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PS 1045

Para enmendar el inciso (b) del Artículo 73 de la Ley 146-2012, según enmendada, conocida como el “Código Penal de Puerto Rico”, a los fines de disponer que en los casos donde se configure reincidencia agravada se aumentará treinta (30) años a la pena fija dispuesta por ley para el delito cometido.

2025-2028 Session

Bill PS 1045 mandates an additional 30-year prison sentence for aggravated repeat offenders in Puerto Rico, removing judicial discretion in sentencing decisions.

Referido a Comisión(es)
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Bill Summary · PS 1045

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 1045 seeks to amend Article 73(b) of Puerto Rico's 2012 Penal Code to impose an additional 30-year mandatory sentence when a defendant is convicted of aggravated recidivism. The amendment would add these 30 years to whatever fixed penalty is already prescribed by law for the underlying crime.

Why is this important

This proposal significantly increases sentencing severity for repeat offenders with aggravated circumstances in Puerto Rico's criminal justice system. Such mandatory sentencing enhancements directly affect incarceration duration, prison population size, and rehabilitation prospects, with substantial implications for both public safety policy and correctional system capacity.

Potential points of contention

  • Mandatory sentencing concerns: Fixed 30-year additions remove judicial discretion, potentially resulting in disproportionate sentences that don't account for individual circumstances or mitigating factors
  • Definition of "aggravated recidivism": The bill references existing legal definitions but lacks clarity on what specifically qualifies, potentially creating inconsistent application across cases
  • Prison capacity and costs: Puerto Rico faces existing correctional system overcrowding; mandatory 30-year additions will substantially increase incarceration expenses and facility strain on an already stressed system

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

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