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PS 594

“Para enmendar el Artículo 248 de la Ley Núm. 146-2012, según enmendada, conocida como “Código Penal de Puerto Rico” a los fines de prohibir el uso de máscaras, capuchas u otros elementos que oculten la identidad en espacios públicos con el propósito de evitar la identificación por parte de las autoridades del orden público; establecer excepciones para usos legítimos; disponer penalidades y sanciones administrativas por la negativa a descubrirse el rostro cuando sea requerido por un oficial del orden público debidamente identificado; y para otros fines relacionados.”

2025-2028 Session

Prohibits wearing masks or coverings in public to hinder identification by authorities, requires uncovering the face on request, and imposes penalties for violations.

Comisión no recomienda aprobación de la medida
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Bill Summary · PS 594

Summary of Senate Bill PS 594

Bill Number: PS 594
Official Title (in Spanish): “Para enmendar el Artículo 248 de la Ley Núm. 146-2012, según enmendada, conocida como ‘Código Penal de Puerto Rico’ a los fines de prohibir el uso de máscaras, capuchas u otros elementos que oculten la identidad en espacios públicos con el propósito de evitar la identificación por parte de las autoridades del orden público; establecer excepciones para usos legítimos; disponer penalidades y sanciones administrativas por la negativa a descubrirse el rostro cuando sea requerido por un oficial del orden público debidamente identificado; y para otros fines relacionados.”
Status: Comisión no recomienda aprobación de la medida (as of latest action)
Introduced: May 2, 2025

What the bill would do

  • Amends Article 248 of Law 146-2012, the Puerto Rico Penal Code, to prohibit the use of masks, hoods, or other coverings that conceal a person’s identity in public spaces when the purpose is to hinder identification by public order authorities.
  • Establishes exceptions for legitimate uses of face coverings (e.g., specific, permitted contexts). The exact enumerated exceptions would be detailed in the bill text.
  • Creates obligations for individuals to uncover their face when requested by a duly identified public order officer.
  • Establishes penalties for violations of the prohibition and may also impose administrative sanctions for non-compliance with face-uncovering requirements.

Key provisions (highlights)

  • Prohibition: Wearing coverings that obscure identity in public spaces with the intent to avoid identification by public safety personnel.
  • Exceptions: Legitimate uses are carved out (details to be found in the bill’s text).
  • Enforcement obligation: Individuals must uncover their face upon request by an identified law enforcement or public order officer.
  • Penalties and sanctions: Criminal penalties and administrative consequences for failure to comply with the uncovering requirement.

Who would be affected

  • General public and individuals in public spaces who might wear face coverings.
  • Law enforcement and public order officers responsible for enforcing the requirement to uncover the face.
  • Entities or individuals who facilitate or witness non-compliance could face administrative sanctions under the bill.

Procedural and timeline context

  • Radicado (introduced) on May 2, 2025.
  • Appeared in Primera Lectura (First Reading) in the Senate on May 5, 2025.
  • Referred to Senate committees on May 5, 2025.
  • Latest action (as of September 30, 2025): Comisión no recomienda aprobación de la medida (the committee did not recommend approval).

Potential implications and considerations

  • Public safety vs. civil liberties: The bill seeks to deter concealment of identity in public by authorized personnel, potentially enhancing officer ability to identify individuals during public safety operations.
  • Enforcement and practicality: Successful implementation would depend on clear definitions of “legitimate uses” and consistent application of face-uncovering requirements.
  • Legislative trajectory: With the committee not recommending approval, the bill would face further procedural hurdles unless revived by the Senate.

Note: For detailed text, including the exact list of exceptions and specific penalties, consult the bill’s full language and the official legislative analysis.

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

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