reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter V - Directors, Officers and Committees (§§ 1751 — 1763) › § 1755 - Obligations of the Board

The Board of Directors shall have the following obligations:
(a) To be responsible for the cooperative’s management.
(b) To establish the guidelines for the cooperative’s functioning.
(c) To consider and approve admission requests and voluntary retirement and separation.
(d) To insure that the person handling the cooperative’s money is covered by a trust bond.
(e) To keep the cooperative’s books and registers in the main office (sponsoring school or institution).
(f) To recommend the capitalization or distribution of the surplus to the general assembly of members according to the provisions of the law.
(g) To notify members of the holding of assemblies and to inform them of the proposed amendments to the bylaws.
(h) To establish the sponsoring entity and the school community’s donation policy.
(i) To appoint an education committee of not less than three (3) and not more than seven (7) persons the majority of which, do not hold elective posts.
(j) If deemed necessary, to appoint or supervise a manager who shall have the power, duties and responsibilities assigned by the Board of Directors.
(k) To establish the employees’ rules and salary.
(l) To hire external accountants to audit accounts, perform accounting functions and to make the corresponding recommendations to the Board.
(m) If necessary, to authorize the hiring of other professional services.
(n) To provide protection to the cooperative against robbery, fraud and other insurable losses.
(o) To submit an annual report on cooperative matters to the Administrator of the Cooperative Development Administration, Cooperative Inspector, and the Department of Education, within one hundred twenty (120) days following the closing of the fiscal year.
(p) To meet at least once a month, and prepare minutes which must be signed by all the directors present.
(q) To attend meetings and official acts and to faithfully comply with requests from the assembly, the bylaws and articles, and the laws.
(r) To answer for violations of the chapter, the articles and bylaws. A director can only be exempt from liability by recording his dissenting vote in the minutes.
(s) To coordinate meetings with the committees to harmonize activities or to solve situations.
(t) To assign resources to the supervision and education committees to comply with the work plans.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 10.4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter V - Directors, Officers and Committees (§§ 1751 — 1763) › § 1756 - Vacancies

Vacancies in the Board may be covered by the vote of the majority of members at an assembly held for that purpose.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 10.5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter V - Directors, Officers and Committees (§§ 1751 — 1763) › § 1757 - Removal of officers

Members of the Board may remove a director from his/her official position with a majority of two-thirds (2 / 3) through a written request before the secretary or president.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 10.6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter V - Directors, Officers and Committees (§§ 1751 — 1763) › § 1758 - Removal of directors

Members may start a director’s removal procedure through a petition in writing to the Board’s Secretary or President. The alleged charges must be stated, and it must be signed by five (5%) of the membership. The director thus charged must be notified in writing, at least ten days before the assembly in which the matter shall be discussed, at which time he/she shall have the right to defend himself/herself against the charges.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 10.7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter V - Directors, Officers and Committees (§§ 1751 — 1763) › § 1759 - Powers of the President of the Board

(a) To preside over the cooperative meetings and the meetings of the Board of Directors.
(b) To represent the cooperative in official acts and in all the tasks delegated by the Board of Directors.
(c) To present an annual report on the activities performed by the Board of Directors to the assembly of members.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 10.8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter V - Directors, Officers and Committees (§§ 1751 — 1763) › § 1760 - Supervision Committee—Responsability

The supervision committee has the responsibility of ascertaining that the Board faithfully complies with the provisions of law, the articles and the bylaws and the resolutions of the assembly. Additionally, it must control the economic and social activities.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 11.0.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter V - Directors, Officers and Committees (§§ 1751 — 1763) › § 1761 - Supervision Committee—Election

During the general assembly, a supervision committee shall be elected, formed by not less than three (3) persons.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 11.1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter V - Directors, Officers and Committees (§§ 1751 — 1763) › § 1762 - Supervision Committee—Powers and functions

