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PC 1076

Para enmendar el inciso (40) del Artículo 1-104 de la Ley Núm. 447 de 15 de mayo de 1951, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley del Sistema de Retiro de los Empleados del Gobierno del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, y enmendar la Sección 7 de la Ley Núm. 145 de 27 de junio de 1968, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley de Pesas y Medidas del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, a los fines de incluir a los Agentes de Pesas y Medidas del Departamento de Asuntos del Consumidor como servidores públicos de alto riesgo y reconocerlos como agentes del orden público; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Bill reclassifies Puerto Rico's weights and measures inspectors as high-risk law enforcement, increasing retirement benefits and official authority over consumer compliance operations.

Referido a Comisión(es)
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Bill Summary · PC 1076

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 1076 seeks to amend Puerto Rico's government employee retirement law and weights and measures law to classify Weights and Measures Agents (Agentes de Pesas y Medidas) from the Department of Consumer Affairs as high-risk public servants and recognize them as law enforcement officers.

Why is this important

This reclassification would grant these inspectors enhanced legal protections, likely including higher retirement benefits, hazard pay, and official law enforcement authority. It reflects recognition that these agents face occupational risks while enforcing consumer protection standards, though the practical scope of their duties and actual risks requires scrutiny.

Potential points of contention

  • Budgetary impact: Reclassifying agents as high-risk typically increases pension obligations and salary supplements, creating long-term fiscal commitments for Puerto Rico's government during its ongoing fiscal crisis
  • Definition of "high-risk": Weights and measures inspectors traditionally conduct administrative compliance checks rather than enforcement involving physical danger; the justification for high-risk classification may not align with actual job hazards
  • Law enforcement authority expansion: Granting these inspectors formal law enforcement status expands their powers beyond traditional inspection roles, potentially affecting citizens' interactions with consumer affairs agencies

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

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