Para enmendar el subinciso (1) del Artículo 24(c) de la Ley 88-1986 conocida como la Ley de Menores de Puerto Rico, según enmendada; a los fines de atemperar la disposición que prohíbe el uso de gas pimienta en todas las instituciones que componen el Programa de Instituciones Juveniles, en respuesta al aumento en los casos de agresiones, incidentes violentos y amenazas que ocurren dentro de las instituciones a partir de la prohibición de la utilización de esta medida de uso de fuerza no letal, de carácter disuasivo y correctivo, utilizada para el manejo de situaciones de emergencia, disturbios, agresiones o amenazas que comprometan la seguridad institucional, la vida o la integridad física de las personas

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill would legalize pepper spray use in youth detention facilities, citing increased violence since a prior prohibition, balancing institutional security against juvenile welfare concerns.

Derrotada por el Senado en Votación Final

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 1058 proposes to amend Puerto Rico's Juvenile Justice Law (Law 88-1986) to allow the use of pepper spray in youth detention facilities, reversing a previous prohibition. The bill argues that since the ban was implemented, incidents of violence, aggression, and threats against staff have increased, necessitating this non-lethal force option for emergency situations.

Why is this important

This directly affects the safety protocols in Puerto Rico's juvenile correctional system and raises fundamental questions about how young detainees are managed and controlled. The outcome will influence both institutional security practices and the physical wellbeing and rights of incarcerated minors, who are among the most vulnerable populations in the criminal justice system.

Potential points of contention

Child welfare vs. security trade-off: Opponents will argue that pepper spray use on minors risks serious harm (respiratory issues, eye damage) and that rehabilitation-focused alternatives exist; proponents cite documented violence increases and staff safety concerns since the ban

Evidence quality: The bill attributes violence increases to the pepper spray ban without presenting comparative data, statistical analysis, or evidence that pepper spray specifically prevents incidents rather than escalating them

International standards: Many countries and child protection organizations have moved toward restricting chemical agents on minors; this proposal moves in the opposite direction, potentially conflicting with juvenile justice best practices and treaty obligations