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Bill

PS 1059

Para enmendar la Ley 161-2009, según enmendada, conocida como la Ley para la Reforma del Proceso de Permisos de Puerto Rico, a los fines de añadir un nuevo Articulo para establecer un procedimiento expedito, rápido y de fácil acceso para el traspaso de permisos de uso comercial cuando ocurra la venta o transferencia de titularidad de un negocio en operación, siempre que se mantenga el uso previamente autorizado; establecer deberes a la Oficina de Gerencia y Permisos y a las agencias concernidas disponer reglamentación; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Expedited transfer of existing commercial permits when ownership changes, keeping the same use, with a 30-business-day decision window and maintained safety standards.

Remitido a la Comisión de Reglas y Calendario del Senado
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Bill Summary · PS 1059

Summary: Bill PS 1059 (Session 2025-2028) – Puerto Rico

Purpose and intent

  • Aim: Enact an expedited, accessible process to transfer commercially-used permits when a business is sold or ownership is legally transferred, provided the use remains the same as previously authorized.
  • Rationale: Reduce delays, administrative burden, and economic losses that occur when a new owner must reinitiate the full permitting process for an existing business use.
  • Policy goal: Promote business continuity, support small and medium enterprises, and streamline government services while ensuring ongoing compliance with safety, health, environmental, planning, and zoning requirements.

Key provisions and changes

Article 7-A (new) – Transfer mechanism

  • Adds a new article to Law 161-2009 (as amended) to establish the expedited transfer process for commercial permits when ownership changes hands, with the stated condition that the authorized use, nature, and conditions remain the same.

Article 2 – Transfer procedure

  • The Office of Permitting and Management (OGP) will establish a simplified, expeditious administrative process for transferring commercial permits.
  • Required documentation and declarations:
    • Evidence of the legal transfer of the business.
    • A sworn statement by the new owner confirming that the business’s use and nature will remain as previously authorized.
    • Tax certifications and any other applicable requirements.
  • timelines:
    • The OGP must adjudicate (decide on) the transfer within 30 business days from the complete filing of the application.

Article 3 – Regulatory authority

  • OGP will adopt regulations, electronic forms, and interagency processes to implement the law.

Article 4 – Safeguards

  • The new process does not limit agencies’ existing authority to inspect, revoke permits for noncompliance, or require compliance with health, safety, environmental, or planning standards.

Article 5 – Severability

  • If any provision is declared unconstitutional, the remaining provisions remain in effect.

Article 6 – Effective date

  • The law would take effect 180 days after approval.

Affected parties and impacts

  • Primary beneficiaries:
    • Commercial business owners undergoing sale or transfer who plan to maintain the same use.
    • Prospective buyers seeking a quicker path to continuing operations with minimal downtime.
  • Government agencies:
    • Office of Permitting and Management (OGP) gains a new streamlined workflow, forms, and interagency coordination requirements.
  • Other stakeholders:
    • Local economies and employment may benefit from faster re-opening and continuity of operating businesses.
    • Regulatory bodies retain enforcement powers to ensure ongoing compliance.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Introduction and referral:
    • Introduced: February 6, 2026 (Radicado)
    • First reading: February 9, 2026
    • Referred to committees
  • Effective date:
    • 180 days after approval (per Article 6)
  • Implementation:
    • Requires the OGP to promulgate regulations and electronic forms (Article 3)

Notes

  • The bill emphasizes maintaining regulatory standards (safety, health, environment, planning) while reducing redundant re-permitting for transfer of ownership when the use does not change.
  • It creates a concrete 30-workday target for decision-making on transfer applications, signaling a commitment to timelier processing.

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

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