The supervision committee shall have the following powers and functions:
(a) To elect a president, vice-president and a secretary and to accept the members’ resignations.
(b) To establish its procedural rules.
(c) To annually examine all the documents and books of the cooperative.
(d) To communicate recommendations and observations about members’ criticism and claims to the Board.
(e) To issue a written report to the Board of Directors about its work within thirty (30) days before the General Assembly.
(f) To offer suggestions to the Board about deficiencies in procedures and operations.
(g) To act as mediator when there are conflicts between the cooperative and its members.
(h) To fill the vacancies that take place in the committee until the next general assembly is held.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 11.2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter V - Directors, Officers and Committees (§§ 1751 — 1763) › § 1763 - Education Committee

The Board shall appoint an education committee whose duties include:
(1) To prepare a work plan according to the educational policy established by the Board, comprising:
(a) To fill the needs of the directing bodies.
(b) To provide cooperative education for employees.
(c) To provide cooperative information to the community.
(2) To issue a report to the annual members’ meeting.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 11.3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VI - Finances (§§ 1771 — 1787) › § 1771 - Capital

The cooperative’s capital shall consist of:
(1) Members’ contributions.
(2) The net economies accumulated and not distributed.
(3) Capital obligations.
(4) Donations.
(5) Permanent reserves and funds.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 12.0; Aug. 7, 2008, No. 197, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VI - Finances (§§ 1771 — 1787) › § 1772 - Contributions

The articles of incorporation shall indicate the cooperative’s initial capital and the minimum amount that a member may contribute to, or shares to be purchased.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 12.1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VI - Finances (§§ 1771 — 1787) › § 1773 - Net surplus

Net surplus is the favorable result of the cooperative’s operations during the fiscal year, after deducting expenses and depreciation.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 12.2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VI - Finances (§§ 1771 — 1787) › § 1774 - Reserves

The reserves shall be formed by funds from net surplus. A specific amount the use of which is determined by the provisions of this chapter, shall be separated.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 12.3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VI - Finances (§§ 1771 — 1787) › § 1775 - Number of reserves

The following reserves shall be established in this order of priority:
(1) Social reserve.
(2) Reserve for services.
(3) Reserve for donations to the sponsoring entity.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 12.4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VI - Finances (§§ 1771 — 1787) › § 1776 - Included losses

When the cooperative operates at a loss, these losses shall be distributed among the shares issued in case shares are withdrawn. The cooperative must not reimburse a withdrawn share for more than its real value.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 12.5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VI - Finances (§§ 1771 — 1787) › § 1777 - Social reserve

The articles and bylaws shall establish the amount to be separated as social reserve, which may not be less than ten percent (10%) of the net surplus, until the equivalent of thirty percent (30%) of the value of all the cooperative’s assets is accrued. The social reserve cannot be distributed. Charges against this reserve can only be made due to an emergency, through authorization of the Board of Directors and the supervision committee, or in a special case, with the approval of two-thirds (2 / 3) of the assembly.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 12.6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VI - Finances (§§ 1771 — 1787) › § 1778 - Service reserve

The service reserve shall receive ten percent (10%) of the cooperative’s net surplus. The service reserve shall be used for the following:
(1) Education of members and nonmembers.
(2) Community services.
(3) The Board shall determine how the reserve shall be used within the provisions of this chapter.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 12.7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VI - Finances (§§ 1771 — 1787) › § 1779 - Reserve for donations to the sponsoring entity

The reserve shall have a thirty percent (30%) of the cooperative’s net surplus. This reserve shall be used according to the bylaws of the cooperative and, with the previous authorization of the Board of Directors, for the following purposes:
(1) School equipment and materials necessary for the process of teaching/learning or to benefit the school community’s safety and health.
(2) Installations and areas designated for the safety and recreation of students.
(3) Cash donations, only to cooperate in emergency situations.
All donations shall be requested in writing from the Board of Directors. The accumulated funds can be used quarterly in case of need, previous written request to the Board of Directors and without a risk to the cooperative’s economy. The amounts so advanced shall be subtracted from the accrued total at the closing of the balance sheet.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 12.8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VI - Finances (§§ 1771 — 1787) › § 1780 - Excess

