WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

PS 555

“Para establecer la “Ley para el Fomento del Turismo Científico y Académico en Puerto Rico”; crear el Programa de Promoción de Intercambios, Conferencias y Turismo de Investigación; disponer los deberes de la Compañía de Turismo y del Departamento de Desarrollo Económico y Comercio; y para otros fines relacionados.”

2025-2028 Session

Establishes a formal framework and a program to promote scientific and academic tourism in Puerto Rico, assigning duties to the Tourism Company and DDEC.

Comisión no recomienda aprobación de la medida
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · PS 555

PS 555 — Summary

Overview

PS 555 proposes establishing a dedicated legal framework, titled the “Ley para el Fomento del Turismo Científico y Académico en Puerto Rico,” to promote scientific and academic tourism in Puerto Rico. The bill would create a Program for the Promoción de Intercambios, Conferencias y Turismo de Investigación and would define the duties of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (Compañía de Turismo) and the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (Departamento de Desarrollo Económico y Comercio, DDEC). The bill is currently not recommended for approval by the committee.

What the bill would do

  • Establish a formal framework to promote scientific and academic tourism in Puerto Rico.
  • Create the Programa de Promoción de Intercambios, Conferencias y Turismo de Investigación (Program for the Promotion of Exchanges, Conferences, and Research Tourism).
  • Assign and define duties for:
    • the Puerto Rico Tourism Company (Compañía de Turismo)
    • the Department of Economic Development and Commerce (DDEC)
  • Address “other related purposes” as needed to support the program and its objectives.

Key provisions and changes (as described)

  • The text would establish a new law and a promotional program focused on exchanges, conferences, and research-oriented travel.
  • It would delineate roles, responsibilities, and authorities for the two lead agencies (Compañía de Turismo and DDEC) to implement and oversee the program.
  • Specific funding, eligibility criteria, performance metrics, timelines, and administrative mechanisms are not provided in the summary; the full text would be needed for details.

Affected entities and beneficiaries

  • Primary agencies: Compañía de Turismo and DDEC.
  • Indirect beneficiaries: researchers, academic institutions, conference organizers, industry partners, and visitors attracted by scientific and academic tourism.
  • The broader tourism and economic development sectors in Puerto Rico could experience indirect impacts, depending on program design and funding.

Procedural history and status

  • Introduced: April 22, 2025.
  • Legislative actions:
    • 2025-04-22: Radicado (filed) and appeared in Primera Lectura (First Reading) in the Senate; referred to committees.
    • 2025-08-13: Comisión no recomienda aprobación de la medida (the commission did not recommend approval).
  • Current status: Not recommended for approval by the committee; bill’s future depends on legislative actions, potential amendments, or new consideration.

Potential impact and considerations

  • If enacted, the bill could enhance scientific and academic tourism by facilitating exchanges, conferences, and research-related travel.
  • Potential economic benefits from increased visitation to research centers, universities, and related events.
  • Effectiveness will depend on the specifics of funding, program governance, oversight, and how the duties of the two lead agencies are implemented.
  • Given the current committee position, the bill may require significant changes or legislative support to advance.

Next steps and questions

  • What are the exact funding mechanisms, eligibility criteria, and oversight provisions?
  • How would success be measured (metrics, reporting, and accountability)?
  • Were there amendments proposed by committees to address concerns that led to the “not recommended for approval” status?

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

Sign in to ask a question.