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RC 359

Para ordenar a las Comisiones de Bienestar Social; y de lo Jurídico de la Cámara de Representantes del Estado Libre Asociado de Puerto Rico llevar a cabo un examen, investigación y evaluación en torno a la implantación de los estatutos contenidos en la Ley Núm. 52 de 24 de mayo de 2016, conocida como “Ley para declarar la política pública de la obesidad como una condición de salud”; y la Ley Núm. 44 de 2 de julio de 1985, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley para prohibir el discrimen contra las personas con impedimentos físicos, mentales o sensoriales”; asimismo, justipreciar su efectividad para cumplir con su objetivo; ello, ante las situaciones de hechos que experimentan las personas con obesidad severa que, en ocasiones, resultan en discrimen por su condición de salud, con el propósito de auscultar la pertinencia de crear y promulgar legislación complementaria que le garantice a todo ciudadano con obesidad severa una participación activa e igualitaria en circunstancias y condiciones ante terceros en todas las facetas de la vida diaria.

2025-2028 Session

Direct committees to examine how Laws 52 and 44 are implemented for severe obesity, assess effectiveness, and consider complementary legislation to ensure full, equal participation

Referido a Comisión(es)
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Bill Summary · RC 359

Summary of RC 359 – Resolution to Examine Implementation of Obesity and Disability Laws

Overview

RC 359 is a House of Representatives resolution (clasificación: resolución) introduced on June 10, 2025. The bill directs two committees—the Comisiones de Bienestar Social (Social Welfare) and de lo Jurídico (Legal)—to conduct a formal examination, investigation, and evaluation of how two existing laws are being implemented in Puerto Rico. It further asks these committees to assess their effectiveness and to explore the advisability of enacting complementary legislation to protect the rights of individuals with severe obesity, ensuring their active and equal participation in all aspects of daily life.

Purpose and Intent

  • To review how Law No. 52 (adopted May 24, 2016) which declares obesity as a public health policy issue, is being implemented.
  • To review Law No. 44 (amended July 2, 1985) which prohibits discrimination against persons with physical, mental, or sensory disabilities.
  • To determine whether these laws adequately protect individuals with severe obesity from discrimination and to assess the overall effectiveness of current legal protections.
  • To assess the need for additional or complementary legislation that guarantees full and equal participation for all citizens with severe obesity in daily life activities and interactions with third parties.

Key Provisions

  • Directive to the Social Welfare and Legal Committees to:
    • Examen, investigación y evaluación (examine, investigate, and evaluate) the implementation of Laws 52 and 44.
    • Justipreciar (assess) the effectiveness of these laws in achieving their stated goals.
    • Auscultar la pertinencia de crear y promulgar legislación complementaria (evaluate the appropriateness of creating and enacting complementary legislation) to ensure active and equal participation for individuals with severe obesity in all facets of daily life.
  • Purpose of the inquiry is to address situations in which people with severe obesity experience discrimination due to their health condition.

Affected Parties and Impacts

  • Individuals with obesity, particularly severe obesity, who may face discrimination in various contexts (employment, education, public accommodations, housing, transportation, etc.).
  • Public agencies and private entities subject to Law 44’s protections against disability discrimination.
  • Policymakers, employers, educators, healthcare providers, and service providers who interact with or serve people with obesity.

Procedural and Timeline Details

  • Status: Referido a Comisión(es) (referred to committees) with a focus on the specified subject matter.
  • Legislative Actions:
    • 2025-06-10: Radicado (filed)
    • 2025-06-10: Aparece en Primera Lectura de la Cámara (appears in First Reading)
    • 2025-06-10: Referido a Comisión(es)
  • Next steps (not specified in the text): The committees would conduct the review and likely issue findings, recommendations, and possibly draft proposed legislation if they deem complementary measures necessary.

Context and Notes

  • This is a resolution, not a bill proposing immediate changes to law; its effect is to authorize and direct a formal study and possible recommendations for future legislative action.
  • It references two key laws addressing health policy framing of obesity and anti-discrimination protections for disabilities, aiming to ensure robust protection and equal participation for those with severe obesity.

If you’d like, I can adapt this into a brief one-paragraph summary for a quick briefing or expand with a side-by-side comparison of the two existing laws referenced.

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

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