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PS 986

Para enmendar el Artículo 4 de la Ley 144-2020, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley para Unificar las Funciones de los Agentes del Orden Público en Puerto Rico en el Caso de una Declaración de Emergencia o Desastre”, con el propósito de que se les reconozca, propiamente, como personal de primera respuesta o primeros respondedores en casos de emergencias a los agentes de orden público, según son definidos en dicha Ley; para incluir en la definición de “Agente del Orden Público”, al Administrador, Supervisores e Inspectores de Pesas y Medidas, Técnicos y Oficiales de la División de Pesas y Medidas del Departamento de Asuntos del Consumidor; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Bill expands first responder status to law enforcement and Weights and Measures officials during Puerto Rico emergencies, affecting liability protections and workers' compensation.

Referido a Comisión(es)
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PS 986

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 986 amends Law 144-2020 to officially recognize law enforcement agents as first responders during emergencies and disasters in Puerto Rico. The bill also expands the definition of "law enforcement agent" to include administrators, supervisors, inspectors, technicians, and officials from the Weights and Measures Division of the Department of Consumer Affairs.

Why is this important

This classification affects emergency response protocols, liability protections, workers' compensation eligibility, and operational authority during declared emergencies. Expanding the definition to include weights and measures personnel could enhance emergency response capacity but raises questions about scope creep and whether these officials typically perform first-response functions.

Potential points of contention

  • Mission alignment: Whether Weights and Measures Division personnel regularly engage in emergency response activities or if this represents an administrative reclassification without corresponding training or duties
  • Resource and liability implications: First responder status typically carries higher workers' compensation benefits, hazard pay, and legal protections that could increase government costs
  • Scope definition: Clarity needed on what specific emergency roles these personnel would assume and whether all listed positions (administrators, supervisors, inspectors, technicians) warrant identical classification

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

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