reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 34 - National Plan for Prevention of Violence (§§ 681 — 685) › § 685 - Human Resources

The public officers who are members of the Committee created in § 683 of this title shall appoint personnel from their respective departments and public agencies to perform administrative, research and advisory tasks related to the National Plan for the Prevention of Violence. Said appointments shall be carried out according to the laws, regulations, contracts, and agreements in effect on the date of such appointments.
Furthermore, with prior authorization from the Governor of Puerto Rico, the committee may request the collaboration of any other department, agency, administration, board, public corporation or municipality, to achieve the purposes of this chapter. These agencies and instrumentalities may provide such collaboration or assistance, whether through the appointment of an officer or employee to render temporary services to the Committee, or by conducting any study needed to draft the Plan and with respect to which the public entity in question has competency or experience.
History —Sept. 23, 2004, No. 467, § 5 eff. 30 days after Sept. 23, 2004.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 35 - Public Buildings Security Act (§§ 691 — 694) › § 691 - Purpose

To promote and standardize the minimum degree of security for all Government public buildings in order to safeguard the security of the visitors and the employees that work in all the dependencies of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is a legitimate interest of this Legislature, as well as to protect the integrity of public property. To achieve such objectives, minimum security norms are hereby promulgated that shall be adopted in all the public dependencies of each of the three government branches. These basic standards shall be complemented through regulations to be promulgated by each public dependency, in accordance with their particular needs. It shall be fundamental for each regulation adopted in accordance with this chapter to be limited solely to establish the time, location and manner of accessing the different public dependencies without limiting the content of constitutionally protected expressions and peaceful demonstrations.
History —Apr. 29, 2008, No. 46, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 35 - Public Buildings Security Act (§§ 691 — 694) › § 692 - Definitions

(a) Government dependencies.— Refers to all the buildings, offices and structures that house any of the three government branches of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(b) Employees.— Refers to all the employees and public officers that work in the buildings, offices and structures of the three government branches of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(c) Constitutionally protected expressions.— Refers to all those expressions and peaceful demonstrations covered by the right to freedom of expression as established by the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the Constitution of the United States of America, as well as the jurisprudential interpretations that the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico and the Federal Supreme Court have given to this right.
(ch) Security norms.— Refers to the minimum provisions to be adopted by all government dependencies of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico that shall be used as the basis for the promulgation of security regulations in each of their dependencies, in accordance with their particular needs.
(d) Public property.— Refers to all the structures that house the offices and dependencies of the three government branches of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(e) Regulations.— Refers to the security codes authorized by this chapter to be promulgated by the directors of the dependencies of the three government branches of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(f) Visitors.— Refers to all citizens that go to the different government dependencies of the three government branches of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for legitimate purposes, whether individually or collectively.
History —Apr. 29, 2008, No. 46, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 35 - Public Buildings Security Act (§§ 691 — 694) › § 694 - Promulgation of security regulations

All the directors of the different government dependencies are hereby directed to adopt regulations on those norms necessary to guarantee the security of visitors, employees and public property, in accordance with the particular needs of the institution they direct. They shall include in said regulations, however, the security norms provided in this chapter, which may be extended according to the needs in each case, provided no attempt is made against the constitutionally guaranteed rights of the citizens. Likewise, the regulations promulgated by virtue of this chapter shall comply with the limitations provided herein.
History —Apr. 29, 2008, No. 46, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 36 - Puerto Rican Institute for Mutual Assistance with Democratic Cuba Act (§§ 701 — 712) › § 701 - Definitions

(a) Center.— Information Center for a Free Cuba, entity responsible for gathering the social, political and financial information of Cuba, thus helping the Institute to conduct its work and studies efficiently and accurately. The Center shall remit all the information gathered and summarized to the Institute for the proper analysis and study thereof.
(b) Auxiliary committees.— Consultative bodies that shall advise the Institute on specific matters, and if so required, submit reports with their recommendations to the Board of Directors for the consideration of the Institute.
(c) Executive Director.— Chief Officer of the Board of Directors of the Institute who shall have all duties and powers inherent to his/her office as director.
(d) Institute.— Puerto Rican Institute for Mutual Assistance with Democratic Cuba.
(e) Board of Directors.— Governing body that shall direct and channel the works of the Institute.
History —Aug. 4, 2007, No. 103, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 36 - Puerto Rican Institute for Mutual Assistance with Democratic Cuba Act (§§ 701 — 712) › § 703 - Creation

