WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

RS 501

Para ordenar a la Comisión de Gobierno del Senado de Puerto Rico que realice una investigación sobre el presunto esquema de trasiego de drogas a cambio de votos de los confinados en el proceso eleccionario de 2024; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

Senate would formally investigate alleged inmate drug-trafficking-for-votes schemes, identifying involved parties, agency responses, and protections, with a final report in 180 day

Comisión no recomienda aprobación de la medida
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · RS 501

Summary of RS 501 (Session 2025-2028, Puerto Rico)

Purpose and intent

  • The bill proposes a Senate resolution ordering the Government Committee of the Senate of Puerto Rico to conduct a formal investigation into an alleged drug-trafficking-for-vote scheme involving incarcerated individuals during the 2024 election process.
  • It aims to determine whether such activity occurred, who was involved, and what responses or coverages by relevant agencies may have taken place.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 1: Directs the Government Committee to perform an investigation into the alleged drug-trafficking-for-votes scheme affecting incarcerated voters in the 2024 electoral process.

  • Section 2: Outlines the specific investigative questions the Committee should consider, including:

    • Whether the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR) was notified of a federal investigation into gangs pressuring inmates to vote a certain way, and whether the DCR cooperated or was contacted by any federal agency.
    • Whether DCR employees were involved in the operation, and whether internal DCR investigations were conducted and their outcomes.
    • Whether political campaigns in Puerto Rico were actively involved in the scheme.
    • Whether privileges were granted to inmates who voted a certain way or penalties imposed on those who did not.
    • What safety measures or protocols the DCR adopted after the December 2024 federal indictment of the gang known as Grupo 31/“Los Tiburones.”
    • Whether Puerto Rico’s Department of Justice has received referrals to investigate alleged fraud by inmate gangs in DCR facilities and the outcomes of those referrals.
    • Any other related elements or circumstances.

  • Section 3: Authorizes the Committee to hold public hearings, compel testimony, request information and documents, and conduct site inspections as needed, under the authority provided by Article 31 of the Puerto Rico Constitution (Political Code of 1902, as amended).

  • Section 4: Requires the Committee to issue a Final Report with findings, conclusions, and recommendations within 180 days of the bill’s approval.

  • Section 5: States that the resolution takes effect immediately upon approval.

Who and what would be affected

  • Affects: The Senate’s Government Committee (Comisión de Gobierno) as the investigatory body.
  • Subjects potentially affected:
    • Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (DCR)
    • Puerto Rico campaigns and political parties (notably parties active in the 2024 primaries/general elections)
    • Federal and Puerto Rico Department of Justice related to election fraud investigations
    • Incarcerated individuals in Puerto Rico’s correctional system
    • Any other agencies or individuals implicated by the investigation

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • The resolution would authorize a formal investigation by the Government Committee.
  • The Committee may hold hearings, compel testimony, gather documents, and conduct inspections.
  • A Final Report with findings and recommendations must be delivered within 180 days after the resolution’s approval.
  • Effective date: The resolution takes effect immediately upon approval by the Senate.

Context and background (as presented in the bill)

  • The bill references a December 12, 2024 federal grand jury indictment of 34 members of the prison gang Grupo 31 (“Los Tiburones”) for drug distribution inside DCR facilities, among other offenses.
  • It cites a ProPublica report (May 2026) alleging interference with the federal investigation, potential involvement of DCR staff, and claims about how inmates were pressured to vote for a political faction, with broader concerns raised by Puerto Rico’s Civil Rights Commission regarding access to facilities during the 2024 electoral process.
  • The bill emphasizes the Senate’s constitutional role to oversee public policy implementation and officials’ conduct through investigative powers.

Note: The summary focuses on the bill’s text and stated purposes; it does not express opinions on the allegations or the merits of the underlying charges.

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

Sign in to ask a question.