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PC 492

Para enmendar la Sección 3 a la Ley Núm. 3 de 13 de marzo de 1942, mejor conocida como “Ley de Protección de Madres Obreras’, según enmendada, y añadir la Sección 2-A para establecer una licencia por paternidad de veinte (20) días para los padres de dichos niños y niñas; y otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Bill PC 492 adds 20 days of paid paternity leave for fathers in Puerto Rico, modernizing the 1942 mothers' protection law to include parental equity in labor rights.

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Bill Summary · PC 492

Legislative bill overview

Bill PC 492 proposes to amend Puerto Rico's 1942 "Law for the Protection of Working Mothers" by adding a new section that grants fathers 20 days of paid paternity leave. The amendment modernizes the nearly 83-year-old labor protections law to include paternal rights alongside existing maternal protections.

Why is this important

Paternity leave policies affect workforce participation, family economics, and gender equity in the workplace. This change would make Puerto Rico's labor law more aligned with contemporary family structures and work-life balance standards adopted by many jurisdictions, potentially influencing child development outcomes and parental bonding opportunities.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost to employers: Private sector businesses may argue the 20-day paid leave requirement increases labor costs and impacts competitiveness, particularly for small enterprises
  • Definition and eligibility: Unclear whether "fathers" includes biological fathers, adoptive fathers, same-sex partners, or guardians—potentially creating disputes over who qualifies
  • Economic feasibility: Questions about whether Puerto Rico's current economic conditions and existing social security contributions can sustainably fund extended paternity benefits alongside existing maternal leave programs

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

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