Para enmendar la Sección 2032.01 del Capítulo 2 de la Ley Núm. 60 de 1 de julio de 2019, conocida como el "Código de Incentivos de Puerto Rico", según enmendada, a los fines de añadir un nuevo inciso (g) que cree un crédito contributivo por contratación local en el sector de salud; establecer un crédito del 20% sobre la nómina pagada a empleados locales en clusters médicos o consultorios especializados; condicionar el crédito a un término mínimo de tres (3) años de retención de empleo; promover la descentralización de servicios médicos especializados alrededor de la isla; requerir fiscalización estricta por el Departamento de Desarrollo Económico y Comercio (DDEC); y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill creates 20% payroll tax credit for health sector employers hiring locally with 3-year job retention requirements to decentralize specialized medical services across the island.

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Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 942 proposes amending Puerto Rico's Incentives Code to create a new 20% tax credit for businesses in the health sector that hire local employees, contingent on maintaining employment for a minimum of three years. The bill aims to decentralize specialized medical services across the island while requiring strict oversight by the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC).

Why is this important

This legislation directly addresses healthcare accessibility by incentivizing the geographic distribution of specialized medical services beyond San Juan, potentially improving healthcare equity across Puerto Rico's regions. The tax credit mechanism leverages private sector participation to achieve public health goals while generating employment in underserved areas, though the fiscal cost to government revenues requires careful consideration.

Potential points of contention

Fiscal impact: The 20% payroll tax credit represents a significant revenue reduction for the government; modeling shows the cost-benefit ratio depends heavily on employment multiplier effects and whether businesses would have hired anyway

Enforcement challenges: DDEC oversight capacity to verify genuine local hiring, prevent fraud, and monitor three-year retention commitments remains unclear, potentially creating compliance and audit burdens

Market distortion: The credit may favor larger health facilities capable of absorbing administrative compliance costs, potentially disadvantaging smaller clinics and solo practitioners while concentrating benefits among major medical clusters