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PC 1077

Para enmendar el inciso (a) del Artículo 1.02 de la Ley 168-2019, conocida como “Ley de Armas de Puerto Rico de 2020”; y enmendar el Artículo 4 de la Ley 144-2020, según enmendada, conocida como la “Ley para Unificar las Funciones de los Agentes del Orden Público en Puerto Rico en el caso de una Declaración de Emergencia o Desastre”; a los fines de incluir a los Inspectores de Pesas y Medidas del Departamento de Asuntos del Consumidor dentro de la definición de “Agente del Orden Público”; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Bill PC 1077 designates Puerto Rico's Weights and Measures Inspectors as law enforcement agents with emergency powers during declared disasters and emergencies.

Referido a Comisión(es)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PC 1077

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 1077 proposes to amend Puerto Rico's weapons law (Ley 168-2019) and emergency management law (Ley 144-2020) to officially classify Weights and Measures Inspectors from the Department of Consumer Affairs as "Law Enforcement Agents." This would grant these inspectors authority during emergencies and disaster declarations that is currently reserved for traditional police and security personnel.

Why is this important

This reclassification has practical implications during emergencies, as it would allow Weights and Measures Inspectors to exercise law enforcement powers (such as enforcement authority, arrest capabilities, or command structures) during declared disasters or emergencies. The expansion of law enforcement designation could affect resource allocation, training requirements, and operational procedures across multiple agencies during crisis situations.

Potential points of contention

  • Mission creep concerns: Weights and Measures Inspectors traditionally focus on consumer protection and commercial compliance; expanding their law enforcement authority during emergencies may exceed their specialized training and expertise
  • Resource and liability questions: The bill doesn't specify whether inspectors would receive law enforcement training, equipment, or liability protections, raising budget and accountability concerns
  • Clarity on emergency powers: The amendment doesn't explicitly detail which law enforcement powers inspectors would gain, leaving ambiguity about scope of authority and potential conflicts with existing law enforcement agencies

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

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