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PS 1091

Para enmendar el Artículo 4 de la Ley 205-2004, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley Orgánica del Departamento de Justicia”; a los fines de aclarar que las agencias de la Rama Ejecutiva podrán comparecer antes los foros administrativos, representados por empleados de la Agencia, o por personal contratado por servicios profesionales; realizar enmiendas técnicas; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill clarifies Executive Branch agencies can use employees or contract professionals to represent themselves in administrative forums.

Firmado por el Presidente del Senado
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Bill Summary · PS 1091

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 1091 amends the Organic Law of the Department of Justice (Law 205-2004) to clarify that Executive Branch agencies may represent themselves before administrative forums using either their own employees or contracted professional service providers. The bill also authorizes technical amendments to the statute.

Why is this important

This clarification addresses a practical governance issue: it removes ambiguity about who can legally represent government agencies in administrative proceedings, which affects access to justice, administrative efficiency, and the operational capacity of public agencies to defend their positions in disputes. The change could reduce delays in administrative proceedings and provide agencies flexibility in resource allocation.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Allowing contracted professional services may increase government spending compared to using only agency employees, raising concerns about fiscal responsibility
  • Conflict of interest: External contractors may have fewer institutional safeguards than government lawyers, potentially creating accountability concerns
  • Access to justice: If this enables agencies to more easily challenge citizen claims in administrative proceedings, it could impact ordinary Puerto Ricans' ability to contest government decisions

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

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