Para ordenar a la Comisión de Recreación y Deportes de la Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico, realizar una investigación urgente sobre las serias alegaciones de un presunto patrón de maltrato al que han sido sometidos integrantes de la Federación Puertorriqueña de Canotaje por parte de un entrenador; con el propósito de recomendar las acciones legislativas y administrativas necesarias; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

The bill orders an urgent investigation by the Puerto Rico House Recreation and Sports Commission into alleged abuse by a coach at the Canoeing Federation and to issue protective,

Referido a Comisión(es)

Summary of RC 738 (Session 2025-2028) – Puerto Rico

Purpose and intent

The bill directs the Comisión de Recreación y Deporte (Commission on Recreation and Sports) of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives to conduct an urgent investigation into serious allegations of a pattern of abuse directed at members of the Puerto Rico Canoeing Federation by a coach.

The overarching aim is to determine the facts, assess risk and vulnerabilities, and recommend legislative and administrative actions as necessary. The bill also contemplates related purposes as they may arise from the investigation.

Key provisions and changes

Mandate for urgent investigation: The Commission on Recreation and Sport is required to launch an expedited inquiry into alleged abusive conduct by a coach toward athletes or federation members connected to the Federación Puertorriqueña de Canotaje de Puerto Rico.

Scope of inquiry: The investigation is expected to cover the nature, extent, and pattern of alleged abuse, identify individuals affected, evaluate safeguarding measures in place, and determine any systemic issues within the federation or coaching practices.

Recommendations: Based on findings, the bill calls for recommendations on both legislative and administrative actions. This may include policy changes, oversight enhancements, disciplinary measures, athlete protection protocols, and improvements to reporting mechanisms.

Administrative actions: The bill envisions potential actions by state agencies or federation leadership to address identified risks, remedy harms, and strengthen governance and safeguarding within the sport.

Timeline and urgency: The designation of “urgent” inquiry implies an accelerated timeline for findings and recommendations, with emphasis on prompt protection of athletes and accountability.

Who or what would be affected

Athletes and federation members: Individuals involved in the Federación Puertorriqueña de Canotaje de Puerto Rico who may have experienced or been affected by abuse.

Coaching staff and federation governance: The alleged pattern of abuse implicates coaching practices and the governance, oversight, and policies of the federation.

Legislative and administrative bodies: The Commission on Recreation and Sport itself would lead the investigation and subsequently coordinate with other state agencies, if applicable, to implement recommendations.

Sports safety and safeguarding frameworks: Potential impacts include revised protocols for athlete protection, reporting and investigation processes, and governance reforms within sports organizations.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Status: The bill was filed (radicado) on 2026-06-26.

Process implications: As a directive to a legislative commission for an urgent inquiry, the bill prioritizes expedited data gathering, witness interviews or documentation reviews, and prompt presentation of findings and recommended actions to the legislature.

Potential outcomes: Depending on findings, outcomes may include legislative measures (e.g., new or revised statutes or oversight requirements), administrative directives, improved safeguarding policies, or formal accountability actions within the federation or coaching staff.

Note: The summary reflects the bill’s stated purpose and structural provisions as described. If enacted, the actual implementation would be shaped by the commission's findings and subsequent legislative or administrative actions.