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PC 1054

Para enmendar la Sección 3.22 de la Ley Núm. 38-2017, según enmendada, conocida como la "Ley de Procedimiento Administrativo Uniforme del Gobierno de Puerto Rico"; a los fines de fijar la celebración de las vistas administrativas automáticamente por medio del mecanismo de videoconferencia; disponer excepciones; establecer opción de videoconferencia híbrida; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill mandates videoconference as default for administrative hearings with limited exceptions, modernizing procedures but raising digital equity and due process concerns.

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Bill Summary · PC 1054

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 1054 amends Puerto Rico's Uniform Administrative Procedure Law (Law 38-2017) to establish videoconferencing as the default method for conducting administrative hearings. The bill permits exceptions and offers hybrid videoconferencing options while maintaining the ability to request in-person proceedings under specified circumstances.

Why is this important

This modernizes Puerto Rico's administrative court system by reducing physical infrastructure needs, travel burdens, and delays while potentially improving accessibility for remote participants. However, it fundamentally shifts the default from in-person to remote proceedings, which affects how citizens interact with government agencies during administrative disputes and regulatory matters.

Potential points of contention

  • Access and digital equity: Not all Puerto Rican residents have reliable internet access or digital literacy, potentially disadvantaging vulnerable populations in administrative proceedings
  • Due process concerns: Some may argue that videoconferencing lacks the formality and personal accountability of in-person hearings, raising questions about fairness in certain high-stakes administrative cases
  • Exception criteria: The bill's vagueness about what constitutes valid exceptions for in-person hearings could lead to disputes and inconsistent application across agencies

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

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