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PS 502

Para establecer la "Ley de Fianza Segura" a los fines de establecer la política pública del Gobierno de Puerto Rico sobre la uniformidad requerida para la imposición de fianzas en casos de delitos graves, salvaguardando los derechos constitucionales sobre la presunción de inocencia, la prohibición de fianzas excesivas y el debido proceso de ley; enmendar las Reglas 6.1, 218 y 228 de las Reglas de Procedimiento Criminal de 1963, según enmendadas, para atemperar su lenguaje a las disposiciones de la presente; para facultad de la Oficina de Administración de Tribunales para establecer los programas de educación y para poder reglamentar de conformidad con lo dispuesto en esta legislación especial; para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Establishes a unified, rights-protective bail framework for serious crimes, aligning procedures with the presumption of innocence and due process.

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Bill Summary · PS 502

PS 502 — Summary of the Proposed “Safe Bail Law” (Ley de Fianza Segura)

Overview

PS 502 proposes the establishment of a public policy in Puerto Rico regarding the uniform imposition of bail in cases of serious crimes. The bill emphasizes protecting constitutional rights, including the presumption of innocence, the prohibition of excessive bail, and due process. It would also amend select provisions of the 1963 Rules of Criminal Procedure to align practice with the new policy and would authorize the Administrative Office of the Courts (AOC) to create education programs and regulate in accordance with this special legislation.

Purpose and Intent

  • Create a standardized, fair framework for setting bail in serious-crime cases.
  • Safeguard constitutional rights during bail determinations (presumption of innocence, due process, protection against excessive bail).
  • Align procedural language and practice with the goals of the Safe Bail Law through targeted amendments to existing rules.
  • Enable the judiciary to educate stakeholders and regulate compliance through the AOC.

Key Provisions

  • Establishment of the “Ley de Fianza Segura” as the public policy guiding bail in serious offenses.
  • Amendments to the Rules of Criminal Procedure of 1963 (specifically Rules 6.1, 218, and 228, as amended) to harmonize procedural language with the new bail policy.
  • Authorization for the Administrative Office of the Courts to:
    • Establish education programs related to the new bail framework.
    • Regulate in accordance with the provisions of this special legislation.
  • Other related provisions to support implementation and compliance (as indicated by “for otros fines relacionados”).

Affected Parties

  • Defendants in serious-crime cases (impacted by standardized bail practices).
  • Judges, prosecutors, and defense counsel involved in bail determinations.
  • Bail bond and related private sector actors (indirectly, through standardized practice and potential shifts in bail amounts or release conditions).
  • Administrative Office of the Courts, which would gain regulatory and educational responsibilities under this law.

Procedural History and Status

  • Introduced: April 7, 2025.
  • First Reading: April 10, 2025 (Senate).
  • Referred to Committees: April 10, 2025.
  • Legislative Action: July 1, 2025 — Commission does not recommend approval of the measure.

Potential Impact and Considerations

  • If enacted, the bill could lead to more uniform bail practices in serious-crime cases and stronger alignment with constitutional protections.
  • Could affect court workflows by introducing standardized procedures and mandatory education programs overseen by the AOC.
  • The decision by the commission not to recommend approval signals potential political and procedural hurdles, meaning the bill’s future would depend on committee movement, amendments, and broader legislative priorities.
  • Stakeholders may seek clarifications on implementation timelines, specific standards for “uniformity,” and any transition provisions for ongoing cases.

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

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