reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 286a - Destination of funds

All funds deriving from the sale of internal revenue stamps cancelled by the Superintendent in accordance with §§ 285k, 285t and 285u of this title shall be covered into the General Fund of the State Treasury and the Puerto Rico Police Technological, Professional and Labor Development Fund (hereinafter the Police Fund), as follows: of the stamps cancelled to obtain or renew a security guard license under the provisions of subsection (b) of § 285c of this title, two dollars ($2) shall be covered into the General Fund of the State Treasury and eight dollars ($8) to the Police Fund; of the stamps cancelled to obtain or renew a private detective license under the provisions of subsection (a) of § 285c of this title, five dollars ($5) shall be covered into the General Fund of the State Treasury, and twenty dollars ($20) to the Police Fund; and of the stamps cancelled to obtain or renew a license for a private detective agency and for a safety agency for the protection of persons or real or personal property, the first twenty-five dollars ($25) shall be covered into the General Fund of the State Treasury and, any additional amount received, into the Police Fund.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 29, eff. July 1, 1965; Aug. 26, 2014, No. 141, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 286b - Penalties

Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter, or who engages in the profession of private detective, or operates an “agency” without a license issued in accordance with this chapter; or who falsely represents him/herself as a private detective or an employee of an “agency”, or who discloses information in violation of the provision of § 285q of this title, and any person who hires the services of a private detective or “agency”, knowing that such detective or “agency” does not hold a license issued in accordance with this chapter, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction be punished by a fine of not less than one thousand dollars ($1,000), or by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months, or both penalties, fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the court.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 30, eff. July 1, 1965; Aug. 26, 2014, No. 141, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 286c - Saving clause

The provisions of this chapter shall not be applicable to any detective or member of the Police of Puerto Rico appointed in accordance with law; neither to any person employed by the Police of Puerto Rico while in the discharge of his official duties as such; nor to any magistrate or attorney in the regular practice of his profession; nor to any person whose business is to furnish information as to the business, financial condition and credit of natural or artificial persons; nor to any person who investigates by himself any matter in which said person is an interested party.
Neither shall the provisions of this chapter be applicable to public insurance adjusters, nor to watchmen, night watchmen and guards who in their individual capacity are engaged in such trades or occupations in private enterprises or in public, industrial, commercial or agricultural establishments.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 31, eff. July 1, 1965.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 286d - Regulations

Any regulations that the Superintendent may prescribe shall be adopted after proper public hearings by said officer in which all parties concerned shall be heard.
Such regulations shall take effect once they are filed in the Department of State in accordance with Act No. 112 of June 30, 1957, and the Governor has, through proclamation, set the date of effectiveness.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 108, p. 289, § 32, eff. July 1, 1965.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART II - Investigation Agencies (§§ 181-220 — 286e) › Chapter 27 - Private Detectives (§§ 285 — 286e) › § 286e - Uniforms

It is hereby prohibited for any person who works for a security agency as a security guard, to wear uniforms or insignias, whose colors and combination of outwear are equal to or similar to those worn by the Puerto Rico Police. It is hereby understood that any person who works for a security agency shall be subject to the sanctions provided by §§ 3101—3139 of this title, related to the use of distinctive insignias or uniforms similar to those used by the Puerto Rico Police.
History —June 29, 1965, No. 106, added as § 33 on Aug. 11, 1996, No. 110, § 1, eff. July 1, 1996.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331a - Creation

A body is hereby created within the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico that shall be known as the “Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps” whose obligation, among others provided by this chapter, shall be to prevent and fight fires, save lives, guarantee adequate protection to the citizenry in general from fires, as well as to determine the origin and cause of a fire once it has occurred. The headquarters of the Firefighters Corps shall be established in San Juan.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 3, eff. 180 days after June 21, 1988.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331b - Organization

