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PC 891

Para enmendar el subinciso (d) del inciso (1) del Artículo 4.01 de la Ley Núm. 154-2018 , según enmendada, conocida como “Ley de Reclamaciones Fraudulentas a los Programas, Contratos y Servicios del Gobierno de Puerto Rico”, a los fines de aclarar la intención legislativa de incluir como violaciones a dicha ley la evasión o disminución de obligaciones de pagar o transmitir dinero o propiedad al Gobierno y para atemperarla a las violaciones de esta naturaleza, según definidas y reguladas por el False Claims Act, 31 U.S.C. §§3729-3733 y la jurisprudencia federal aplicable; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico law amended to explicitly cover government payment evasion/reduction, aligning with federal False Claims Act standards to strengthen fraud prosecution and revenue recovery.

Firmado por el Presidente del Senado
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PC 891

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 891 amends Puerto Rico's Fraudulent Claims Law (Law 154-2018) to clarify that it covers evasion or reduction of monetary obligations owed to the government. The amendment aligns Puerto Rico's law with the federal False Claims Act (31 U.S.C. §§3729-3733) and its applicable federal jurisprudence regarding fraud against the government.

Why is this important

This clarification strengthens Puerto Rico's ability to prosecute and recover funds from individuals or entities that deliberately underpay taxes, misrepresent obligations, or otherwise reduce money owed to the government. By harmonizing local law with established federal standards, the bill enhances enforcement consistency and may increase government revenue recovery from fraud cases.

Potential points of contention

  • Scope of "evasion or diminution": The amended language could be interpreted broadly, raising concerns about whether ordinary tax disputes or good-faith disagreements over obligations might be classified as fraudulent claims rather than legitimate disputes.
  • Private whistleblower provisions: The False Claims Act includes qui tam provisions allowing private citizens to sue on behalf of the government and receive a percentage of recoveries; clarifying whether Puerto Rico's law will similarly expand private enforcement mechanisms could be contentious.
  • Retroactive application and due process: Questions may arise about whether the clarification applies to past cases or only prospectively, and whether the expanded definition provides sufficient notice to potential defendants about conduct that constitutes violations.

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

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