After separating the reserves, the cooperative may distribute the excess of its net surplus at the closing of its fiscal year or turn it into capital. The distribution must be made on a patronage basis. The Board of Directors may establish the definition of patronage in its bylaws, indicating if it is based on service used, or invested hours of work.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 13.0.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VI - Finances (§§ 1771 — 1787) › § 1781 - Calculating the excess

To calculate patronage, any reasonable measure-determining value of a service or of an article may be used. The decision must be make [sic] by the Board of Directors.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 13.1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VI - Finances (§§ 1771 — 1787) › § 1782 - Liquidation of a member’s participation

In case of resignation, death or separation of a member, the cooperative shall pay him/her, his/her representative or heirs, as the case may be, the amount of money equivalent to his/her participation, plus accumulated interest, within ninety (90) days after his/her withdrawal, death or separation. Any of the member’s debt with the cooperative shall be subtracted from such payment.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 13.2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VI - Finances (§§ 1771 — 1787) › § 1783 - Voluntary dissolution

Any school youth cooperative organized under this chapter, may dissolve voluntarily with the vote of two thirds (2 / 3) of the members present at the assembly called for this purpose.
The dissolution agreement must be signed and certified by the president and secretary of the Board of Directors, and notice provided to the Cooperative Inspector’s Office and the Cooperative Development Administration.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 14.0.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VI - Finances (§§ 1771 — 1787) › § 1784 - Involuntary dissolution

The Cooperative Development Administration may decree and recommend the closing of a cooperative when:
(1) It does not hold meetings for two consecutive years.
(2) The cooperative remains inactive for more than three (3) years.
(3) The cooperative does not, in a reasonable amount of time, correct violations to the chapter pointed out by the Cooperative Development Administration and these could represent irreparable damage to the members and the community.
(4) It does not comply with the objectives and purposes for which it was created.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 14.1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VI - Finances (§§ 1771 — 1787) › § 1785 - Board of Trustees

Once the cooperative’s dissolution is approved, the meeting shall appoint a Board of trustees with not less than three (3) persons. If the meeting does not elect a Board of trustees, it is the Inspector’s duty to appoint it.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 14.2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VI - Finances (§§ 1771 — 1787) › § 1786 - Advisors—Appointment

Youth cooperatives are youth organizations which require the assessment and support of an adult in order to attain the objectives and purposes for which they are created. The Board of Directors, in coordination with the school directors or the sponsoring entity, may appoint a person from the school community to perform the work of advisor. This person, preferably a parent, teacher or a cooperativist community leader, must be a person of proven moral integrity with the recognition and respect of the school community.
When a teacher is appointed to act as advisor, he/she shall be assigned a minimum of three (3) teaching schedules that expedite the work in question, according to the agreement with the educational institution, and they shall be exempted from the commitment of conducting a home room.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 15; Aug. 7, 2008, No. 197, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VI - Finances (§§ 1771 — 1787) › § 1787 - Advisors—Responsibilities and powers

The Advisor must perform the following tasks:
(1) To advise members about educational and legal aspects concerning the organization and management of the cooperative.
(2) To supervise activities of the school cooperative concerning order, discipline, habits, work conditions and cooperation with the school community.
(3) To attend members’ meetings and to guide them in taking decisions about matters related to organization and functioning of the cooperative.
(4) To coordinate with Cooperative Development Administration officers or those of the sponsoring entity so that with their counseling, the cooperative group may incorporate.
(5) To offer help to the Board so that an accounting system that avoids risks, deficiencies, or bad use of funds is adopted.
(6) To deposit the cooperative funds during the mandatory period of forty-eight (48) hours, when necessary, sign with the treasurer or officer designated by the Board to perform administrative tasks, checks and other documents.
(7) To review and sign the administrator’s documents and reports and those from other cooperative employees.
(8) To participate in and to coordinate with the school community, educational, recreational and cultural activities characteristic of the organization.
(9) To participate in members’ meetings with the right to intervene, but not to vote.
(10) To implement in the school cooperatives, the recommendations and indications of the Social Studies Program Officials, the Cooperative Development Administration, and of the sponsoring entities.
(11) To develop an educational workshop in school cooperatives where cooperative principles and values are effectively practiced, according to the cooperative philosophy and the social studies curriculum.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 15.0.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VII - Management (§ 1791) › § 1791 - Manager—Appointment and powers