The “Puerto Rican Institute for Mutual Assistance with Democratic Cuba” is hereby created, to be constituted by twenty-six (26) members according to the following:
(1) In representation of the Government of Puerto Rico.—
(a) The Secretary of [the] Department of Economic Development and Commerce or the officer on whom the latter delegates;
(b) the Secretary of State of Puerto Rico or the officer on whom the latter delegates;
(c) the Executive Director of the Tourism Company or the officer on whom the latter delegates;
(d) the President of the Government Development Bank or the officer on whom the latter delegates, and
(e) the President of the University of Puerto Rico.
(2) In representation of the Legislature of Puerto Rico.— The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico or the officers on whom these delegate.
(3) In representation of the private sector.—
(a) The President of the Bankers Association or the officer on whom the latter delegates;
(b) the President of the Industrialists Association or the officer on whom the latter delegates;
(c) the President of the Hotel and Tourism Association or the officer on whom the latter delegates;
(d) the President of the Chamber of Commerce or the officer on whom the latter delegates;
(e) the President of the Shipowners Association or the officer on whom the latter delegates;
(f) a representative of the airlines industry appointed by the Governor;
(g) the President of the Farmers Association or the officer on whom the latter delegates, and
(h) four (4) representatives of the communications industries, to wit: one (1) appointed by the Governor, one (1) by the President of the Senate and two (2) by the Speaker of the House.
(4) In representation of the organizations of Cubans residing in Puerto Rico:— As representatives of the Cuban exile in Puerto Rico, the Institute shall have eight (8) members appointed by the Managing Committee of the Puerto Rican Institute for Organizing Mutual Assistance with Democratic Cuba, which was selected by representatives of the Cuban exile in Puerto Rico.
The vacancies in the Institute shall be filled in the same way the original appointments are made. The term of the member who fills a vacancy at the Institute shall be extended for the remaining term.
The entities which appoint any of their members may dismiss said members of the Institute for illegal conduct, inefficiency or negligence in the performance of their duties or for any other justified cause after being charged and notified and a hearing is held.
History —Aug. 4, 2007, No. 103, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 36 - Puerto Rican Institute for Mutual Assistance with Democratic Cuba Act (§§ 701 — 712) › § 705 - Meetings and quorum

The Institute shall meet at least once a month or more frequently if so determined by a majority of its members or if so provided in the bylaws of the Institute.
The majority of the members of the Institute shall constitute quorum at its meetings. Should no quorum be obtained the Institute may conduct meetings to receive information and discuss issues. However, any matter requiring a vote shall be considered during duly summoned second meeting, in which case those present shall constitute quorum. All agreements shall be adopted by the majority vote of the attending members.
History —Aug. 4, 2007, No. 103, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 36 - Puerto Rican Institute for Mutual Assistance with Democratic Cuba Act (§§ 701 — 712) › § 707 - Functions and duties of the Secretary

The Secretary of the Board of Directors of the Institute shall have the following duties and powers:
(1) Prepare the summons to the meetings of the Board of Directors, of the Institute and of the auxiliary committees, as well as for public hearings, and distribute the summons in the manner provided in this chapter or the regulations adopted pursuant thereto;
(2) enter the minutes of the meetings of the Board of Directors and of the Institute in the corresponding book;
(3) certify, jointly with the Executive Director, the minutes of every meeting of the Board of Directors and of the Institute;
(4) issue, according to the book of minutes, all necessary certifications with the approval of the Executive Director or the Board of Directors of the Institute;
(5) inform all members of the Board of Directors and of the Institute who had been absent from any duly summoned meeting, about all resolutions adopted in the manner provided by this chapter or in the regulations adopted pursuant thereto;
(6) have custody over and make available to any member of the Board of Directors or of the Institute or to any interested party, all documents concerning the meetings of the Board of Directors or of the Institute or their determinations, and
(7) exercise all other functions and attributions which may logically be of his/her competence because of the nature of his/her office, as well as those assigned by this chapter or by the regulations adopted pursuant thereto or by the Executive Director of the Institute, through a resolution for such purpose.
History —Aug. 4, 2007, No. 103, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 36 - Puerto Rican Institute for Mutual Assistance with Democratic Cuba Act (§§ 701 — 712) › § 708 - Auxiliary committees

