Overview: Bill PS 517 amends Article 3 of Law No. 171 of June 30, 1968, known as the "Organic Law of the Department of the Family," to provide for the creation and updating of a digital catalog of all programs, benefits, services, activities, and facilities available to the disadvantaged population, both in government agencies and in non-profit private entities and municipalities.
Purpose and Intent: The main purpose of this bill is to improve the accessibility and transparency of social services and resources available to the disadvantaged population in Puerto Rico. By creating a comprehensive digital catalog, the goal is to ensure that individuals in need can easily identify and access the various programs, benefits, and services offered by the government, non-profit organizations, and municipalities.
Key Provisions:
- Requires the creation and ongoing maintenance of a digital catalog of all programs, benefits, services, activities, and facilities available to the disadvantaged population
- The catalog should include information from government agencies, non-profit private entities, and municipalities
Affected Parties and Impacts: The primary affected parties are the disadvantaged population in Puerto Rico, who will benefit from the improved access to information about available social services and resources. The Department of the Family, as well as other government agencies, non-profit organizations, and municipalities, will be responsible for providing and updating the information in the digital catalog.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations: This bill has been enacted into law as Law 135-2025, which means it has been approved by the legislative body and signed into law.
