Summary of Bill: RCS 189 (Session 2025-2028, Puerto Rico)
Purpose and intent
- Establishes a coordinated, temporary program to design, issue, and distribute a commemorative license plate and a commemorative driver’s license for the Semiquincentennial (250th anniversary) of the United States.
- The program runs from July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2027.
- Includes creation of a government storefront for memorabilia and related activities, and an emphasis on educational and cultural celebration of Puerto Rico’s ties to the United States.
Key provisions and changes
1) Commemorative plate and license
- The Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTOP) must design, manufacture, and issue:
- A commemorative license plate.
- A commemorative driver’s license.
- The timeframe for issuance is July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.
- The design, size, colors, composition, and other physical details are to be determined by coordination between:
- The Secretary of the DTOP.
- The Puerto Rico Commission for the Semiquincentennial of the United States (created by Executive Order OE-2024-017).
- This design protocol must align with Articles 2.19 and 2.20 of the Puerto Rico Vehicle and Traffic Law (Law 22-2000, as amended).
2) Funding and use of proceeds
- All money from the sale of the commemorative plate and the issuing of the commemorative license will go to a Special Fund administered by the Department of Hacienda.
- Funds are restricted for use by the Department of State for the July 4 festivities.
3) Replacement and availability
- Individuals may replace standard plates or licenses with the commemorative versions at the costs established by the Vehicle and Traffic Law.
- Replacement requires the appropriate application and surrender of the original plate.
4) Donations and fundraising
- Puerto Rico may solicit, accept, and manage donations from public or private sources to supplement the Special Fund.
5) Public information and outreach
- The government will run a public information campaign about the commemorative plate and license, including display on official government websites during the issuance window.
6) Mandatory purchase for government entities
- Public corporations, agencies, instrumentalities, and municipalities must acquire the commemorative plate for every vehicle purchased from July 1, 2026 to June 30, 2027.
7) Government store for memorabilia
- The Secretary of State must create and operate a store for Semiquincentennial memorabilia and souvenirs.
- Proceeds from memorabilia sales will go to the same Special Fund for the Department of State’s July 4 celebrations.
8) Regulatory approvals
- The Secretaries of Hacienda, Transportation and Public Works, and State must approve or amend the necessary rules and regulations to implement the bill within 30 days of approval.
9) Effective date
- The resolution becomes effective immediately upon approval.
Affected parties and impacts
- Individuals and vehicle owners: eligible to obtain a commemorative plate and driver’s license during the July 2026–June 2027 window; replacement procedures outlined; purchase is mandatory for new government vehicle acquisitions during the window.
- Government entities: required to purchase the commemorative plate for all vehicles acquired in the period.
- Department of Transportation and Public Works: responsible for design and issuance details; coordination with the Semiquincentennial Commission.
- Department of State: oversees establishment of memorabilia store and related commemorative activities.
- Department of Hacienda (Fund administrator): manages the Special Fund for commemorative activities.
- General public and educators: gains access to educational and cultural material tied to the Semiquincentennial celebration.
Timeline and procedural notes
- Issuance window: July 1, 2026 – June 30, 2027.
- Within 30 days of approval: regulatory framework to be enacted by the three secretaries (Hacienda, DTOP, and State).
- Immediate effect upon approval: provisions take effect; campaign and store operations would proceed in the run-up to and during the issuance window.
- Expenditures and fundraising: proceeds directed to the Special Fund; donations may supplement this funding.
Overall, the bill formalizes a limited-time commemorative program to highlight Puerto Rico’s historical relationship with the United States through a special plate, license, and memorabilia, with structured funding and public information efforts.
