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PC 699

Para enmendar el Artículo 31 de la Ley 272-2003, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley del Impuesto sobre el Canon por Ocupación de Habitación del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico” para disponer que se distribuya un uno por ciento (1%) del canon por ocupación de habitación al Negociado de la Policía de Puerto Rico para la compra de equipo de seguridad; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico redirects 1% of hotel occupancy tax revenue to police department for security equipment purchases, reducing funds available for other government functions.

Vista Pública: Salón de Audiencias #3
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PC 699

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 699 amends Puerto Rico's hotel occupancy tax law (Law 272-2003) to redirect 1% of collected hotel room occupancy taxes to the Puerto Rico Police Department for purchasing security equipment. The remaining 99% would continue funding other government priorities through existing distribution mechanisms.

Why is this important

Hotel occupancy taxes generate significant revenue for Puerto Rico's government, particularly given tourism's importance to the economy. Redirecting even 1% represents a meaningful but modest funding stream for police equipment modernization, which could affect law enforcement capabilities and operational readiness across the archipelago.

Potential points of contention

  • Revenue reallocation trade-offs: The 1% redirected to police comes from other government functions (tourism promotion, infrastructure, cultural programs) that currently depend on this tax revenue
  • Sustainability and scope: The bill doesn't clarify what "security equipment" includes, creating potential for budget flexibility issues or definitional disputes
  • Precedent concerns: Establishing dedicated tax allocations for specific agencies may encourage similar requests, fragmenting tax revenue and complicating budget management

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

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