The Institute is hereby empowered to establish those auxiliary committees it may deem prudent in order to fulfill the duties and faculties delegated in this chapter. However, the following Auxiliary Committees shall be established as a minimum:
(1) Humanitarian assistance and civil rights;
(2) manufacture;
(3) construction;
(4) tourism;
(5) commerce;
(6) banking;
(7) agriculture;
(8) public and private university community, and
(9) communications.
The Board of Directors shall determine the number of members for the committees and appoint the members of the committees who need not be members of the Institute.
The auxiliary committees shall advise the Institute about specific subjects and if so required, shall submit reports with their recommendations to the Board of Directors for the consideration of the Institute.
In compliance with this task entrusted to them, the auxiliary committees shall procure and solicit the greatest participation possible from the private sector and from organizations and associations.
The auxiliary committees shall be regulated according to the guidelines and procedures set by the bylaws adopted by the Institute.
History —Aug. 4, 2007, No. 103, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 36 - Puerto Rican Institute for Mutual Assistance with Democratic Cuba Act (§§ 701 — 712) › § 709 - Information Center for a Free Cuba

The Institute shall have an information center whose purpose shall be to gather the documentation collected by the Institute. In order to do this, the Information Center for a Free Cuba shall gather social, political and economic information on Cuba, thus helping the Institute to do its work and studies efficiently and accurately. The Center shall remit all the information gathered and summarized to the Institute for its pertinent analysis and study.
The Center shall be the research and information gathering unit concerning the series of events and the business opportunities for Puerto Rican enterprises in the Cuban market when Cuba is reopened to the world of free and democratic nations.
The Center shall be constituted by a Board of Directors of five (5) members appointed by the Board of Directors of the Institute. Three (3) of the Directors of the Center shall represent the Cuban community in Puerto Rico.
History —Aug. 4, 2007, No. 103, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 36 - Puerto Rican Institute for Mutual Assistance with Democratic Cuba Act (§§ 701 — 712) › § 710 - Personnel, equipment, supplies and offices

According to the applicable regulations and legislation in effect and to their availability, the Legislature, through the Office of Legislative Services, shall provide the Institute, its Board of Directors, Auxiliary Committees and the Information Center for a Free Cuba, with the personnel, equipment, supplies and offices requested by these to fulfill the purposes of this chapter, with the joint agreement of the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives. The Office of Legislative Services shall also be the custodian of the documentation generated by the Institute.
History —Aug. 4, 2007, No. 103, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 36 - Puerto Rican Institute for Mutual Assistance with Democratic Cuba Act (§§ 701 — 712) › § 711 - Per diems

The members of the Institute shall receive no compensation whatsoever for performing their duties.
History —Aug. 4, 2007, No. 103, § 12.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 36 - Puerto Rican Institute for Mutual Assistance with Democratic Cuba Act (§§ 701 — 712) › § 712 - Contribution of the Government of Puerto Rico

The Government of Puerto Rico through its agencies, departments, offices, public instrumentalities and other government entities concerned with these efforts, shall:
(1) Carry out the plans, analyses and studies to uphold the public policy established in this chapter and develop a strategic and integrated plan;
(2) submit to the Institute for its comments and recommendations the plans, analyses and studies ordered pursuant to this chapter;
(3) identify the needs of the People of Cuba in view of the eventual opening of the Island to the world of democratic nations;
(4) attend the public and executive meeting of the Institute when so required;
(5) identify the scope, repercussions, challenges and opportunities the reinsertion of Cuba into the community of democratic nations means for Puerto Rico, and
(6) cooperate with the Institute and furnish to the latter, free of charges and fees, all official information, books, pamphlets or publications, certified copies of documents, statistics and data collected that the Institute may solicit for official use.
Provided, That the government agencies and dependencies shall, when required, make available to the Institute, pursuant and subject to the applicable regulations and legislation in effect, the necessary resources and facilities according to their availability to fulfill the purposes of this chapter.
History —Aug. 4, 2007, No. 103, § 13.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 37 - Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Ombudsman for the Elderly Act (§§ 721 — 736) › § 721 - Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Office of the Ombudsman for the Elderly—Creation