The Board of Directors may hire the services of a manager who, in coordination with the advisor, shall be responsible for the daily operations of the cooperative.
(a) The Board of Directors and the advisor shall assign duties and powers to the manager, which shall include without limitation, the following:
(1) To supervise the service area daily.
(2) To buy and sell merchandise.
(3) To keep administrative and accounting documents current.
(4) To issue reports every four months and annually to the board of directors and to the shareholder’s meeting.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 16.0.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VIII - Relations With The Department Of Education (§§ 1801 — 1806) › § 1801 - Duties and powers of the Secretary in academic sphere

(a) To create and establish a Cooperative Movement Coordination and Education Division, attached to the Social Studies Program.
(b) The Division of Cooperativist Coordination arid Education, adjoined to the Department of Education, shall be the liaison between the Department of Education, the Cooperative Promotion Administration, the Office for Youth, the Governor’s Office and the cooperative movement.
(c) It shall promote the creation of school cooperatives and workshops or cooperativism courses among the students. It must insure that youth cooperatives have the necessary resources for their operation and development.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 17.0; Aug. 7, 2008, No. 197, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VIII - Relations With The Department Of Education (§§ 1801 — 1806) › § 1801a - Advisory Board

An Advisory Board is hereby established in the Cooperative Movement Coordination and Education Division, which shall understand and advise on the decision-making and strategy development processes for the continuity of the youth cooperatives. Such Advisory Board shall be constituted by one representative of the Cooperative Development Administration, one representative of the League of Cooperatives, the Director of the Division, the Director of the Social Studies Program, one teacher advisor from a youth cooperative, and one student who holds a position within a Board of Directors of any youth cooperative.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, added as § 17.0-A on Aug. 7, 2008, No. 197, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VIII - Relations With The Department Of Education (§§ 1801 — 1806) › § 1802 - Division of Cooperativist Coordination and Education—Powers

(a) It shall assist in and coordinate the implementation of the cooperative program in the public educational system and shall promote and advance the creation and development of youth school cooperatives among students.
(b) It shall help teachers and advisors with their work and ensure compliance with circular letters related to the functioning of school cooperatives, this chapter, and the youth school cooperative bylaws.
(c) It shall implement programs for training teacher advisors and it shall collaborate in coordinating with the juvenile school cooperative’s administration and programs for the development of school cooperatives.
(d) It shall coordinate work for the development of youth cooperatives with the Office of Youth Affairs, Office of the Governor, the Cooperative Development Commission, and the Puerto Rico Cooperative League. To ensure the effective attainment of the provisions herein, the Secretary of the Department of Education is hereby directed to submit reports to the Committees on Cooperative Movement of the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico each semester, together with the Office of Youth Affairs, Office of the Governor, the Cooperative Development Commission, and the Puerto Rico Cooperative League. Such report shall give an account of the efforts and works conducted for the development of youth cooperatives in Puerto Rico. As of the date of approval of this act, the entities listed herein shall render their first report within a term not greater than ninety (90) days. After having submitted their first report, they shall render a report at the closing of each school semester.
(e) It shall implement, with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Cooperative League, educational workshops of a cooperativist nature geared toward promoting sensible and far-sighted management of their finances in the students. Provided, That such workshops shall be offered to high school students as a part of their elective cooperativism courses.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 17.1; Sept. 1, 2006, No. 194, § 1; Oct. 17, 2009, No. 123, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VIII - Relations With The Department Of Education (§§ 1801 — 1806) › § 1803 - Division of Cooperativist Coordination and Education—Director

The Division shall have a Director. He/she shall be responsible for compliance with the provisions of this chapter. This Director shall collaborate annually with the Advisory Board in the drafting and implementation of a work plan to develop the educational workshop in school youth cooperatives.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 17.2; Aug. 7, 2008, No. 197, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VIII - Relations With The Department Of Education (§§ 1801 — 1806) › § 1804 - Division of Cooperativist Coordination and Education—Assignment of funds