The Firefighters Corps shall be headed by the Fire Chief, who shall be appointed by the Governor of Puerto Rico with the advice and consent of the Senate. He shall hold office for a term of six (6) years, or until his successor is appointed.
The Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps shall be composed of the Fire Chief, Assistant Fire Chiefs, Firefighter Commanders, Captains, Lieutenants, Sergeants, Corporals, Firefighters, Auxiliary Firefighters, Volunteer Firefighters and Inspectors. These ranks may be created, consolidated and modified according to the needs of the service.
The Fire Chief shall determine the functional organization of the Firefighters Corps through regulations, and shall establish the chain of command in case of his absence, disability or death. The Firefighters Corps is deemed to be an Individual Administrator, pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 5 of October 14, 1975, as amended, known as the “Puerto Rico Public Service Personnel Act”.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 4, eff. 180 days after June 21, 1988.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331b-2 - Salary increase for firefighters

(a) Retroactive to July 1, 2002, the salary structure of the members of the Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps Personnel Rank System shall be the following:
All members of the Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps Personnel Rank System in active service shall receive the basic salary of their classification, or an increase of one hundred dollars ($100) at the time of the implementation of the new structure, whichever is higher. No adjustments shall be required.
(b) Effective on July 1, 2003, the salary structure of the members of the Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps Personnel Rank System shall be the following:
All members of the Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps Personnel Rank System in active service shall receive the basic salary of their classification, or an increase of one hundred dollars ($100) at the time of the implementation of the new structure, whichever is higher. No adjustments to the scale shall be required.
(c) Effective on July 1, 2004, the salary structure of the members of the Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps Personnel Rank System shall be the following:
All members of the Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps Personnel Rank System in active service shall receive the basic salary of their classification, or an increase of one hundred dollars ($100) at the time of the implementation of the new structure, whichever is higher. No adjustments to the scale shall be required.
History —Dec. 23, 2002, No. 287, §§ 2—4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331d - Assistant Chiefs

The positions of Assistant Fire Chiefs who shall answer directly to the Fire Chief and shall serve in those positions at his discretion are hereby created. The Assistant Chiefs shall be in the Confidential Service. These Assistant Fire Chiefs shall be in charge of the operational areas established by regulations and shall be responsible for the administration and supervision of personnel in their charge. Any regular member of the Firefighters Corps may be appointed Assistant Chief. When this occurs, he or she shall retain their permanent rank and once they cease in their functions as Assistant Chiefs they will return to their permanent rank with the salary to which they would be entitled had they remained in their position.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 6, renumbered as § 7 on Aug. 12, 1995, No. 199, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331e - Firefighter Commanders

The positions of Firefighter Commanders who shall answer to the Fire Chief directly or through the Assistant Fire Chiefs are hereby created. The Firefighter Commanders shall be in the Confidential Service. The Firefighter Commanders shall be in charge of the operational zones established by regulations. Any regular member of the Firefighters Corps may be appointed Commander. When this occurs, he will retain his permanent rank and, once he ceases in his functions as Commander, he will return to his permanent rank and the salary to which he would be entitled had he remained in the position.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 7, renumbered as § 8 on Aug. 12, 1995, No. 199, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331f - Firefighter Captains and Lieutenants

The positions of Firefighter Captain and Lieutenant are hereby created. The Firefighter Captain, as well as the Firefighter Lieutenant, shall be in the Career Service. They shall be in charge of the districts and the functions established by regulations.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 8, renumbered as § 9 on Aug. 12, 1995, No. 199, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331g - Regulations