The “Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Office of the Ombudsman for the Elderly” is hereby created.
History July 24, 2013, No. 76, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 37 - Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Ombudsman for the Elderly Act (§§ 721 — 736) › § 722 - Definitions

For purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meaning stated below:
(a) Public agency.— Means any department, board, commission, division, office, bureau, administration, public corporation or subsidiary thereof, municipality, or instrumentality of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, including any official, employee, or member thereof discharging or appearing to be discharging official duties.
(b) Advisory council.— Means the Elder Affairs Advisory Council created by virtue of this chapter.
(c) Private entity or institution.— Means any association, organization, institute, or natural or juridical person that renders, offers, or provides any service or activity or that administers or develops a program intended for the elderly in Puerto Rico and receives a financial contribution from the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or receives grants under the programs of the Government of the United States of America, as provided under federal laws for the benefit, care, and protection of such persons.
(d) Governor.— Means the Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(e) Office.— Means the Office of the Ombudsman for the Elderly.
(f) Elderly person.— Means any person age sixty (60) or over, as established in §§ 341 et seq. of Title 8, known as the “Bill of Rights for Elderly Persons”.
(g) Ombudsman.— Means the position of the Ombudsman for the Elderly created by virtue of this chapter.
History —July 24, 2013, No. 76, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 37 - Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Ombudsman for the Elderly Act (§§ 721 — 736) › § 724 - Creation of the Office

The Office of the Ombudsman for the Elderly is hereby created as a juridical entity independent and separate from any other public agency or entity. The Office, which shall be directed by the Ombudsman shall have, among other functions provided herein, the responsibility of serving as a coordinating instrument to address and find a solution for the problems, needs, and complaints of the elderly in the areas of education, health, employment, civil, and political rights; social, labor, and tax legislation; housing, transportation, recreation and culture, among others. Likewise, it shall be responsible for establishing and maintaining an assistance, orientation, and advisory program to protect the rights of the elderly.
In addition, this Office shall be the body that shall oversee, investigate, regulate, plan, and coordinate with the various public agencies and/or private entities, the design and development of projects and programs intended to address the needs of the elderly population in accordance with the public policy set forth in this chapter, Public Law No. 89-73 of July 14, 1965, as amended, known as the “Older American Act of 1965”, §§ 341 et seq. of Title 8, better known as the “Bill of Rights of the Elderly”, and any other special law that thus empowers it, in order to promote the enjoyment of a full and productive life and attain greater involvement of these persons in the community. Furthermore, it shall oversee that government agencies implement and comply with the public policy pertaining to this sector of the population.
History —July 24, 2013, No. 76, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 37 - Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Ombudsman for the Elderly Act (§§ 721 — 736) › § 725 - Creation of the position of the Ombudsman for the Elderly

The position of the Ombudsman for the Elderly is hereby created. The Ombudsman shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for a ten (10)-year term, until his/her successor is appointed and takes office.
The compensation for the position of Ombudsman shall be fixed by the Governor, in accordance with customary standards for the positions of the Secretaries of Executive Departments. The person thus appointed shall be knowledgeable, of recognized professional capability, and independence of judgment. In addition, said position may only be held by a person knowledgeable in and/or with experience in public administration, government procedure, and elderly-related services, and who has pursued studies and/or earned a graduate degree in gerontology. The Ombudsman may avail him/herself of the benefits of §§ 761 et seq. of Title 3, which establishes the Retirement System of the Employees of the Government of Puerto Rico and its Government Entities or Agencies. Moreover, the Ombudsman must have been a Puerto Rico resident for at least the five (5) years immediately preceding the date of his/her appointment.
The Governor, without impairment to his/her constitutional prerogatives, may request and receive recommendations from the government sector and from groups concerned with the rights of the elderly on potential candidates to hold said position.
The Governor, upon notice and hearing, may declare the position of Ombudsman vacant due to physical or mental disability which prevents him/her from discharging the functions of the office, if the Ombudsman has been negligent in the performance of his/her duties, or has failed to comply therewith. Furthermore, the commission of and conviction for any crime against public office, against the public treasury, and/or any felony, shall constitute causes for removal from office.
In the event of illness or temporary absence of the Ombudsman, he/she may designate an Assistant Ombudsman to hold such office. The Assistant Ombudsman shall assume all the functions, duties, and powers of said office until the Ombudsman returns to office. In the event of a disability that prevents the Ombudsman from continuing to hold said office, or if the position of Ombudsman becomes permanently vacant before the term of appointment expires, the person temporarily designated shall assume all functions, duties, and powers of the office for the remainder of the term of appointment, until a successor is appointed and takes office.
History —July 24, 2013, No. 76, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 37 - Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Ombudsman for the Elderly Act (§§ 721 — 736) › § 726 - Assistant Ombudsmen