The funds for the implementation of this Division shall be annually consigned in the Expense Budget corresponding to the Department of Education.
Furthermore, the Department may re-appropriate funds appropriated to other programs or funds appropriated to the Office of Cooperative Movement Coordination and Education, attached to the Social Studies Program. Said Division may request federal funding to develop activities that shall benefit the cooperative movement education, without it constituting a substitution of state funding. The Division created through this chapter shall substitute the former Cooperative Movement Education Office.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 17.3; Aug. 7, 2008, No. 197, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VIII - Relations With The Department Of Education (§§ 1801 — 1806) › § 1805 - Affiliation

Youth cooperatives may affiliate with cooperative organizations, such as the Youth Cooperative Federation and the Puerto Rico Cooperative League. The organizations shall establish the bylaws necessary to permit the integration and participation of the cooperatives. Additionally, they may receive donations.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 18.0.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter VIII - Relations With The Department Of Education (§§ 1801 — 1806) › § 1806 - Associations

Youth cooperatives may also organize associations of cooperatives and of cooperative advisors to channel the respective needs of the represented groups.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, § 18.1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART IV - Cooperative Schools (§§ 1601 — 1807) › Chapter 103 - Special Act for Youth Cooperatives (§§ 1701 — 1807) › Subchapter IX - Regulations (§ 1807) › § 1807 - Agency regulations

The Cooperative Development Administration and the Department of Education, with the collaboration of the Puerto Rico Cooperative League shall adopt regulations to establish, among other things, all the rules and standards that relate to the effective enforcement of this chapter. Such regulations shall be adopted in accordance with §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3, known as the “Uniform Administrative Procedures Act of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico”, and shall be filed immediately after [their] approval.
Furthermore, it is hereby established that no public agency, except for the Cooperative Development Administration, the Department of Education and any other expressly authorized by law, shall intervene in the promulgation of the regulations and/or the functions, operations and activities of youth cooperatives.
History —Aug. 29, 2002, No. 220, added as § 19.0 on Aug. 30, 2006, No. 172, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART V - Special School Districts (§§ 1901 — 1904) › Chapter 111 - Experimental School Districts (§§ 1901 — 1904) › § 1901 - Purpose

For the purposes of this chapter there shall be considered as experimental a school district so designated in our educational system for the purposes of testing pedagogical innovations such as, but without limitation, types of organization, curricular developments, teaching techniques, use of facilities, equipment and materials, use of teaching, administrative and auxiliary personnel and adjustments in the school hours and school calendar. A district may be so designated for a period of not less than three (3) nor more than five (5) years.
History —June 6, 1974, No. 59, Part 1, p. 233, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART V - Special School Districts (§§ 1901 — 1904) › Chapter 111 - Experimental School Districts (§§ 1901 — 1904) › § 1902 - Establishment; regulations

The Secretary of Education is hereby authorized to establish an experimental school district in each one of the regions of our educational system, and is empowered to promulgate the rules and regulations necessary for the purpose.
History —June 6, 1974, No. 59, Part 1, p. 233, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART V - Special School Districts (§§ 1901 — 1904) › Chapter 111 - Experimental School Districts (§§ 1901 — 1904) › § 1903 - Purchase of materials and equipment

The Secretary of Education may purchase the necessary materials and equipment for the operation of the experimental school districts, without subjection to Act No. 96 of June 29, 1954, as amended, known as “Procurement and Service Act”.
History —June 6, 1974, No. 59, Part 1, p. 233, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART V - Special School Districts (§§ 1901 — 1904) › Chapter 111 - Experimental School Districts (§§ 1901 — 1904) › § 1904 - Personnel; contracts, pay

