Para ordenar a la Comisión de Transportación, Telecomunicaciones, Servicios Públicos y Asuntos del Consumidor del Senado de Puerto Rico, realizar un estudio general sobre las disposiciones que rigen localmente en cuanto a la promoción comercial por medio de sorteos y constatar el cumplimiento de los niveles mínimos de divulgación, difusión y publicación aplicables a los promotores de tales actividades, de conformidad con lo establecido en el Capítulo VIII del Reglamento Núm. 9158 de 6 de febrero de 2020, conocido como “Reglamento de Prácticas Comerciales”, del Departamento de Asuntos del Consumidor; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

The bill requires a Senate study of local raffle rules to ensure promoters disclose key details and comply with DACO Chapter VIII, improving transparency and protections.

Referido a Comisión(es)

Summary of RS 509 (Session 2025-2028, Puerto Rico)

Purpose and intent

Directs the Senate Transportation, Telecommunications, Public Services, and Consumer Affairs Committee to conduct a general study of local rules governing commercial promotion through raffles (sorteos).

Aims to verify compliance with the minimum disclosure, dissemination, and publication levels required of raffle promoters, as established in Chapter VIII of Regulation No. 9158 (February 6, 2020), the Consumer Practices Regulation of the Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO).

Key provisions and changes

Section 1: Mandates the specified Senate committee to perform a general study of:

Local provisions governing raffle-based commercial promotions.
Compliance with minimum levels of disclosure, dissemination, and publication by raffle promoters per Chapter VIII of Regulation No. 9158.
Guidance and procedures for modifying terms, conditions, or prizes, and for canceling or suspending raffles, as outlined in the referenced regulation.

Section 2: Requires the committee to report to the Senate (during or before the 4th Ordinary Session) with:

Findings, conclusions, and recommendations.
Any legislative and administrative actions deemed necessary related to the study.

Section 3: Establishes immediate effectiveness; the resolution takes effect upon approval.

Who and what would be affected

Affects any natural or juridical person that advertises, conducts, promotes, celebrates, organizes, or otherwise commissions raffles to promote commercial interests (goods, services, institutions, or other commercial purposes) within Puerto Rico.

Excludes:

Activities limited to intellectual contests, sports, or skill-based games where talent or abilities predominate.
Nonprofit organizations, associations, or political parties.

The resolution focuses on promoters of raffles and the regulatory framework under the DACO’s “Reglamento de Prácticas Comerciales,” specifically Chapter VIII of Regulation 9158.

Potential impact includes scrutiny over compliance with disclosure obligations and transparency in raffle operations, including winners, prizes, and terms.

Procedural and timeline aspects

The committee must prepare and present a report detailing findings, conclusions, and recommended actions by the 4th Ordinary Session of the Senate.

The resolution becomes effective immediately upon approval.

Context and rationale

The Explanatory Memorandum notes a rising trend in raffles promoted via social networks, sometimes with limited oversight regarding fairness, winner verification, and prize delivery.

Examples cited include raffles for high-value prizes (e.g., vehicles) with tickets sold at substantial volumes, prompting calls for assessment of regulatory enforcement and consumer protections.

The bill seeks to ensure transparency, protect consumers, and align raffle practices with established regulatory standards to curb practices that could undermine consumer trust or enable misleading promotions.

Potential impact

If enacted, the study could lead to:

clearer understanding of current local raffle regulations and gaps.
recommendations for tightening regulation or enforcement actions.
possible amendments to legislation or administrative rules to enhance disclosure, prize verification, and conduct of raffles.
improved consumer protection and market transparency in raffle-based promotions.