The regulations approved by the Fire Chief by virtue of this chapter, except those needed for administrative and internal functions, shall comply with the requirements of Act No. 112 of June 30, 1957, as amended, known as the “Rules and Regulations Act of 1958”.
Before adopting or amending the regulations authorized by subsections (o) and (p) of § 331c of this title, the Fire Chief shall hold public hearings to discuss the special provisions they contain. The public hearings shall be held after notifying the public by means of a notice in two (2) newspapers of general circulation in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, stating the date, place and nature of the hearing. This notification shall be made fifteen (15) days before the hearing is held. Technical conferences on the need, scope and other outstanding features of the regulatory provisions, in which the general public may participate, shall be held along with the required public hearings.
The fire safety regulations adopted by the Fire Chief must be in harmony with the norms established by other regulatory agencies such as the Permit Management Office, the Department of Labor and Human Resources and the Public Service Commission, which have established fire protection requirements for buildings and vehicles used for commercial transportation of flammable liquids, respectively.
The Fire Chief shall adopt those regulations that are needed for the personnel administration of the Firefighters Corps. These regulations must be in harmony with the norms established by the Central Office of Personnel Administration in order to maintain uniformity in the Public Service system of Puerto Rico. Provided, That until such regulations are adopted, the Firefighters Corps shall be governed by the Personnel Regulations applicable to those areas that are essential to the merit principle and those non-essential areas for career and confidential employees of the central administration. The security regulations in effect on the date of this act shall continue to be in force until the new regulations are adopted.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 9, renumbered as § 10 on Aug. 12, 1995, No. 199, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331h - Authority to inspect

The Fire Chief or any duly authorized member of the Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps shall carry out inspections and investigations of lots, buildings and structures during regular working hours, or at any other time when the particular situation merits it, to detect violations of the fire safety, protection and prevention laws and regulations, or the existence of any situation or practice which entails the possibility of a fire or explosion or that causes the death or produces physical damage to persons or property, as well as to determine the origin and cause of a fire.
In order to carry out the above-mentioned inspections and investigations, the Fire Chief shall have free access to all places where industrial and commercial activities are conducted, to sports and recreation sites, hospitals, schools, hotels, buildings destined for exhibitions, assemblies or public spectacles, commercial multi-story buildings and common areas of residential multi-story buildings, as well as any other building, structure or lot that is not residential, for the purpose of obtaining information or verifying investigations regarding the safety of persons, and shall monitor for the strict compliance of those rules and regulations established by the Fire Chief, adopted pursuant to this chapter or approved pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 112 of June 30, 1957 as amended, known as the “Rules and Regulations Act of 1958”, or those regulations related to the number of persons that may occupy a site or area, exit capacity, means of departure or other provisions concerning fire safety in the structures, adopted by the Permit Management Office. The Fire Chief is also empowered to monitor for strict compliance with those regulations adopted by the Public Service Commission by virtue of §§ 1001 et seq. of Title 27 with respect to safety requirements and protection against fires in motor vehicles or trailers used for the commercial transportation of flammable liquids.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 10, renumbered as § 11 on Aug. 12, 1995, No. 199, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331i - Interagency coordination; notification of violation

The Fire Chief shall exercise reasonable efforts to coordinate any action taken under this chapter with other government agencies that have some type of jurisdiction over the case in order to avoid duplication of effort or conflicts in the requirements related to protection against fires that affect the safety of the citizenry in general. If, after an inspection or investigation, the Fire Chief determines that the owner, administrator, person in charge or occupant of a lot, sports and recreation site, industry, commercial establishment, hotel, hospital, building destined for exhibitions, assemblies or public spectacles, commercial multi-story building, common areas of multi-story residential building, as well as any other lot, building or structure with a non-residential use, has violated any legal provision or safety or fire prevention regulation, he shall notify the person concerned of the nature of the violation in writing, and shall give him a reasonable time to correct the deficiency indicated taking into consideration the seriousness of the violation and the risk it represents to the safety of persons and property. The order so issued shall prescribe the practices, means or methods the person must adopt to comply with the laws and regulations in effect, and will also warn the person that if he does not undertake corrective action or comply with the order within the period indicated, the Fire Chief may impose the corresponding sanctions for such noncompliance.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 11, renumbered as § 12 on Aug. 12, 1995, No. 199, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331j - Reconsideration of order

