WeVote
Log In

Bill

Bill

RC 716

Para ordenar a la Comisión de Transportación e Infraestructura de la Cámara de Representantes de Puerto Rico, en coordinación con la Comisión de Seguridad Pública, a realizar una investigación exhaustiva sobre la administración, certificación, operación, mantenimiento, calibración, retención de datos, confiabilidad probatoria y adiestramiento del personal relacionado con las pruebas de aliento para la detección de alcohol mediante instrumentos Intoxilyzer 9000 en Puerto Rico; evaluar la suficiencia y actualidad del Reglamento Núm. 9234 de 3 de diciembre de 2020; examinar la disponibilidad de bitácoras, manuales, récords de verificación, calibración, reparación y mantenimiento; identificar deficiencias operacionales o reglamentarias que puedan afectar la administración de justicia y la seguridad vial; recomendar medidas legislativas, reglamentarias y administrativas; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

The bill orders a joint investigation into breathalyzer use of the Intoxilyzer 9000 to assess reliability, regulation, and potential reforms for fairness and safety.

Referido a Comisión(es)
0
WeVote Research Nonpartisan
Bill Summary · RC 716

Summary of RC 716 (Session 2025-2028, Puerto Rico)

Purpose and intent

  • Mandates the Puerto Rico House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Commission, in coordination with the Public Safety Commission, to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the administration and handling of breathalyzer tests for alcohol detection using the Intoxilyzer 9000.
  • The inquiry aims to assess the integrity of the testing program and its impact on justice and public safety, and to determine whether legislative, regulatory, or administrative actions are warranted.

Key provisions and scope of the bill

  • Investigation scope

    • Examine all aspects of breath-alcohol testing using the Intoxilyzer 9000, including:
    • Administration and certification of equipment and personnel
    • Operation, maintenance, calibration, and data retention
    • Reliability and probative value of test results
    • Training and qualifications of staff involved in administering tests
    • Assess the current status and adequacy of Regulation Núm. 9234, dated December 3, 2020.
    • Review the availability and completeness of supporting documents such as logbooks, manuals, verification records, calibration records, repair histories, and maintenance logs.

  • Deficiencies and impacts

    • Identify operational or regulatory deficiencies that could affect the administration of justice and road safety.
    • Analyze how any identified gaps might influence evidentiary standards, case outcomes, or enforcement procedures.

  • Recommendations

    • Propose legislative, regulatory, and administrative measures to address identified deficiencies and to strengthen the reliability and fairness of breath-alcohol testing and related procedures.

  • Other related purposes

    • The investigation may pursue additional related ends as needed to improve system integrity and safety.

Who is affected

  • Government agencies involved in alcohol-impaired driving enforcement and testing
    • Commission on Transportation and Infrastructure (House of Representatives of Puerto Rico)
    • Public Safety Commission (in coordination with the Transportation and Infrastructure Commission)
  • Breath-alcohol testing program participants
    • Law enforcement officers who administer tests
    • Personnel responsible for calibration, maintenance, data retention, and documentation of Intoxilyzer 9000 instruments
  • General public
    • Impacts on the reliability of test results, potential legal outcomes, and road safety

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Status: The bill has been filed/radicated as of June 5, 2026.
  • Next steps implied by the bill:
    • The joint committee or coordinating bodies would conduct an exhaustive investigation over a defined period.
    • Final findings would be used to draft recommendations for changes to law, regulation, or administrative practice.
  • The bill does not specify a fixed deadline within the provided text; the investigation would proceed under the established legislative process.

Potential impact and considerations

  • If enacted, the bill could lead to:
    • Enhanced oversight and reform of breath-alcohol testing practices in Puerto Rico.
    • Revisions to Regulation Núm. 9234 (2020) or related procedures to improve calibration, data retention, and training.
    • Strengthened evidentiary standards and more robust safeguards in cases involving intoxication testing.
    • Improved transparency and accountability in the administration of alcohol-detection instruments.

Note: The summary captures the bill’s stated aims and areas of inquiry. Specific provisions, timelines, and procedural mechanics would be clarified in the bill’s text and any subsequent committee reports or amendments.

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

Sign in to ask a question.