Para enmendar los Artículos 2, 9 y 12 de la Ley 75-2019, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley de la Puerto Rico Innovation and Technology Service” y los Artículos 3 y 7 de la Ley 151-2004, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley de Gobierno Electrónico”, para establecer la política pública en cuanto a la prestación de servicios gubernamentales para personas que no cuenten con recursos tecnológicos; que todas las agencias gubernamentales ofrezcan alternativas inmediatas para aquellas personas que procuren servicios públicos y no tengan los medios o el dominio del recurso tecnológico para procurarlos de manera virtual; requerir de las agencias gubernamentales un protocolo a tales propósitos; y para fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Bill requires all Puerto Rico government agencies to provide non-digital service alternatives for residents without technology access, mandating agency protocols for in-person public service delivery options.

Comisión no recomienda aprobación de la medida

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 347 amends Puerto Rico's technology and e-government laws to require that all government agencies provide non-digital alternatives for residents lacking technology access or digital literacy. The bill mandates that agencies establish protocols to ensure immediate in-person or alternative service delivery options for public services typically offered online.

Why is this important

Digital divides remain significant in Puerto Rico, where some residents lack reliable internet, devices, or technical skills to access online government services. Without alternative pathways, vulnerable populations—elderly citizens, low-income residents, rural communities—could be effectively excluded from essential public services such as permits, licensing, social benefits, and administrative processes.

Potential points of contention

Implementation costs: Government agencies may argue the requirement to maintain parallel non-digital systems increases operational expenses, staffing needs, and administrative burden

Efficiency trade-offs: Critics may contend that mandating manual alternatives contradicts modernization goals and slows service delivery for the general population

Vague compliance standards: The bill's language about "immediate alternatives" and agency "protocols" lacks specific performance metrics, potentially allowing inconsistent implementation across agencies

Feasibility concerns: Some agencies may struggle to staff physical locations at all branches or maintain hours compatible with public access, particularly in remote areas