Within the period established to take corrective action the person thus affected may request the Fire Chief to reconsider the order by establishing the grounds upon which his petition is based. The Fire Chief shall issue an order modifying or confirming his determination as soon as possible.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 12, renumbered as § 13 on Aug. 12, 1995, No. 199, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331k - Annual inspection

The Fire Chief shall carry out at least one annual inspection of all those buildings, structures or lots that represent a serious risk to the safety of persons and property, to detect any violation of the laws and fire safety and prevention regulations, or the existence of any situation or practice that entails the possibility of a fire or an explosion that could cause death or physical harm to persons or property, in order to direct that the pertinent corrective measures be taken. The buildings, structures or lots that are covered by this section are commercial, industrial or government buildings as well as hotels, hospitals, schools and institutions of higher education, sports and recreation sites, and all those buildings destined to hold assemblies, exhibitions or public spectacles, commercial multi-story buildings, as well as the common areas of residential multi-story buildings.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 13, renumbered as § 14 on Aug. 12, 1995, No. 199, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331l - Administrative fines; temporary evacuation

The Fire Chief shall have the power to impose administrative fines up to a maximum of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) for violation of the safety and fire prevention laws or regulations or for noncompliance with the orders, resolutions or decisions issued by him thereunder, subject to prior notice and hearing. The Fire Chief shall adopt the regulations needed to comply with these purposes. Each day that the same violation is committed shall be considered as a separate and distinct violation.
When it is determined that the violation of the laws and fire safety and prevention regulations constitutes a serious risk to the safety of persons or property, the Fire Chief shall order the temporary evacuation of any non-residential lot, building or structure. The evacuation order issued under this section shall be personally notified to the owner, administrator, person in charge or occupant of the affected property, or his representative. The temporary evacuation ordered by the Fire Chief shall not exceed a term of twenty-four (24) hours. Provided, That when the serious risk to the safety of persons or property persists, the Fire Chief shall be empowered to extend the term of a temporary evacuation order after holding an administrative hearing. Said order shall be in effect until the deficiencies indicated are corrected.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 14, renumbered as § 15 on Aug. 12, 1995, No. 199, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331m - Authority to hear testimony and issue summons

The Fire Chief or his authorized representatives shall be empowered to hear testimony, take oaths, issue summons requiring the appearance of witnesses or the presentation of documentary or any other evidence that is needed to achieve the purposes of this chapter.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 15, renumbered as § 16 on Aug. 12, 1995, No. 199, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331n - Judicial review

Any person adversely affected by an order, resolution or decision of the Fire Chief issued pursuant to this chapter may request a judicial review of said order, resolution or decision before the Court of First Instance, San Juan Part, within thirty (30) days following the receipt of the notification.
The filing of an appeal for review will not stop the effects of the order, resolution or decision unless the court, by request of the interested party, does so order after a prior hearing and determination that the party against whom it was rendered will suffer serious or irreparable damages if such suspension is not decreed.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 16, renumbered as § 17 on Aug. 12, 1995, No. 199, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331o - Authority to appeal to court

The Fire Chief may appear before the Court of First Instance of Puerto Rico to request that any order, resolution or decision issued by virtue of this chapter be put in effect. Noncompliance with a judicial order upholding such a request shall amount to contempt of court. The decision of the Fire Chief shall remain in full force and effect as long as there is no final and binding judicial decision reversing or modifying the order of the Fire Chief.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 17, renumbered as § 18 on Aug. 12, 1995, No. 199, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331p - Responsibility

The Fire Chief and the owners, their representatives, administrators, persons in charge or occupants of lots, buildings or structures subject to the provisions of this chapter or to the regulations, orders, resolutions, or decisions of the Fire Chief, respectively.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 18, renumbered as § 19 on Aug. 12, 1995, No. 199, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331q - Penalties—Hindering inspections or investigations

