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RC 593

Para ordenar al Departamento de Educación de Puerto Rico a investigar, validar y rendir un informe detallado sobre la implementación y efectividad de sus protocolos, políticas y procedimientos para la atención, identificación, notificación, manejo y seguimiento de sospechas de maltrato, maltrato institucional, negligencia y negligencia institucional de menores en el sistema escolar público, conforme a las disposiciones de la Ley 57-2023; para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

The bill requires Puerto Rico’s Department of Education to assess and report on how schools identify, report, handle, and follow up on suspected child abuse and neglect, ensuring c

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Bill Summary · RC 593

Summary of Bill RC 593 (Session 2025-2028) – Puerto Rico

1) Purpose and Intent

  • RC 593 directs the Department of Education of Puerto Rico to conduct a formal investigation, validation, and reporting regarding the department’s protocols, policies, and procedures related to the care and protection of minors within the public school system.
  • Specifically, the bill aims to assess how the Department identifies, notifies, handles, and follows up on suspicions of child abuse, institutional abuse, neglect, and institutional neglect in public schools.
  • The measure references and aligns with the provisions of Ley 57-2023 (Law 57-2023) and seeks to ensure implementation and effectiveness of those protections within educational settings.
  • Overall goal: establish a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment of current practices and provide an accountability/reporting mechanism to strengthen child welfare protections in schools.

2) Key Provisions and Changes

  • Investigative Mandate: The Department of Education must investigate current practices surrounding:
    • Identification of suspected abuse or neglect of students.
    • Notification and reporting procedures to appropriate authorities (e.g., child protective services or equivalent).
    • Handling and management of cases within the school system.
    • Follow-up and monitoring of identified cases to ensure appropriate action and safety of the student.
  • Validation of Policies: The department must validate that existing policies and procedures are in place, properly implemented, and aligned with Ley 57-2023 requirements.
  • Detailed Report: The Department is required to produce a detailed report documenting:
    • The effectiveness and gaps in current protocols.
    • Compliance status with Ley 57-2023.
    • Data, findings, and recommendations for improvements.
  • Implementation Timeline: The bill mandates a defined process and timeline for completing the investigation, validation, and reporting (exact dates to be specified in the final language, subject to legislative adoption).
  • Recommendations: The report must include concrete recommendations for policy or procedural changes to enhance prevention, identification, reporting, and follow-up on suspected abuse and neglect in schools.
  • Accountability Framework: Potential provisions for oversight, accountability measures, and mechanisms to monitor the Department’s progress on implementing the recommendations.

3) Who or What Would Be Affected

  • Primary Entity: Puerto Rico Department of Education (Departamento de Educación de Puerto Rico).
  • Beneficiaries: Public school students and, by extension, families and guardians, through improved protection and handling of abuse/neglect cases.
  • Related Stakeholders: School administrators, teachers, counselors, mandated reporters, and child welfare authorities who participate in reporting and case management.
  • Legal/Policy Alignment: Entities and procedures would be evaluated and aligned with Ley 57-2023 requirements.

4) Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Legislative Stage:
    • Introduced and placed on First Reading in the Cámara (House) on February 9, 2026.
    • Referred to relevant committees on February 9, 2026.
    • Filed/radicado on February 5, 2026.
  • Next Steps: If approved by committees and the full chamber, RC 593 would proceed to the other legislative chamber (Senate) and, subsequently, to a final enactment or veto process per Puerto Rico’s legislative procedures.
  • Reporting Requirement: A formal, detailed report by the Department is mandated, with findings and recommended actions communicated through the legislative process.

5) Practical Implications

  • Clarifies and strengthens the Department of Education’s obligations to monitor and improve responses to suspected abuse and neglect in schools.
  • Creates an evidence-based framework to ensure compliance with Ley 57-2023 and to close gaps in identification, reporting, and follow-up.
  • Potentially leads to policy revisions, staff training enhancements, clearer reporting channels, and improved safeguarding for students in the public school system.

If you’d like, I can tailor this summary to a specific audience (e.g., policymakers, educators, or the general public) or add a brief comparison to Ley 57-2023 provisions as they relate to school-based protections.

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

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