Para enmendar el Artículo 88 de la Ley 46-2012, según enmendada, conocida como “Código Penal de Puerto Rico”, a los fines de establecer que no prescribirán los delitos tipificados en la Ley 168-2019, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley de Armas de Puerto Rico de 2020”, cuando estos sean cometidos como parte, medio o instrumento para la comisión del delito de asesinato o tentativa de asesinato; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

The bill would make firearm-enabled offenses used to commit or plan murder or attempted murder non-prescripto, removing the statute of limitations for those cases.

Referido a Comisión(es)

Summary of Bill PC 1253 (Session 2025-2028) – Puerto Rico

Purpose and intent

The bill proposes amending Article 88 of Law 46-2012, as amended, known as the Puerto Rico Penal Code.

The primary aim is to establish that certain offenses do not prescribe (i.e., their statute of limitations does not apply) when those offenses are committed as part, means, or instrument to commit the crime of murder or attempted murder.

Specifically, the measure ties non-prescription to crimes defined in Law 168-2019, as amended, known as the Puerto Rico Firearms Act of 2020, thereby ensuring that firearm-related facilitation of murder or attempted murder cannot be subject to prescription.

Key provisions and changes

Amendment to Article 88 of the Penal Code:

Adds a non-prescription or no-prescription treatment for crimes where a firearm-enabled offense is used to facilitate murder or attempted murder.
The intent is to remove the statute of limitations defense for the subset of cases involving murder or attempted murder where firearms defined in the Firearms Act are involved as part of the crime’s execution or planning.

Scope:

Applies to offenses enumerated in Law 168-2019 (Firearms Act), as amended, specifically when those offenses are employed as a means or instrument for murder or attempted murder.

Related provisions:

The bill references “otros fines relacionados” (other related purposes), indicating potential ancillary or aligning changes in penalties or procedural aspects to harmonize with the no-prescription rule.

Who or what is affected

Criminal defendants implicated in murder or attempted murder cases where firearms are used or instrumental in the offense.

Law enforcement, prosecutors, and the judiciary, which would begin applying the non-prescription rule in relevant cases.

Individuals and entities impacted by firearm-related offenses in the context of murder or attempted murder.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Action history:

Radicado (Filed) on May 5, 2026.
Appears in Primera Lectura of the Cámara (First Reading) on May 7, 2026.
Referred to appropriate committees on May 7, 2026.

Status: Currently at the initial stages of the legislative process (first reading and committee referral). No enacted text or final timeline is provided yet.

Practical implication if enacted:

Prosecutors could charge and pursue murder or attempted murder cases involving firearms without the defense of prescription for the related firearm-enabled offenses.
Could impact time-to-trial dynamics and the survivability of older cases where prescription would otherwise apply.

Notes

The bill aligns with policies intended to deter or punish firearm-enabled violent crime by removing prescription protections in certain serious offenses.

Specifics such as exact language of the amendment, transitional provisions for ongoing cases, and whether there are any sunset provisions or exceptions were not provided in the available summary.

If you’d like, I can track updates on the bill’s status, provide a side-by-side comparison with current law, or draft a plain-language explainer for stakeholders.