The Ombudsman may appoint Assistant Ombudsmen and delegate to them any of the functions provided in this chapter, except for the appointing and rulemaking authorities. The persons appointed as Assistant Ombudsmen shall be of recognized professional capacity and independence of judgment. Furthermore, they shall have knowledge and/or experience in public administration, government procedure, and elderly-related services. They must also be knowledgeable in gerontology.
In addition to the provisions of the preceding paragraph, a person appointed as Assistant Ombudsman, who at any given time may be temporarily designated by the Ombudsman to hold his/her office and assume his/her functions, duties, and powers until the Ombudsman returns to office, shall have pursued studies related to the field of gerontology. This shall also apply in the event that a disability prevents the Ombudsman from continuing to hold office or when said position becomes permanently vacant.
History —July 24, 2013, No. 76, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 37 - Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Ombudsman for the Elderly Act (§§ 721 — 736) › § 729 - Planning and coordination of federal funds; designation as administering agency

The Governor may designate the office of the Commonwealth agency responsible for receiving and administering any funds or contributions granted by federal laws for elderly programs.
The Office is hereby designated as the administering agency in charge of locally implementing federal programs for the elderly as are established by virtue of Public Law 89-73 of July 14, 1965, as amended, known as the “Older Americans Act of 1965”.
Upon its designation pursuant to this chapter, the Office shall be thereby authorized to take the necessary steps and enter into agreements and contracts with the pertinent federal agencies in representation of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to obtain any federal benefits and funding available. The office shall request the Office of Management and Budget to match the funds required from the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico with federal funds.
History —July 24, 2013, No. 76, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 37 - Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Ombudsman for the Elderly Act (§§ 721 — 736) › § 731 - Advisory Council; creation

An Advisory Council on Elder Affairs is hereby created, attached to the Office, to advise the Office of the Ombudsman for the Elderly in relation to the implementation of this chapter. The Advisory Council shall be constituted by seventeen (17) members, to wit: nine (9) ex officio members to represent the public interest, and eight (8) members to represent the interests of the community. The ex officio members representing the public interest shall be, to wit: the Secretary of the Department of Health; the Secretary of the Department of the Family; the Secretary of the Department of Education; the Secretary of the Sports and Recreation Department; the Secretary of the Department of Labor and Human Resources; the Secretary of the Department of Housing; the Ombudsman for Patients; the Ombudsman for Persons with Disabilities; and the Women’s Advocate, or the representative expressly designated by these officials for these purposes. Of the eight (8) members representing the community interest, four (4) shall be elderly persons.
All members representing the community interest shall be persons of proven capability and leadership, aware of the needs and issues of the elderly, and concerned with the rights that protect them.
Nine (9) members shall constitute a quorum to hold Advisory Council meetings and any agreements shall be reached by a majority of the members present. The Advisory Council shall adopt bylaws to govern its works, deliberations, and performance of its functions. The Office shall provide the Advisory Council with the facilities, equipment, supplies, and human resources needed to discharge the functions assigned by this chapter.
The Advisory Council shall meet as often as called by the Ombudsman, but never less than six (6) times a year, at least once every two (2) months. The Advisory Council shall keep a record of the meetings and appearances and the recommendations made by the Ombudsman.
It is further established that the members of the Advisory Council, whether they are public or community interest representatives, shall be appointed by the Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico without the need for the advice and consent of the Senate of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Upon the effective date of this act, five (5) of the eight (8) members representing the community interest shall be appointed for a term of two (2) years, and three (3) members shall be appointed for a term of three (3) years. Upon expiration of these initial terms, subsequent appointments shall be made for three (3) years. The members of the Advisory Council shall elect their Chairperson from among the members representing the community interest. The members representing the public interest shall perform their duties during their term in office. When their term elapses, they shall be replaced by their successor in office.
History —July 24, 2013, No. 76, § 12.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 37 - Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Ombudsman for the Elderly Act (§§ 721 — 736) › § 732 - Per diems for members of the Advisory Council