Any owner, administrator, occupant or his representative, who refuses to allow access to the sites indicated by this chapter or who intervenes in any way with a member of the Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps authorized to carry out inspections and investigations by obstructing his entrance to any one of them, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction of the first infraction shall be punished by a fine of not less than fifty dollars ($50) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or imprisonment for a term of not less than thirty (30) days nor more than ninety (90) days, or both penalties, at the discretion of the court. Provided, That the court may impose the penalty of rendering community services in an activity related to the Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps as established by Section 49B of Act No. 115 of July 22, 1974, as amended, instead of imprisonment.
Every subsequent violation shall constitute a felony and the person convicted thereof shall be punished with imprisonment for a fixed term of one (1) year. If there are aggravating circumstances, the established fixed term can be increased to a maximum of three (3) years; if there are extenuating circumstances, it may be reduced to a minimum of six (6) months and one day. At its discretion, the court may impose the established fixed sanction of imprisonment or a fine that shall not exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000), or both penalties.
Any industry or commercial establishment that does not comply with the dispositions set forth herein shall be guilty of a misdemeanor subject to a penalty of a fine of up to five thousand dollars ($5,000), or a jail term of six (6) months, or both penalties, at the discretion of the court.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 19, renumbered as § 20 on Aug. 12, 1995, No. 199, § 3; Jan. 2, 2003, No. 33, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331r - Penalties—Causing fires; negligence

Every person who negligently or for failing to take due precautions causes a fire or by his negligence contributes in some way to its development or propagation, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of not less than thirty (30) days nor more than six (6) months, or a fine of not less than three hundred dollars ($300) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or both penalties, at the discretion of the court, for the first violation. Provided, That the court may impose the penalty of rendering community services in an activity related to the Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps as established by Section 49B of Act No. 115 of July 24, 1974, as amended, instead of imprisonment.
Every subsequent violation shall constitute a felony and the convicted person shall be punished with imprisonment for a fixed term of two (2) years. If there are aggravating circumstances, the established fixed term may be increased to a maximum of three (3) years; if there are extenuating circumstances, it may be reduced to a minimum of one (1) year. The court may impose the established fixed penalty of imprisonment or a fine that will not exceed two thousand dollars ($2,000), or both penalties, at its discretion.
It shall be understood that a fire has been caused by the negligence of the owner, occupant or administrator of a building if that person has failed to comply with the regulations or orders of the competent authorities in order to avoid or prevent fires, or has voluntarily failed to acquire all those fire extinguishing devices, or any other type, required by said authority.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 20, renumbered as § 21 on Aug. 12, 1995, No. 199, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331s - Penalties—Damage to equipment

Any person who destroys, makes useless, alters, causes the disappearance of, or damages any safety, protection or fire-extinguishing equipment or devices shall be sanctioned with imprisonment for a term of not less than ninety (90) days nor more than six (6) months, or a fine of five hundred dollars ($500), or both penalties, at the discretion of the court. Provided, That the court may impose the penalty of rendering community services in an activity related to the Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps as provided by Section 49B of Act No. 115 of July 22, 1974, as amended, instead of imprisonment.
Every subsequent violation shall constitute a felony and the person convicted thereof shall be punished with imprisonment for a fixed term of four (4) years. If there are aggravating circumstances, the established fixed term may be increased to a maximum of six (6) years; if there are extenuating circumstances, it may be reduced to a minimum of two (2) years. The court may impose the established fixed penalty of imprisonment or a fine that shall not exceed three thousand dollars ($3,000), or both penalties at its discretion.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 21, renumbered as § 22 on Aug. 12, 1995, No. 199, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331t - Penalties—Illegal appropriation of equipment

