarified timelines (10-day report) aim to streamline transition processes.

Next steps

  • Committee review and potential amendments.
  • Public hearings to assess practicality, scope, and any privacy or logistical issues.
  • Legislative consideration of final passage and any fiscal impact statements.

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

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