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RCC 312

Para eximir del pago de toda clase de cargos por parte del Negociado del Cuerpo de Bomberos, según los derechos a cobrarse por concepto de inspección para eventos especiales, cuando se trate de actividades relacionadas a graduaciones o cuadros de honor de niveles escolares desde educación elemental hasta educación superior o secundaria y se utilicen facilidades públicas; ordenar al Negociado del Cuerpo de Bomberos a enmendar los reglamentos pertinentes y a que adopte las medidas necesarias para su cumplimiento; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Exempts fire inspection charges for graduation and honor-roll events at schools when held in public facilities, by requiring regulatory amendments and enforcement.

Referido a Comisión(es)
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Bill Summary · RCC 312

Summary: RCC 312 (Session 2025-2028, Puerto Rico)

1) Main purpose and intent

RCC 312 seeks to provide an exemption from all charges assessed by the Puerto Rico Fire Department (Negociado del Cuerpo de Bomberos) for inspection-related fees tied to special events. Specifically, the bill targets activities related to graduations or honor rolls (cuadros de honor) across educational levels from elementary through higher secondary/secondary and higher education, so long as public facilities are used. In short: certain school-related graduation activities held in public facilities would be exempt from fire inspection fees.

Additionally, the bill directs the Fire Department to amend the relevant regulations and to adopt the necessary measures to ensure compliance. The broader aim is to facilitate school graduations and recognition events by removing a specific financial barrier (inspection fees) when using public facilities.

2) Key provisions and changes the bill would make

  • Exemption of Fire Department inspection charges: The Negociado del Cuerpo de Bomberos would not charge any kind of inspection fees for special-event inspections related to graduation activities and honor-roll events at educational institutions (from elementary to higher levels), provided these events use public facilities.
  • Regulatory amendments: The Fire Department would be required to amend applicable regulations to implement the fee exemption.
  • Compliance measures: The bill requires the Fire Department to implement the necessary steps to ensure enforcement and adherence to the exemption and updated regulations.
  • Scope limitation: The exemption applies specifically to inspection charges for special events tied to graduations or honor-roll displays and only when public facilities are used.

3) Affected parties or entities

  • Schools and educational institutions: From elementary through secondary and higher education, when hosting graduation or honor-roll-related events in public facilities.
  • Public facilities: Venues operated publicly that host the specified graduation or honor-roll activities.
  • Negociado del Cuerpo de Bomberos (Puerto Rico Fire Department): Responsible for administering the exemption, amending regulations, and ensuring compliance.

4) Procedural or timeline aspects

  • Status: The bill has appeared in the first reading in the Cámara (March 16, 2026) and has been referred to relevant committees. It was radicado (filed) on March 12, 2026.
  • Next steps: As a bill in early legislative stages, it would undergo committee review, possible amendments, votes in both chambers, and potential gubernatorial approval or veto, with regulatory amendments to be enacted by the Fire Department if the bill progresses.

5) Potential impact and considerations

  • Fiscal impact: The exemption would reduce or eliminate a fee revenue stream for the Fire Department related to designated events. The extent would depend on the volume of qualifying graduations/honor events and the current fee schedule.
  • Accessibility and equity: Schools with limited funding could benefit from lower event costs, potentially increasing access to graduation ceremonies held in public facilities.
  • Regulatory alignment: Successful implementation depends on timely amendments to the Fire Department’s regulations and clear guidance to ensure uniform application of the exemption.
  • Potential edge cases: Clarification may be needed regarding what constitutes “events related to graduations or honor rolls,” whether partnerships with private facilities are excluded, and how mixed-use events are handled when public facilities are involved.

If you’d like, I can provide a concise one-page briefing for policymakers or a comparison with prior fee structures to illustrate the expected monetary impact.

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

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