Any person who illegally takes possession of any safety, protection or fire extinction equipment or device owned by another person, without violence or intimidation, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of not less than ninety (90) days nor more than six (6) months, or a fine of five hundred dollars ($500), or both penalties at the discretion of the court. Provided, That the court may impose the penalty of rendering community services in an activity related to the Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps as provided by Section 49B of Act No. 115 of July 22, 1974, as amended, instead of imprisonment.
Every subsequent violation shall constitute a felony and the person convicted thereof shall be punished with imprisonment for a fixed term of four (4) years. If there are aggravating circumstances, the established fixed term may be increased to a maximum of six (6) years; if there are extenuating circumstances, it may be reduced to a minimum of two (2) years. The court may impose the established fixed penalty or a fine that shall not exceed three thousand dollars ($3,000), or both penalties, at its discretion.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 22, renumbered as § 23 on Aug. 12, 1995, No. 199, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331u - Penalties—Unlawful purchase, etc. of equipment

Any person who purchases, receives, retains, transports, transfers or disposes of any safety, protection or fire-extinguishing equipment or device knowing that it was obtained through illegal taking, theft, extortion, or any other illegal means, shall be sanctioned with imprisonment for a fixed term of four (4) years. If there are aggravating circumstances, the fixed term may be increased to a maximum of six (6) years; if there are extenuating circumstances, it may be reduced to a minimum of two (2) years. The court may impose the penalty of restitution in addition to the established penalty of imprisonment, or both penalties, at its discretion.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 23, renumbered as § 24 on Aug. 12, 1995, No. 199, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331v - Fleet of vehicles

The Puerto Rico Fire Chief is hereby empowered to administer the agency’s fleet of vehicles. He shall be entirely responsible for purchasing, maintaining, and repairing the agency’s fleet of vehicles. He shall also organize repair shops or contract with private shops for the maintenance and repair of the units presently in service and all those that are acquired in the future. The Fire Chief shall adopt the regulations established for these purposes by the General Services Administration of the Government of Puerto Rico, and shall be strictly governed by the fiscal norms of the Department of the Treasury.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 24, renumbered as § 25 on Aug. 12, 1995, No. 199, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331w - Firefighters Academy

The Firefighter Academy, attached to the Puerto Rico Firefighter Corps, is hereby created. It shall be directed by an Assistant Chief, who shall be in charge of the operational area related to the instruction and training of Corps members. It shall be his/her concern to establish education and training programs on fire prevention and extinction and rescue techniques for personnel from the Firefighter Corps, agencies, public corporations and departments of the Government of Puerto Rico, and municipalities, as well as for the private business sector.
The instruction and training of Corps members must include a basic and advanced first aid course that includes cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), so that each one of them is prepared to apply urgent therapeutic measures when the circumstances so require. These emergency situations may be any of the following: asphyxia, heart attack, profuse bleeding, poisoning, burning, heat stroke and sunburn, fainting, and fractures, among others.
The Fire Chief is hereby authorized to charge a reasonable amount for this training. It shall be fixed by agreement and contract between the requesting parties and the Fire Chief. The monies thus collected shall be deposited in the Special Fund created by this chapter.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 25, renumbered as § 26 on Aug. 12, 1995, No. 199, § 3; Aug. 4, 2009, No. 53, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331x - Uniform and equipment

The Fire Chief shall determine by regulation the clothing and insignia that will constitute the official uniform of the Corps. All prescribed wearing apparel, the uniform and equipment shall be supplied to Firefighters Corps members at the Government’s expense. Provided, That uniform and wearing apparel shall be understood to be the jacket, shirt, tie, pants, socks, boots, shoes, hat, cape, safety helmet, gloves, and insignias that members of the Corps are bound to use pursuant to regulations and the task they must perform. Appropriations for the purchase of uniforms and equipment shall be consigned in the agency’s annual budget.
The use of the uniform or any combination of the above-mentioned outer garments that identify the user as a member of the Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps by any person who is not a member of the Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps is hereby prohibited. Any person who violates the above-stated prohibition shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term of not less than thirty (30) days nor more than six (6) months, or a fine of not less than three hundred dollars ($300) nor more than five hundred dollars ($500) or both penalties at the discretion of the court.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 26, renumbered as § 27 on Aug. 12, 1995, No. 199, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331y - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps Band

