Para enmendar el Artículo 3 de la Ley Núm. 40-1993, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley para Reglamentar la Práctica de Fumar en Determinados Lugares Públicos y Privados”, a los fines de incluir una prohibición total en determinadas áreas en las cuales no se podrá fumar; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

The bill would expand Article 3 to impose a total smoking ban in designated areas, replacing current restrictions with a blanket prohibition.

Referido a Comisión(es)

Summary of PC 1191 (Session 2025-2028) – Puerto Rico

Purpose and intent

PC 1191 seeks to amend Article 3 of Law No. 40-1993, as amended, commonly known as the “Law Regulating the Practice of Smoking in Certain Public and Private Places.”

The overarching aim is to establish a total prohibition on smoking in certain areas where smoking would be completely banned, expanding beyond current regulations.

Key provisions and changes

Amendment to Article 3 of Law No. 40-1993 to expand the areas where smoking is prohibited from existing restrictions to a complete prohibition in designated zones.

The bill specifies the addition of certain locations or categories of places where smoking will be completely prohibited, rather than merely restricted.

The statute would retain its framework for regulation, enforcement, and penalties but would apply a broader, blanket ban in the newly designated areas.

Note: The available information confirms the intent to include a total smoking ban in particular areas, but the precise list of prohibited locations, definitions of “areas,” enforcement mechanisms, exemptions (if any), and penalties would be detailed in the text of the amended Article 3 and accompanying regulatory provisions.

Affected parties and scope

Individuals who smoke and visitors to the identified areas would be directly affected by the total prohibition.

Businesses, institutions, and property owners responsible for the designated areas would need to enforce the ban and ensure compliance.

Public health advocates and regulatory agencies would likely be involved in enforcement, education, and permissible penalties.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Action history indicates:

March 17, 2026: Bill radicado (filed).
March 19, 2026: Appears in Primera Lectura de la Cámara (First Reading) and referred to one or more committees.

At the First Reading, the bill was referred to a committee or committees for consideration, testimony, and potential amendments.

No final passage date is provided in the available information; typical progression would involve hearings, potential amendments, committee votes, and floor votes in both chambers, followed by executive approval or veto as applicable.

Potential impact

Public health: A more comprehensive smoking ban in designated areas could reduce exposure to secondhand smoke and promote healthier environments.

Compliance and enforcement: Entities managing the restricted areas would need to implement signage, enforcement protocols, and potential penalties for violations.

Economic and operational considerations: Businesses and institutions may need to adjust policies, designate smoking areas where allowed (if any exemptions exist), and communicate changes to patrons and employees.

Additional notes

The precise details (definition of “areas,” enforcement penalties, exemptions, and implementation timeline) will be clarified in the amended text of Article 3 and any related regulatory guidance accompanying the bill.

Stakeholders may want to monitor committee hearings and subsequent amendments to understand the final scope and practical implementation.