The members of the Advisory Council shall receive a per diem of fifty dollars ($50) per every meeting they attend, or for their attendance to sessions or committee meetings, per session, special or committee meeting, meeting of any other body, or performance of a task or an attendance authorized by the Chairperson of the Advisory Council, except those who are heads of agencies of the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and its instrumentalities, except for the Chairperson of the Advisory Council, who shall receive a per diem equal to one hundred thirty three percent (133%) of the per diem received by all other members of the Advisory Council.
Members of the Advisory Council who receive a pension for merit or years of service or an annuity from the Employees Retirement Systems of the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or from any of its agencies, instrumentalities, public corporations, or political subdivisions, may receive per diems without impairment to their right to the retirement pension or annuity.
History —July 24, 2013, No. 76, § 13.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 37 - Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Ombudsman for the Elderly Act (§§ 721 — 736) › § 733 - Functions and duties of the Advisory Council on Elder Affairs

The Advisory Council shall have, without it being construed as a limitation, the following duties and functions:
(a) To provide advice to the Office on matters pertaining to the physical, mental, and socio-economic needs and welfare of the elderly and, most of all, evaluate the public policy on the education and training, employment, self-sufficiency, economic development, housing and health of the elderly, among others, for the purpose of furthering actions that contribute to the pursuit of the participation of the elderly in all aspects of social, political, economic, and cultural life.
(b) To provide advice to the Office on the establishment of evaluation criteria for programs and projects developed under this chapter and make the recommendations to the Ombudsman as deemed pertinent.
(c) To recommend systems and methods geared toward the integration of programs developed by the Government to address the needs of the elderly.
(d) To provide advice to the Office on the allocation of funds and financial aid originating from gifts and other contributions that the Office may receive.
(e) To make recommendations to the Office regarding the regulations and rules to be adopted under this chapter.
(f) To provide advice to the Office on the preparation and administration of an annual work plan and proposals of the Office.
(g) Any other function necessary to comply with this chapter.
History —July 24, 2013, No. 76, § 14.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 37 - Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Ombudsman for the Elderly Act (§§ 721 — 736) › § 734 - Processing of petitions or complaints

The Ombudsman is hereby empowered to establish the systems needed to access, receive, and process claims and complaints filed by elderly persons for alleged actions or inactions of agencies and private entities that impair the rights recognized to them under the Constitution of the United States of America, the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and the laws and regulations in effect.
All complaints filed under the provisions of this chapter shall be processed as provided by the regulations to be approved for such purposes in accordance with §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3, known as the “Uniform Administrative Procedures Act of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico”. The Ombudsman shall notify the complainant of his/her decision to investigate the facts stated in the complaint and, on the same date he/she processes the corresponding notice, he/she shall also notify the agency or the person or private entity, as the case may be, with a statement of the alleged facts and a citation of the law that confers to him/her the power to conduct said investigation. The Ombudsman shall also notify the complainant of his/her decision not to investigate the complaint in question, when appropriate, stating the grounds for such decision and advising the complainant of his/her right to request a reconsideration and review of the determination.
However, the Ombudsman shall not investigate complaints when:
(a) They refer to a matter outside his/her scope of jurisdiction.
(b) They lack merit.
(c) The complainant does not have standing to file it.
In those cases where the complaint filed does not involve any dispute that can be adjudicated or refers to a matter outside the scope of jurisdiction of the Office, the Ombudsman shall advice the complainant and refer it to the pertinent agency, if necessary.
The Ombudsman, in the exercise of the adjudication authorities granted by this chapter, may designate hearing officers who shall preside over administrative hearings to be held. Adjudication procedures shall be governed by the provisions of §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3, known as the “Uniform Administrative Procedures Act of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico” and the regulations to be adopted by the Office for such purposes, including any matter pertaining to the request for reconsideration and review of an adverse determination of the Ombudsman and his/her power to impose and collect administrative fines up to ten thousand dollars ($10,000), and to impose compensation for damages, including emotional damages, among others.
History —July 24, 2013, No. 76, § 15.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 37 - Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Ombudsman for the Elderly Act (§§ 721 — 736) › § 735 - Criminal provisions