The organization of a band that shall be named the “Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps Band,” whose organization and composition shall be determined by the Firefighters Regulations, as well as the rules to govern and administer it, are hereby provided for. Its members shall devote at least fifty percent (50%) of their work time to regular chores appropriate to the Firefighters Corps as determined by the Fire Chief.
While performing as band members, those who form a part of it shall hold the ranks conferred upon them by the Fire Chief. Regular members of the Firefighters Corps with permanent rank shall conserve it upon release from service in the Band.
The operational expenses of the Band shall be consigned in the Firefighters Corps annual operating budget.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 27, renumbered as § 28 on Aug. 12, 1995, No. 199, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331z - Volunteer Firefighters Corps

The Volunteer Firefighters Corps is hereby created to serve the Puerto Rican community. It shall be composed of members of the community who shall serve in a voluntary capacity. The Fire Chief shall determine, through its bylaws, the admission requirements, obligations, responsibilities and conduct of the volunteers, as well as the uniform and other equipment to be used by them. For purposes of §§ 1 et seq. of Title 11, known as the “Compensation System for Work-Related Accidents Act”, while in the performance of their duties as such the Volunteer Firefighters shall be included in the concept of “Commonwealth officials”. In case of a work accident or illness and for purposes of payment of per diems or compensation as such, the weekly salary shall be estimated based on the salary accrued in his regular position or employment. If unemployed, it shall be computed on the basis of the weekly salary corresponding to the minimum wage. With the prior agreement of the Administrator of the State Insurance Fund, the Fire Chief shall pay an annual premium to the Fund as coverage for the protection of all the Volunteer Firefighters. The cost of that premium shall be consigned in the operational budget of the agency.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 28, renumbered as § 29 on Aug. 12, 1995, No. 199, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331aa - Junior Firefighters Corps

The Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps shall organize a Junior Firefighters Corps whose main purpose and goal shall be the education of the greatest number of children and adolescents in fire prevention measures, prevent juvenile delinquency by holding sports, recreational and educational activities that encourage a better physical and mental development of our children and adolescents.
The Fire Chief shall determine the functioning of this body through its bylaws. The expenses of such a program shall be covered with contributions from private enterprise, donations and the resources of the agency, provided the basic operational activities of the agency are not affected.
History —June 21, 1988, No. 43, p. 163, § 29, renumbered as § 30 on Aug. 12, 1995, No. 199, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 32 - Puerto Rico Firefighters Corps (§§ 331 — 331bb) › § 331bb - Raúl Gándara Medal

(a) Creation.— The “Raúl Gándara Medal” is hereby created, to be awarded annually, on the date of birth of Mr. Raúl Gándara, to that member of the Firefighter Corps of Puerto Rico who has excelled in his/her achievements and devotion to public service.
(b) Presentation.— The award shall be presented by the Governor of Puerto Rico or by the official he designates for such purposes.
(c) Special Committee; bylaws.— A Special Committee is hereby created, which shall have the task of evaluating candidates and selecting the winner of the award. This Committee shall be constituted by the following members: the Chief of the Firefighter Corps of Puerto Rico, the regional Chiefs of the Firefighter Corps, and three representatives of the firefighters. The Committee shall approve bylaws for their operation. Decisions shall be made by a majority of votes.
History —Dec. 20, 1991, No. 107, §§ 1—3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 33 - Fire Safety Measures (§§ 341 — 341j) › § 341 - Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meaning expressed herein:
(a) Owner or operator.— Means any natural or juridical person who owns or manages the building.
(b) Compartmentalization.— Means the segmentation of a building’s floors where the floor, walls and ceiling of the sectioned area minimize the spreading of a fire. This compartmentalization must be used in Type I building constructions protected against fires as defined in the Puerto Rico Planning Board’s Building Regulations, approved by virtue of §§ 43—50 of Title 23.
(c) Common use areas.— Means those areas such as passageways, corridors, and inside hallways used for free movement, and all closed meeting or assembly areas in residential buildings.
History —July 2, 1987, No. 73, p. 232, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 33 - Fire Safety Measures (§§ 341 — 341j) › § 341a - Buildings of certain height; options

