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PS 331

Para enmendar los Artículos 2, 3 y 38 de la Ley Núm. 24 del 22 de abril de 1931, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley del Registro Demográfico de Puerto Rico”, con el propósito de establecer el carácter confidencial de todos los certificados registrados por el Registro Demográfico; redefinir el concepto de “parte interesada” para aclarar en qué casos podrán los tribunales ordenar la entrega de los certificados expedidos por el Registro Demográfico.

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico law now classifies all demographic registry certificates as confidential, restricting access except through court order with redefined "interested party" criteria.

Ley 114-2025
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Bill Summary · PS 331

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 331 amends Puerto Rico's Demographic Registry Law (Law 24 of 1931) to establish that all certificates issued by the registry are confidential and to redefine "interested party" status, clarifying which courts can order the release of demographic certificates. The bill has already been enacted as Law 114-2025 as of September 2025.

Why is this important

This change affects access to vital records (birth, death, and marriage certificates) in Puerto Rico by restricting who can obtain them and under what circumstances. It strengthens privacy protections for individuals' demographic information but may create practical challenges for genealogical research, inheritance proceedings, and legitimate document verification needs.

Potential points of contention

  • Privacy vs. Access balance: The blanket confidentiality designation may prevent legitimate researchers, genealogists, and family members from accessing records for lawful purposes like inheritance claims or family history documentation
  • Judicial discretion ambiguity: Redefining "interested party" to allow court-ordered releases could create inconsistent interpretations across different judges and courts, leading to unequal access depending on jurisdiction
  • Administrative burden: Courts may face increased caseload from requests to compel certificate release, and the Registry may struggle with determining what qualifies as legitimate judicial authority to override confidentiality

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

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