Summary of RS 149 — Resolution directing investigation into Law 114-2014 (Ley para el Uso de Materiales Reciclados en Infraestructura Pública de Puerto Rico)
Original bill title (Spanish):
“Para ordenar a la Comisión de Planificación, Permisos, Infraestructura y Urbanismo del Senado de Puerto Rico realizar una investigación exhaustiva sobre la implementación y cumplimiento de la Ley 114-2014, conocida como la 'Ley para el Uso de Materiales Reciclados en Infraestructura Pública de Puerto Rico', a fin de evaluar su efectividad, el grado de cumplimiento por parte de las agencias e instrumentalidades públicas y los retos en su ejecución; y para otros fines relacionados.”
Overview
RS 149 is a Senate resolution that directs the Comisión de Planificación, Permisos, Infraestructura y Urbanismo to conduct a comprehensive investigation into how Law 114-2014 has been implemented and complied with in Puerto Rico. The goal is to evaluate the law’s effectiveness, assess compliance by public agencies and instrumentalities, and identify execution challenges. The resolution would also address related purposes as needed.
Purpose and intent
- To assess the effectiveness of Law 114-2014, which sets requirements for the use of recycled materials in Puerto Rico’s public infrastructure.
- To determine how well public agencies and instrumentalities have complied with the law.
- To identify obstacles, gaps, or barriers in the law’s implementation and execution.
- To produce findings and recommendations likely geared toward improving compliance, procurement practices, and use of recycled materials in infrastructure projects.
Key provisions and changes
- Directs the Senate’s Planning, Permits, Infrastructure and Urbanism Committee to conduct a “thorough” investigation into:
- Implementation of Law 114-2014.
- Level of compliance by public agencies and instrumentalities.
- Challenges and barriers in executing the law.
- Requires reporting of findings and recommendations stemming from the investigation.
- The resolution is focused on oversight and evaluation; it does not enact new substantive requirements or modify the law itself within this text.
Who/what would be affected
- Public agencies and instrumentalities subject to Law 114-2014, as their compliance and use of recycled materials would be subject to review.
- The Senate’s Planning, Permits, Infrastructure and Urbanism Committee, which would lead the investigation.
- Potentially the broader public, through increased transparency and potential policy recommendations arising from the investigation.
Procedural and timeline aspects
- Introduced: April 21, 2025.
- Legislative actions: Appeared in First Reading in the Senate on April 22, 2025; Referenced to the relevant Commission(s) on April 22, 2025; “Radicado” (filed) on April 21, 2025.
- Status: Referido a Comisión(es) (referred to committee(s)); as a resolution, its effect is to authorize an investigation rather than to create new law.
Notes
- As a resolution directing oversight, RS 149 does not itself amend or implement statutory changes; its impact lies in initiating a formal review that could inform future policy or legislative actions.
