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PS 410

“Para enmendar los artículos 3.14 y 7.3 de la Ley 160-2013, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley del Sistema de Retiro para Maestros del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico”, con el propósito de establecer que, todo participante del Sistema que realice y sea convicto en un tribunal de justicia de Puerto Rico, o de cualquier otra jurisdicción estatal o federal, de actos constitutivos de abuso sexual y abuso contra menores, perderá todos sus beneficios bajo el Sistema; y para otros fines relacionados.”

2025-2028 Session

Automatic complete pension forfeiture for teachers convicted of sexual abuse or child abuse in any jurisdiction.

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Bill Summary · PS 410

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 410 proposes amending Puerto Rico's Teacher Retirement System law (Law 160-2013) to strip all retirement benefits from system participants convicted of sexual abuse or child abuse in any court jurisdiction. The bill aims to create automatic benefit forfeiture upon criminal conviction for these specific offenses.

Why is this important

Teachers' pensions represent substantial financial security, often constituting lifetime income. This bill directly links criminal convictions to complete loss of retirement benefits, raising questions about punishment severity, due process, and whether pension forfeiture serves public protection or constitutes additional criminal penalty. The measure affects both active and retired educators convicted of these serious crimes.

Potential points of contention

  • Constitutional concerns: Complete benefit forfeiture may constitute an additional punishment beyond court-imposed sentences, potentially violating constitutional protections against excessive penalties or ex post facto laws
  • Scope and fairness: The bill applies to all convictions regardless of severity level, victim age nuance, or circumstantial differences; no distinction between different abuse categories or criminal degrees
  • Due process timing: Unclear whether benefits are forfeited immediately upon conviction or after all appeals exhaust; retroactive application to already-convicted individuals raises legal questions
  • Financial impact on dependents: Spouses and children of convicted teachers may lose survivor benefits, raising secondary justice concerns beyond the perpetrator's penalty

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

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