The owner or operator of all public or private buildings used as residential buildings, or devoted to other commercial, industrial or government uses, which rise more than seventy-five (75) feet over the lowest access level for vehicles for the Firefighters Corps of Puerto Rico, constructed before the date of effectiveness of this act, must comply with one of the following fire protection options pursuant to regulations established to such effects by the Permit Management Office, in accordance with the provisions of § 341d-1 of this title:
(a) To have a fire sprinkler system that protects the whole building; or,
(b) to have a fire sprinkler system in those selected areas of the building, that due to their nature may endanger the life and property of others, and smoke detectors in common use areas; or,
(c) to have an automatic fire detection system with an alarm that gives protection to the entire building, or
(d) to compartmentalize the building in such a way that its structural strength protects against the spreading of fires, and also to install an alarm system with manual stations on each floor which must be located in an accessible place, or install independent smoke detectors.
History —July 2, 1987, No. 73, p. 232, § 2; July 22, 1988, No. 127, p. 526, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 33 - Fire Safety Measures (§§ 341 — 341j) › § 341b - Buildings of certain capacity used to hold assemblies, meetings, etc.; options

The owner or operator of all, or part of a building with an area of more than five thousand (5,000) square feet, or a capacity of three hundred (300) persons or more, used to hold assemblies, meetings or other similar activities, constructed before or after the date of effectiveness of this act, must comply with one of the following options in order to guarantee adequate protection against fires and its safe evacuation, pursuant to regulations established by the Permit Management Office to such effects, according to the provisions of § 341d-1 of this title:
(a) Installation of a fire sprinkler and emergency lighting system in those areas used to hold assemblies, meetings or activities, or
(b) installation of an automatic fire detection system with an alarm and emergency lighting in those areas used to hold assemblies, meetings or activities.
History —July 2, 1987, No. 73, p. 232, § 3; July 22, 1988, No. 127, p. 526, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 33 - Fire Safety Measures (§§ 341 — 341j) › § 341c - Hotels of a certain height; sprinklers

The owner or operator of any building, constructed before the effective date of this act and which rises more than seventy-five (75) feet over the lowest access level for the vehicles of the Firefighters Corps of Puerto Rico and is used as a hotel shall install a sprinkler system in any area which, because of its nature, may endanger the life and property of others, as established by regulations adopted by the Permit Management Office, pursuant to the provisions of § 341d-1 of this title.
History —July 2, 1987, No. 73, p. 232, § 4; July 22, 1988, No. 127, p. 526, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 33 - Fire Safety Measures (§§ 341 — 341j) › § 341d - Buildings of more than 4 stories; obligation

The owner or operator of any building, constructed before the effective date of this act and which is more than four (4) stories high, must provide the following, as established by regulations adopted by the Permit Management Office, pursuant to the provisions of § 341d-1 of this title:
(a) Emergency automatic lighting in every hallway, stairway, corridor or lobby related to its exits, and
(b) signs in visible locations informing of the location of emergency exits, and warning that elevators should not be used in emergency situations.
History —July 2, 1987, No. 73, p. 232, § 5; July 22, 1988, No. 127, p. 526, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-FIVE - Internal Security (§§ 1 — 3356) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 1973) › PART III - Fire Protection (§§ 311-322 — 342h) › Chapter 33 - Fire Safety Measures (§§ 341 — 341j) › § 341d-1 - Additional requirements—New buildings

The Permit Management Office shall determine what fire protection options must be adopted by the owner or operator of a building yet to be constructed, from those established in §§ 341a, 341b, 341c and 341d of this title. Provided, That the Permit Management Office shall require compliance of the requirements established, in addition to those established in said sections.
History —July 2, 1987, No. 73, p. 232, added as § 6 on July 22, 1988, No. 127, p. 526, § 7.