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RCS 179

Para ordenar al Departamento de la Familia del Gobierno de Puerto Rico a establecer y poner en funcionamiento, dentro del término improrrogable de ciento ochenta (180) días, una oficina local en el Municipio de Adjuntas; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

The bill requires the Department of the Family to reopen a local office in Adjuntas within 180 days to restore direct, local social services.

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Bill Summary · RCS 179

Summary: Joint Resolution (RCS 179, Session 2025-2028) – Puerto Rico

Primary purpose

To require the Department of the Family of Puerto Rico to establish and operate a local office in the Municipality of Adjuntas within 180 days. The resolution aims to restore direct access to essential family services for Adjuntas residents, following the closure of the previous Adjuntas office after earthquake damage.

Key provisions and changes

  • Section 1 — Establishment deadline: The Department of the Family must establish and begin operating a local office in Adjuntas within 180 days (unextendable).
  • Section 2 — Use of facilities: The Department is authorized to coordinate, on a temporary or permanent basis, with public or private entities to use facilities that meet accessibility, safety, and functionality requirements while a permanent sede is arranged.
  • Section 3 — Staff reassignment: Administrative steps must be taken to reassign to the Adjuntas office the employees who previously worked at the Adjuntas office before its closure.
  • Section 4 — Reporting requirement: After the Adjuntas office is established, the Department must submit a report to the Legislature (to both the House and Senate) within 30 days. The report must include:
    • Services offered
    • Number of employees
    • Physical and postal address
    • Telephone number
    • Other pertinent information
  • Section 5 — Interpretative clause: Provisions should be interpreted harmoniously with existing laws and regulations; if any part is found unconstitutional or void, the remainder remains in effect.
  • Section 6 — Effective date: The resolution takes effect immediately upon approval.

Who would be affected

  • Residents of Adjuntas: Primary beneficiaries, gaining renewed access to Department of the Family services locally.
  • Former Adjuntas DF employees: Potential reassignment to the new Adjuntas office, preserving or restoring employment ties to the community.
  • Department of the Family ( Puerto Rico): Must oversee rapid reopening, manage inter-agency coordination for temporary facilities, and provide the 30-day post-opening report to Legislature.

Context and rationale

  • Post-2019-2020 earthquakes, Adjuntas’s local DF office was damaged, relocated staff, and the community lost direct access to services. Residents—particularly seniors, people with disabilities, working mothers, and those with limited transportation—face higher burdens when traveling to distant offices (Castañer, Ponce).
  • The bill emphasizes the constitutional protection of human dignity and equal access to government services.

Procedural and timeline aspects

  • Timeline: 180 days to establish the office; a 30-day post-opening reporting requirement.
  • Coordination: Permits use of interim facilities if necessary, subject to accessibility and safety standards.
  • Oversight: Legislative reporting ensures accountability and transparency of services, staffing, and contact information.

Overall impact

If enacted, the bill would mandate the rapid reestablishment of a local DF office in Adjuntas, restore direct access to essential social services for residents, minimize travel burdens, and provide a clear reporting framework to the Legislature on implementation and service details.

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

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