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PC 1290

Para enmendar los Artículos 2, 4, 5 y 12 de la Ley 36-2020, según enmendada, conocida como la “Ley de Trabajo a Distancia del Gobierno de Puerto Rico”, a los fines de ampliar la política pública allí dispuesta; incluir definiciones, deberes y requisitos; así como adoptar o atemperar la reglamentación vigente para establecer mecanismos de evaluación individualizada y consideración preferente dentro de los programas de teletrabajo en el servicio público para empleados que cualifiquen y sean adultos mayores, con diversidad funcional o que requieran acomodo razonable relacionado con condiciones físicas o mentales; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Expands and clarifies public telework rules to include individualized evaluation and preferential placement for older workers, employees with disabilities, and those needing accomm

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Bill Summary · PC 1290

Overview

Bill PC 1290 (Session 2025-2028, Puerto Rico) seeks to amend Articles 2, 4, 5, and 12 of Law 36-2020, as amended, known as the “Ley de Trabajo a Distancia del Gobierno de Puerto Rico” (Public Sector Telework Law). The proposed changes aim to broaden the public telework policy, incorporate definitions, duties, and requirements, and align existing regulations to establish mechanisms for individualized evaluation and preferential consideration within telework programs for qualifying public employees who are older adults, have a disability, or require reasonable accommodations related to physical or mental conditions. The bill is currently in the early legislative stages (First Reading in the House on May 28, 2026; referred to committees; previously filed May 26, 2026).

Purpose and Intent

  • Expand and clarify the government’s telework framework established in Law 36-2020.
  • Introduce definitions and structured duties to implement telework more effectively.
  • Create regulatory mechanisms for individualized assessment and preferential treatment within telework programs for:
    • Adult employees (older workers)
    • Employees with disabilities (diversidad funcional)
    • Employees needing reasonable accommodations due to physical or mental conditions
  • Ensure alignment with current regulatory practices and potentially modernize telework governance in the executive branch.

Key Provisions (as implied by the bill’s description)

  • Amend Articles 2, 4, 5, and 12 of Law 36-2020 to:
    • Expand policy scope to include broader telework applicability and inclusion criteria.
    • Add or refine definitions related to telework, accommodations, and eligibility.
    • Specify duties for agencies and employees to implement telework, monitor performance, and ensure compliance.
    • Establish or harmonize regulatory mechanisms for individualized evaluation of telework suitability and outcomes.
  • Establish mechanisms for preferential consideration within telework programs for:
    • Older adult employees
    • Employees with disabilities or those requiring reasonable accommodations
    • Conditions related to physical or mental health that affect work arrangements
  • Potentially introduce processes for assessment, accommodation requests, timelines, and criteria used to determine eligibility and placement in telework programs.
  • Provide guidance to government agencies on implementing telework in a compliant and equitable manner.

Who Will Be Affected

  • Public sector employees under the Government of Puerto Rico, particularly:
    • Older workers seeking telework arrangements
    • Employees with disabilities or those needing reasonable accommodations
    • Employees with physical or mental health considerations affecting work
  • Government agencies and departments responsible for implementing telework programs and enforcing the law.
  • Telework program administrators and human resources offices within the executive branch.

Procedural and Timeline Considerations

  • Status: 1st Reading in the House as of May 28, 2026.
  • Next steps typically include:
    • Assignment to relevant committees for review and hearings
    • Potential amendments based on committee input
    • Floor debate and votes in the House
    • Transmission to the Senate (if applicable) and parallel consideration
  • Since the bill involves regulatory modernization, implications may include:
    • Development or adjustment of agency regulations and internal policies
    • Establishment of evaluation procedures, timelines for accommodations, and appeal processes
    • Coordination with labor, civil rights, and disability-related provisions

Potential Impacts and Considerations

  • Enhanced inclusivity in telework options, enabling continuity of employment for older workers and employees with disabilities.
  • Clearer definitions and duties may improve compliance and consistency across agencies.
  • Mechanisms for individualized evaluation could lead to more tailored telework arrangements and improved accessibility.
  • Requires administrative resources to implement assessments, accommodations, and tracking of outcomes.

Notes

  • The bill’s text will provide exact definitions, criteria for preferential treatment, and detailed procedures.
  • Monitoring and evaluation of its effectiveness will depend on subsequent regulatory guidance and agency implementation.

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

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