Summary of Legislative Bill PS 798
Overview
Bill Number: PS 798
Title: To amend Section 2.13 of Law 38-2017, as amended, known as the "Uniform Administrative Procedure Act of the Government of Puerto Rico", in order to establish provisions regarding the adoption, validity and re-adoption of emergency regulations by the administrative agencies of the Government of Puerto Rico; and for other related purposes.
Status: Referred to Committee(s)
Introduced: October 16, 2025
Purpose and Intent
The main purpose of this bill is to update the existing Uniform Administrative Procedure Act to provide clearer guidelines and requirements for how administrative agencies in Puerto Rico can adopt, implement, and re-adopt emergency regulations. The intent is to ensure a more standardized and transparent process for the use of emergency rulemaking authorities, which are often necessary to respond quickly to urgent situations or unforeseen circumstances.
Key Provisions
- Defines the criteria and circumstances under which an agency can invoke "emergency" status to adopt a regulation without the normal public notice and comment period
- Requires agencies to provide specific justification and findings to support the need for emergency action
- Limits the initial validity period of emergency regulations to 120 days, after which they must either expire or be readopted through the regular rulemaking process
- Establishes a process for agencies to readopt emergency regulations for an additional 120-day period if the emergency circumstances persist
- Mandates that agencies publish all emergency regulations in the Puerto Rico Administrative Register and provide public notice
Affected Parties and Impacts
This bill would impact all administrative agencies of the Puerto Rico government that have rulemaking authority. It aims to create more consistency, transparency, and accountability in how these agencies use their emergency regulatory powers, which can have significant effects on businesses, industries, and the general public.
By establishing clearer guidelines and time limits, the bill seeks to prevent the overuse or abuse of emergency regulations, while still allowing agencies the flexibility to respond quickly to true emergencies. This could help ensure a balance between administrative efficiency and public participation in the regulatory process.
Procedural and Timeline Considerations
The bill has been referred to the relevant committee(s) in the Puerto Rico legislature for further consideration and review. If reported out of committee, it would then proceed to a full floor vote in the legislature. If passed, the bill would be sent to the Governor for potential signature into law.
The specific timeline for the bill's progression is unclear at this stage, as it depends on the committee process and legislative calendar. However, the bill's proponents are likely aiming to have it enacted before the end of the current legislative session.
