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PS 241

Para enmendar la Sección 6042.08 de la Ley 1-2011, según enmendada, conocida como el “Código de Rentas Internas de Puerto Rico de 2011”, con el propósito de disponer para la suspensión de la licencia para traficar cigarrillos, al por mayor o al detal, o cualquier otra licencia relacionada con cigarrillos, por un término de doce (12) meses, y para imponerle multa administrativa de diez mil (10,000) dólares por cada incidente, sin perjuicio de lo establecido en la “Ley para Corregir la Explotación de Niños Menores de Edad”, a toda persona, natural o jurídica, o dueño o administrador de un negocio o establecimiento comercial que, no solo venda, done, dispense, despache o distribuya, sino que intente realizar acciones inequívocas e inmediatamente dirigidas a vender, donar, dispensar o distribuir cigarrillos, cigarrillos electrónicos, cigarros, tabaco para mascar o cualquier preparación de tabaco que se inhale o mastique a personas menores de veintiún (21) años; aplicar la pena antes descrita a quien induzca, aconseje, incite, persuada, tiente, manipule, coaccione o ayude o que intente inducir, aconsejar, incitar, persuadir, tentar, manipular, coaccionar o ayudar a personas menores de veintiún (21) años de edad a adquirir cigarrillos o cigarrillos electrónicos, cigarros, tabaco para mascar o cualquier preparación de tabaco que se inhale o mastique, entre otros; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

PS 241 tightens penalties for selling tobacco to under 21: 12-month license suspension, $10,000 per incident, covers direct/indirect acts by retailers and owners.

Ley 36-2026
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WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PS 241

Summary — PS 241 (Introduced January 13, 2025)

Main purpose

PS 241 amends Section 6042.08 of Law 1-2011 (the Puerto Rico Internal Revenue Code of 2011) to strengthen administrative penalties and license sanctions for persons or businesses that sell, attempt to sell, give, dispense, distribute, or facilitate access to cigarettes, electronic cigarettes, cigars, smokeless tobacco or any tobacco product inhaled or chewed to persons under 21 years of age. The bill also applies penalties to those who induce or assist minors in obtaining such products.

Key provisions

  • License suspension: Mandates suspension of any wholesale or retail license to trade cigarettes (or any other cigarette-related license) — or any tobacco-related license referenced — for a period of 12 months for violations.
  • Administrative fine: Imposes an administrative fine of $10,000 per incident for each violation.
  • Scope of conduct covered:
    • Direct acts: selling, donating, dispensing, dispatching, distributing, or attempting unequivocal, immediate actions to do so to persons under 21.
    • Indirect acts: inducing, advising, inciting, persuading, tempting, manipulating, coercing, helping, or attempting such actions to cause persons under 21 to acquire tobacco products.
  • Covered products: cigarettes, electronic cigarettes (vapes), cigars, chewing tobacco, and any preparation of tobacco intended to be inhaled or chewed.
  • Applicability: Applies to natural persons and juridical persons (corporations, businesses), including owners and managers of establishments.
  • Non‑exclusive remedy: Penalties are imposed “without prejudice” to provisions in the “Law to Correct the Exploitation of Minors,” meaning other civil or criminal penalties under existing laws remain available.

Who is affected

  • Retailers and wholesalers holding licenses to sell tobacco products
  • Business owners, managers and employees involved in sale/distribution of tobacco products
  • Persons who assist or encourage minors under 21 to obtain tobacco products
  • Regulatory/enforcement offices that administer licenses and penalties

Procedural / timeline status

  • Introduced: January 13, 2025
  • Senate first reading and referral: January 16, 2025
  • Committee action: Report with amendments issued April 10, 2025; Senate approved the amended report and passed the bill in final vote April 10, 2025; text sent to the House the same day
  • House first reading and referral: April 28, 2025
  • Committee executive meeting (Oficina de la Comisión): October 14, 2025
  • Current status listed as: Reunión Ejecutiva: Oficina de la Comisión

Notes / implementation

  • The bill specifies administrative sanctions but does not detail enforcement procedures, appeal rights, or the agency responsible for hearings — these may be set by regulation or in related statutory provisions.
  • No effective date is provided in the summary; implementation timing would depend on final text and enactment.

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

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