“Para enmendar los Artículos 5.01, 5.02, 5.03, 5.05 y 5.07 de la Ley 26-2017, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley de Cumplimiento con el Plan Fiscal”, a los fines de viabilizar la venta directa a precio ajustado y de donación de propiedades en desuso a organizaciones sin fines de lucro; eximir de estas posibilidades a los planteles escolares en desuso; establecer requisitos específicos para estos negocios jurídicos; disponer de restricciones y prohibiciones en caso de otorgarse los negocios jurídicos; enmendar la composición del Comité; y para otros fines relacionados.”

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill enables discounted/donated sale of unused public properties to nonprofits while excluding schools, establishing requirements and committee modifications for fiscal compliance oversight.

Comisión no recomienda aprobación de la medida

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 640 proposes amendments to Puerto Rico's 2017 Fiscal Compliance Law to enable the direct sale of unused government properties at adjusted prices and their donation to nonprofit organizations, while explicitly excluding unused school facilities from these transactions. The bill also establishes specific requirements, restrictions, and prohibitions for these property transfers and modifies the composition of the oversight committee.

Why is this important

This legislation addresses Puerto Rico's significant portfolio of underutilized public assets while attempting to balance fiscal management with social benefit. The distinction between properties available for nonprofit donation versus those restricted (schools) reflects competing policy priorities: economic efficiency versus preserving educational infrastructure. The outcome affects how government resources are deployed during Puerto Rico's ongoing fiscal recovery period.

Potential points of contention

School facility exclusion: Stakeholders may debate whether unused schools should be permanently restricted from sale/donation or whether selective cases merit exceptions for community development

Pricing mechanisms: The "adjusted price" standard for direct sales lacks clear definition, raising concerns about potential undervaluation of public assets or lack of competitive bidding transparency

Nonprofit eligibility and oversight: The bill's specific requirements and restrictions for nonprofit recipients are not detailed in the summary, but criteria for vetting organizations and preventing misuse of transferred properties will likely generate discussion

Committee composition changes: Modifications to oversight bodies could affect accountability and representation, particularly regarding who monitors nonprofit compliance with transfer conditions