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PC 996

Para enmendar el inciso h del Artículo 1.008 de la Ley Núm. 107 de 13 de agosto de 2020, conocida como “Código Municipal de Puerto Rico”, a los fines de aclarar que los bienes inmuebles pertenecientes al Departamento de la Vivienda no podrán ser declarados estorbo público ni ser expropiados por los municipios, y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Bill protects Puerto Rico's Department of Housing properties from municipal nuisance declarations and expropriation, centralizing control over government housing assets.

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Bill Summary · PC 996

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 996 amends Article 1.008(h) of Puerto Rico's Municipal Code to clarify that real estate properties belonging to the Department of Housing cannot be declared public nuisances or expropriated by municipalities. The amendment aims to protect government housing assets from municipal actions that could compromise their use for housing purposes.

Why is this important

This clarification affects the balance of power between Puerto Rico's central government and municipalities regarding control over public property. It directly impacts housing policy by preventing local governments from seizing or declaring uninhabitable properties that the Department of Housing manages, potentially protecting the department's ability to maintain and develop affordable housing stock.

Potential points of contention

  • Municipal autonomy vs. central control: Municipalities may view this as reducing their authority to address deteriorated properties in their jurisdictions, limiting their ability to enforce building codes and public health standards locally.
  • Property management accountability: Restricts municipalities' tools to compel the Department of Housing to maintain or remediate problematic properties, potentially leaving derelict buildings untouched if the department is unresponsive.
  • Scope ambiguity: The amendment doesn't clarify what happens if Department of Housing properties genuinely become hazardous to public safety—whether municipalities retain emergency intervention powers.

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

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