(a) Any person who willfully disobeys, prevents, or hinders the discharge of the functions of the Office or of any of its authorized agents in the exercise of their duties pursuant to this chapter, or obstructs the holding of a hearing conducted in accordance with the purposes of this chapter, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by imprisonment for not more than six (6) months or a fine that shall not exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both penalties, at the discretion of the court.
(b) Any person that, without the express consent of the Ombudsman, discloses any evidence furnished or testimony given in an executive hearing of the Office, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by imprisonment for a term not to exceed six (6) months or a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both penalties, at the discretion of the court.
(c) It is hereby declared that, without the express consent of the Ombudsman, no evidence furnished or testimony given in an executive hearing shall be disclosed. Therefore, any person who violates this provision shall be punished by a fine that shall not exceed five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisonment for a term not to exceed six (6) months, or both penalties, at the discretion of the Court.
History —July 24, 2013, No. 76, § 16.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 37 - Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Ombudsman for the Elderly Act (§§ 721 — 736) › § 736 - Rulemaking authority

The Office is hereby empowered to adopt rules and regulations as are necessary to discharge the functions and duties established by this chapter. Rules and regulations other than those that shall govern the internal operations of the Office, shall have the force of a law upon compliance with the provisions of Act No. 112 of June 20, 1957, known as the “Act on Regulations of 1958,” as amended.
History —July 24, 2013, No. 76, § 17.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 39 - Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Ombudsman for Persons with Disabilities Act (§§ 761 — 777) › §§ 761 - to 777. Repealed. Act Sept. 24, 2015, Act No. 158, § 4.08, effective Sept. 24, 2015

History July 24, 2013, No. 78, § 2; Repealed. Act.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 41 - Dr. Arturo Morales-Carrión School of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs Internship Program (§§ 801 — 808) › § 801 - Creation

The Dr. Arturo Morales-Carrión School of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs Internship Program is hereby established, to be attached to the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Said program shall be directed and administered as provided hereinbelow. The Internship Program shall aim to offer an educational experience to university students that combines theoretical and practical elements about processes in multilateral institutions and entities that govern diplomacy and international relations both in Washington, D.C. and in other cities around the world. Furthermore, this program seeks to provide undergraduate and graduate students with firsthand experience in order to create human capital that is knowledgeable in issues of international significance and capable of making a contribution to Puerto Rico’s socioeconomic development and foreign relations.
History —April 17, 2015, No. 53 § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 41 - Dr. Arturo Morales-Carrión School of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs Internship Program (§§ 801 — 808) › § 802 - Implementation

All that pertains to the implementation and operation of the Program herein established may be carried out through collaboration agreements entered into with various public and private entities.
History —April 17, 2015, No. 53 § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 41 - Dr. Arturo Morales-Carrión School of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs Internship Program (§§ 801 — 808) › § 803 - Committee

A committee composed of three (3) members designated by the Secretary of State or his authorized representative is hereby created. In accordance with the public policy of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, committee members shall discharge their responsibilities without receiving any kind of stipend or per diem for carrying out their work and/or the duties of the position. Said committee shall be in charge of selecting the students that shall participate in the program. Members to the committee shall be appointed taking into account, but not limited to, their knowledge and credentials in fields related to diplomacy and international law.
History —April 17, 2015, No. 53 § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 41 - Dr. Arturo Morales-Carrión School of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs Internship Program (§§ 801 — 808) › § 804 - Selection criteria

The committee shall select candidates for the appropriate academic period depending on fund availability, to be placed in various federal and state offices, in international institutions or/and entities, and in non-governmental organizations. The committee shall establish, through regulations, a methodology that shall include selection criteria such as professional interest, education, qualifications, experience, and outstanding community services, among others.
History —April 17, 2015, No. 53 § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 41 - Dr. Arturo Morales-Carrión School of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs Internship Program (§§ 801 — 808) › § 805 - Stipend