When the needs of the service so require, the Secretary of Education may, in addition to the regular personnel of the experimental school districts, contract for the services of teachers, officials or employees of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, its instrumentalities, political subdivisions, public corporations or subsidiaries thereof, and pay them the extra pay due for the additional services they may render as teachers or in any other capacity, outside of their regular working hours as teachers or public servants, without subjection to § 551 of Title 3, or to the provisions of any other law to the contrary.
History —June 6, 1974, No. 59, Part 1, p. 233, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART VI - Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2320) › Chapter 121 - Regulation of Operation of Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2133) › Subchapter I - Establishment and Operation of Private Educational Institutions at University Level (§§ 2101 — 2109) › § 2107 - Determinations by other agencies prohibited

No department, instrumentality, office, board, bureau or commission of the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico shall make determinations, authorizations or accreditations of educational institutions or recognize or accredit degrees, diplomas, certificates or courses pertinent to the matters covered by this chapter. Employment by any agency of persons with titles or degrees from institutions without due authorization as herein set forth, when the holding of such title or degree is a condition of employment, shall be considered a violation to the law and the officer or employee who so acts shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, and upon conviction the provisions of Title 33 for this kind of offense shall be applied to him.
History —May 10, 1976, No. 31, p. 78, § 7, eff. July 1, 1976.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART VI - Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2320) › Chapter 121 - Regulation of Operation of Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2133) › Subchapter I - Establishment and Operation of Private Educational Institutions at University Level (§§ 2101 — 2109) › § 2108 - Penalties; injunctions

Any natural or artificial person that operates an educational institution as defined in this chapter without the proper license provided herein shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500). In the event that one of the educational institutions listed herein persists in operating without a license after having been warned about it by the Secretary of Education or the Higher Education Council, as the case may be, either of the latter may resort to the Court of First Instance of Puerto Rico and obtain an injunction against said institution, which shall be subject to all the legal consequences provided by law.
History —May 10, 1976, No. 31, p. 78, § 8, eff. July 1, 1976.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART VI - Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2320) › Chapter 121 - Regulation of Operation of Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2133) › Subchapter I - Establishment and Operation of Private Educational Institutions at University Level (§§ 2101 — 2109) › § 2109 - Regulations

The Secretary of Education and the Higher Education Council shall promulgate rules and regulations consistent with this chapter. Said rules and regulations shall state the criteria and standards to be complied with by private educational institutions, as conditions for their authorization and licensing. These rules and regulations shall have force of law once approved by the Governor of Puerto Rico and filed with the Department of State, pursuant to §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3. Copies of said regulations shall be sent to the legislative bodies before their approval by the Governor.
History —May 10, 1976, No. 31, p. 78, § 9; June 13, 1977, No. 58, p. 123.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART VI - Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2320) › Chapter 121 - Regulation of Operation of Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2133) › Subchapter II - Establishment and Operation of Private Educational Institutions at the Preschool, Elementary, High School, Vocational, Technical or Non-University Post-Secondary Levels (§§ 2111 — 2125) › § 2111 - Secretary of Education—Powers

It shall be compulsory for all private educational institutions at the preschool, elementary, high school, vocational, technical or nonuniversity post-secondary levels that intend to operate in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to obtain a license issued by the Secretary of Education of Puerto Rico. The Secretary of Education, hereinafter denominated the Secretary, shall have the exclusive authority to issue the licenses to authorize the establishing and operation of the private educational institutions indicated in this section.
History —May 10, 1976, No. 31, p. 78, added as § II-1 on June 30, 1988, No. 49, p. 220, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART VI - Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2320) › Chapter 121 - Regulation of Operation of Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2133) › Subchapter II - Establishment and Operation of Private Educational Institutions at the Preschool, Elementary, High School, Vocational, Technical or Non-University Post-Secondary Levels (§§ 2111 — 2125) › § 2112 - Licenses—Fees

In accordance with the criteria established in this chapter and with the regulations that the Secretary shall promulgate as provided hereinbelow in compliance with the established public policy, the Secretary of Education shall issue the corresponding authorizing license to the educational institutions covered by this subchapter upon the payment of fifty dollars ($50).
Once the license is issued by the Secretary, it shall remain in effect for four (4) years.
History —May 10, 1976, No. 31, p. 78, added as § II-2 on June 30, 1988, No. 49, p. 220, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART VI - Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2320) › Chapter 121 - Regulation of Operation of Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2133) › Subchapter II - Establishment and Operation of Private Educational Institutions at the Preschool, Elementary, High School, Vocational, Technical or Non-University Post-Secondary Levels (§§ 2111 — 2125) › § 2114 - Rules and regulations

