Para enmendar ios articulos 18 y 19, suprimir el Articulo 26, y reenumerar los actuaies articulos 27,28 y 29, como los articulos 26, 27 y 28, respectivamente, de la Ley Núm. 134 de 30 junio de 1977, según enmendada, conocida como "Ley del Procurador del Ciudadano (Ombudsman)", a los fines de ampliar los poderes que ostenta dicho funcionario para poner en vigor las disposiciones de esta Ley; concederle la facultad para investigar, instrumentar y procesar las infracciones a las mismas y para que pueda representar en los tribunales de justicia de Puerto Rico a los ciudadanos perjudicados por las violaciones a éstas; crear un Fondo Especial bajo la responsabilidad del Ombudsman, el cual podrá ser utilizado para facilitar la prestación de servicios a la población que atiende; proveer para la promulgación de aquellas reglas y reglamentos, cartas circulares o determinaciones administrativas que sean necesarias para poner en vigor lo aqui dispuesto; y, para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Withdrawn bill would expand Puerto Rico's Ombudsman powers to investigate, prosecute violations, represent citizens in court, and manage a special fund for operations.

Retirada por su Autor

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 195 proposes to expand the powers of Puerto Rico's Ombudsman (Procurador del Ciudadano) by amending the 1977 Ombudsman Law. The bill would grant the Ombudsman authority to investigate, prosecute, and enforce violations of the law, represent affected citizens in court, and establish a special fund to support operations and service delivery.

Why is this important

The Ombudsman currently lacks direct enforcement and prosecutorial powers, limiting its ability to protect citizens' rights beyond investigation and complaint. This expansion would transform the office from an investigative body into an enforcement agency with judicial representation authority, potentially strengthening citizen protections against government violations. However, the bill was withdrawn by its author on May 12, 2025, so it is no longer active.

Potential points of contention

Separation of powers concerns: Granting prosecutorial authority to the Ombudsman may blur lines between the executive and judicial branches, raising constitutional questions about institutional independence and proper case handling

Budget and resource implications: Creating a special fund without specified revenue sources or budget caps could strain public finances or require reallocation from other agencies

Scope of enforcement authority: The broad language regarding "infractions" and enforcement mechanisms lacks definition, potentially allowing subjective interpretation of the Ombudsman's jurisdiction over different government entities