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Bill

PS 280

“Para establecer la Ley de Protección a la Integridad Física y la Salud Mental de los atletas profesionales en Puerto Rico, a los fines de garantizar que todo atleta profesional en Puerto Rico tenga una póliza o cubierta de salud; definir el término de atleta profesional; establecer deberes y responsabilidades al gobierno central para el cumplimiento de la Ley; y para otros fines relacionados.”

2025-2028 Session

Puerto Rico bill requiring all professional athletes maintain health insurance coverage and mental health protections, with government enforcement duties; Commission rejected approval in August 2025.

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Bill Summary · PS 280

Legislative bill overview

Bill PS 280 establishes a law requiring all professional athletes in Puerto Rico to maintain health insurance coverage and protections for physical integrity and mental health. The bill defines what constitutes a "professional athlete" and assigns the central government duties and responsibilities to enforce these requirements.

Why is this important

Professional athletes in Puerto Rico often work as independent contractors without employer-provided benefits, leaving them vulnerable to medical expenses from injuries or mental health crises. This legislation addresses a real gap in worker protections for a population that faces heightened occupational health risks and may lack stable access to healthcare.

Potential points of contention

  • Enforcement mechanism and costs: The bill assigns government responsibilities but doesn't clearly specify who pays for mandatory coverage—athletes, teams, sports organizations, or the government—creating budgetary and implementation questions.
  • Definition scope and feasibility: Defining "professional athlete" is complex (Does it include part-time athletes? Athletes in non-traditional sports? Athletes earning minimal income?) and overly broad definitions could burden small sports organizations or individuals with minimal earnings.
  • Market impact on Puerto Rico sports: Mandatory insurance requirements could increase operational costs for local sports teams and organizations, potentially making Puerto Rico less attractive for professional sports franchises compared to other jurisdictions.

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

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