Para solicitar a la Universidad de Puerto Rico, a través de su Junta de Gobierno, su Presidencia y los Departamentos Atléticos de cada uno de sus once (11) recintos, a que, en el ejercicio pleno de las facultades reglamentarias que le confiere el Artículo 3(e)(17) de la Ley Núm. 1 de 20 de enero de 1966, según enmendada, conocida como “Ley de la Universidad de Puerto Rico”, denomine oficialmente toda Beca Atlética o Beca por Mérito Deportivo otorgada en el Sistema de la Universidad de Puerto Rico con el nombre de “Beca Atlética y por Mérito Deportivo José ‘Piculín’ Ortiz Rijos”, en honor y memoria perpetua a una de las figuras más trascendentales del deporte puertorriqueño; reafirmar el respeto a la autonomía académica y administrativa de la Universidad de Puerto Rico; y para otros fines relacionados.

2025-2028 Session

The bill designates all UPR athletic scholarships across all campuses as "Beca Atlética y por Mérito Deportivo José ‘Piculín’ Ortiz Rijos," honoring the athlete.

Referido a Comisión(es)

Summary of Bill: RKC 39 (Session 2025-2028) — Puerto Rico

Purpose and intent

The bill directs the University of Puerto Rico (UPR), through its Board of Trustees, its Presidency, and the Athletic Departments of each of its eleven campuses, to officially name all Athletic Scholarships (Beca Atlética) or Athletic Merit Scholarships (Beca por Mérito Deportivo) awarded within the UPR System as “Beca Atlética y por Mérito Deportivo José ‘Piculín’ Ortiz Rijo(s)”.

The renaming is to honor and memorialize a prominent figure in Puerto Rican sports, José “Piculín” Ortiz, recognizing his impact on Puerto Rican athletics.

The measure also reaffirms respect for the academic and administrative autonomy of the University of Puerto Rico.

The bill may include other related provisions (as indicated by “y para otros fines relacionados”), potentially addressing administrative, branding, or legal considerations associated with the naming.

Key provisions and changes proposed

Official designation: All Athletic Scholarships within the UPR System would carry the name “Beca Atlética y por Mérito Deportivo José ‘Piculín’ Ortiz Rijos” (note: Ortiz’s surname spelling appears as “Rijos” in the title and “Ortiz Rijo(s)” is used variably in the text; the final official form would be determined in the enactment).

Scope: Applies to Athletic Scholarships and Athletic Merit Scholarships across all eleven UPR campuses, to be adopted and implemented by the UPR Board of Trustees, the Presidency, and each campus’ Athletic Departments.

Autonomy reaffirmation: Explicit language to reaffirm UPR’s academic and administrative autonomy in relation to implementing the naming and related administrative actions.

Related purposes: Potential ancillary provisions to support implementation, communication, or governance consistent with the University’s autonomy and branding.

Who/what is affected

Primary beneficiaries/source: UPR system students receiving Athletic Scholarships or Merit Athletic Scholarships across all eleven campuses.

Administrative bodies: UPR Board of Trustees, UPR Presidency, and each campus Athletic Department are responsible for executing the naming and any associated branding or administrative steps.

Broader impact: The memorial designation may influence fundraising, donor recognition, athletic department marketing, and official communications of the UPR.

Procedural and timeline aspects

Action history indicates:

May 12, 2026: The bill was filed (Radicado).
May 14, 2026: Appears in First Reading in the Puerto Rico Senate (Cámara).
May 14, 2026: Referred to relevant committee(s) for consideration.

Next steps typically include committee review, potential amendments, and floor consideration before final passage. The timetable will depend on committee action and legislative calendar.

Practical considerations

Implementation would require coordination among the UPR’s governance bodies to update official documents, scholarship branding, and communications.

The resolution honors a public sports figure, which may align with broader cultural or sports recognition initiatives.

The autonomy reaffirmation suggests careful attention to ensuring that naming decisions and administrative actions respect UPR’s constitutional and statutory independence.