The Secretary of Education shall promulgate those rules and regulations that are compatible with this chapter and with the public policy established therein within a term not to exceed six (6) months from the time of its approval, after holding public hearings. It is further provided, that all the criteria and norms to be complied with by the private educational institutions covered by this subchapter as conditions for their authorization and license shall be stated and established in those regulations and rules. These regulations shall have the force of law once they are approved by the Governor of Puerto Rico and filed at the Department of State, pursuant to §§ 1-9 of Act No. 112 of June 30, 1957, as amended, known as the Rules and Regulations Act of 1958. Copies of said regulations shall be sent to the legislative bodies prior to their approval by the Governor.
History —May 10, 1976, No. 31, p. 78, added as § II-4 on June 30, 1988, No. 49, p. 220, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART VI - Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2320) › Chapter 121 - Regulation of Operation of Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2133) › Subchapter II - Establishment and Operation of Private Educational Institutions at the Preschool, Elementary, High School, Vocational, Technical or Non-University Post-Secondary Levels (§§ 2111 — 2125) › § 2115 - Rules and regulations—Scope

Once the regulations indicated in § 2114 of this title have been approved, they shall be the only regulating bodies of the private education covered by this subchapter with regard to the petition of a license to operate.
History —May 10, 1976, No. 31, p. 78, added as § II-5 on June 10, 1988, No. 49, p. 220, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART VI - Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2320) › Chapter 121 - Regulation of Operation of Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2133) › Subchapter II - Establishment and Operation of Private Educational Institutions at the Preschool, Elementary, High School, Vocational, Technical or Non-University Post-Secondary Levels (§§ 2111 — 2125) › § 2116 - Licenses—Application; procedure

In the handling of all petitions for a license to operate a private educational institution, the Secretary of Education shall proceed with the same in the briefest time possible and shall adjudicate the petition no later than ninety (90) calendar days from the date of the filing thereof with all the documents and requirements established by law and the regulations. If the Secretary does not act within the ninety (90) -day term, it shall be understood that the license has been granted to the petitioning institution, thus authorizing it to begin its operations according to the educational plan that was submitted.
The ninety (90) -day term established in the preceding paragraph shall only be interrupted by just cause therefor and if the Secretary of Education has duly notified the petitioning institution of it.
History —May 10, 1976, No. 31, p. 78, added as § II-6 on June 30, 1988, No. 49, p. 220, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART VI - Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2320) › Chapter 121 - Regulation of Operation of Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2133) › Subchapter II - Establishment and Operation of Private Educational Institutions at the Preschool, Elementary, High School, Vocational, Technical or Non-University Post-Secondary Levels (§§ 2111 — 2125) › § 2117 - Licenses—Institutional objectives

The license to be issued by the Secretary by virtue of this subchapter will be institutional in nature and shall include the authorization to issue diplomas, certificates or degrees up to the maximum academic level established in the license. Provided, That a private educational institution, by virtue of the license issued, and pursuant to academic autonomy this chapter provides, protects and fosters, may establish new academic programs, additional courses or any other academic measure, provided the same does not exceed the maximum academic level authorized by the license, nor modifies its institutional objectives or mission.
The Secretary shall review any addition that the institution has made to its programs, within the maximum level authorized, at the time of the renewal of the license.
History —May 10, 1976, No. 31, p. 78, added as § II-7 on June 30, 1988, No. 49, p. 220, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART VI - Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2320) › Chapter 121 - Regulation of Operation of Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2133) › Subchapter II - Establishment and Operation of Private Educational Institutions at the Preschool, Elementary, High School, Vocational, Technical or Non-University Post-Secondary Levels (§§ 2111 — 2125) › § 2118 - Licenses—Modification of institutional objectives; proceedings

When a private educational institution considers making a substantial or significant alteration that will modify its institutional objectives or mission, or adds an educational level which exceeds the previously granted authorization, it shall notify said changes or alterations to the Secretary, sending him all the pertinent information pursuant to the criteria established in this chapter and its regulations. The Secretary, upon receipt of the above indicated notice, shall issue a provisional license for authorization for a maximum term of two (2) years. Within said period of time, the Secretary shall make a definite adjudication in accordance with the criteria established in this subchapter and in the regulations with regard to the alteration or significant change notified.
History —May 10, 1976, No. 31, p. 78, added as § II-8 on June 30, 1988, No. 49, p. 220, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART VI - Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2320) › Chapter 121 - Regulation of Operation of Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2133) › Subchapter II - Establishment and Operation of Private Educational Institutions at the Preschool, Elementary, High School, Vocational, Technical or Non-University Post-Secondary Levels (§§ 2111 — 2125) › § 2119 - Licenses—Renewal

Any private educational institution that has been granted a license of authorization pursuant to the provisions of this Subchapter must renew the same after four (4) years of its issuance.
The license renewal procedure shall be conducted in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter and the applicable regulations. Provided, however, That the Secretary shall issue the corresponding license renewal for a period of four (4) years upon the presentation of evidence by the petitioning institution that it continues to comply with the criteria established in this Subchapter and in the regulations that motivated the issuing of the authorization license.
History —May 10, 1976, No. 31, p. 78, added as § II-9 on June 30, 1988, No. 49, p. 220, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART VI - Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2320) › Chapter 121 - Regulation of Operation of Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2133) › Subchapter II - Establishment and Operation of Private Educational Institutions at the Preschool, Elementary, High School, Vocational, Technical or Non-University Post-Secondary Levels (§§ 2111 — 2125) › § 2120 - Licenses—Evidence of accreditation

Any private educational institution covered by this subchapter that at the time of the expiration of its authorization license presents attesting evidence to the Secretary that it is accredited shall receive an automatic renewal of its authorization license.
In order for the preceding clause on the renewal of licenses to operate, the accreditation presented by the petitioning institution must proceed from any of the following entities:
(a) Accreditation from the Secretary of Education by virtue of § 57 of this title.
(b) Accreditation issued by a national, regional or specialized agency that has been recognized as such by the Department of Education of the United States of America or by the Department of Education.
(c) Any other public or private accrediting agencies that have been organized or may be organized and that operate in the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth, that are recognized by the Department of Education that on the date of promulgating this act are organized and are operating in the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. It being understood by this recognition that the Department of Education ensures that the accrediting agency meets the norms and standards established for institutions of similar nature in the United States or Puerto Rico. These criteria shall be compatible with the public policy established in this chapter.
History —May 10, 1976, No. 31, p. 78, added as § II-10 on June 30, 1988, No. 49, p. 220, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART VI - Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2320) › Chapter 121 - Regulation of Operation of Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2133) › Subchapter II - Establishment and Operation of Private Educational Institutions at the Preschool, Elementary, High School, Vocational, Technical or Non-University Post-Secondary Levels (§§ 2111 — 2125) › § 2121 - Licenses—Periods

It is hereby provided that while the private educational institution keeps in effect an accreditation from any of the bodies established in the preceding section, the Secretary of Education shall issue the corresponding renewal of the license every four (4) years.
History —May 10, 1976, No. 31, p. 78, added as § II-11 on June 30, 1988, No. 49, p. 220, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART VI - Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2320) › Chapter 121 - Regulation of Operation of Private Schools (§§ 2101 — 2133) › Subchapter II - Establishment and Operation of Private Educational Institutions at the Preschool, Elementary, High School, Vocational, Technical or Non-University Post-Secondary Levels (§§ 2111 — 2125) › § 2122 - Official recognition

For those private educational institutions that voluntarily decide to obtain accreditation from the Secretary, the effectiveness of § 57 of this title is hereby extended.
History —May 10, 1976, No. 31, p. 78, added as § II-12 on June 30, 1988, No. 49, p. 220, § 2.