Candidates for the Program shall be undergraduate and graduate students enrolled in post-secondary institutions located in Puerto Rico. At the time of participation, the student must have approved at least half of the credit hours leading to his degree. Interns thus selected shall receive a monthly stipend. Moreover, interns shall be provided with lodging and transportation from Puerto Rico to the destination where they shall serve their internship. The duration of the internship shall be equal to one academic semester, up to five (5) months.
History —April 17, 2015, No. 53 § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 41 - Dr. Arturo Morales-Carrión School of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs Internship Program (§§ 801 — 808) › § 806 - Rulemaking authority

The committee shall adopt bylaws to govern their internal operations. Said bylaws shall provide all the rules and procedures necessary for the Program’s appropriate operation, and must include all that pertains to the payment of stipends.
History —April 17, 2015, No. 53 § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 41 - Dr. Arturo Morales-Carrión School of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs Internship Program (§§ 801 — 808) › § 807 - Credit transfer and academic credit

The committee shall provide for the Program to operate according to the university calendar during each academic semester, and shall offer a combined curriculum of theoretical and practical experiences. Likewise, the committee shall take the appropriate steps to grant academic credit for participating in the program.
History —April 17, 2015, No. 53 § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 41 - Dr. Arturo Morales-Carrión School of Diplomacy and Foreign Affairs Internship Program (§§ 801 — 808) › § 808 - Funds

The annual funds needed for the implementation of this chapter shall be set aside at the request of the Secretary of the Department of State of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, in the General Budget of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
History —April 17, 2015, No. 53 § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 42 - Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Persons with Disabilities Advocacy Office Act (§§ 811 — 851) › Subchapter II - Persons with Disabilities Advocacy Office (§§ 812 — 828) › § 812 - Persons with Disabilities Advocacy Office

The Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Persons with Disabilities Advocacy Office is hereby created as a juridical entity independent and separate from any other public agency or entity. Said Advocacy Office shall oversee and promote advocacy for the rights of persons with disabilities. Through educational and oversight mechanisms, this Office shall ensure that discrimination based on physical or mental disability is eradicated; take actions against any abuse, negligence, or any other form of rights violation; and guarantee that suitable practices and conditions are established and implemented in any institution, hospital, or program serving persons with disabilities. It shall also oversee compliance with §§ 512 et seq. of this title, known as the “Bill of Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act”.
The Advocacy Office shall be directed by the Advocate for Persons with Disabilities, who shall be appointed and have the powers and responsibilities established further below. Moreover, the Advocacy Office shall have a Director’s Council for the Protection of Persons with Disabilities, which shall assist the Advocate in carrying out his/her duties; oversee compliance with the public policy set forth in this chapter, the Bill of Rights of Persons with Disabilities, and the implementation of strategic plans geared toward safeguarding the rights of persons with disabilities.
Likewise, the Advocacy Office shall have a Persons with Disabilities Protection and Advocacy Division under the direction of an Executive Director who shall have the authorities provided further below.
The Advocacy Office shall be exempt from the payment of taxes, permit fees, duties, tariffs, charges, or levies established by the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or the municipalities thereof on the properties of which the entity is an owner, lessor, or lessee, and on the income derived from any activity in which the Advocacy Office engages, including but not limited to, municipal license fees imposed in accordance with §§ 651 et seq. of Title 21, known as the “Municipal License Tax Act”, municipal construction excise taxes imposed in accordance with §§ 4001 et seq. of Title 21, known as the “Autonomous Municipalities Act of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico of 1991. Likewise, the Advocacy Office shall be exempt from the payment of any charges, internal revenue stamps and vouchers, fees, or duties required by law in judicial proceedings; as well as from the payment of any fees on account of certifications from any office or instrumentality of the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; as well as for the execution of public documents and the filing and recording thereof in any public register.
History —Sept. 24, 2015, No. 158, § 2.01.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ONE - The Commonwealth (§§ 1 — 5289) › Chapter 42 - Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Persons with Disabilities Advocacy Office Act (§§ 811 — 851) › Subchapter II - Persons with Disabilities Advocacy Office (§§ 812 — 828) › § 814 - Organization of the Director’s Council

(a) The Director’s Council shall create committees as appropriate to carry out its tasks. The following shall be mandatory committees:
(1) The Committee on Federal and State Laws; and
(2) The Committee on Governance and Accountability.
(b) If the provisions of § 815 of this title so warrant, an Adjudication Committee shall be constituted to be composed of one (1) retired superior judge who shall be the chair of the Committee, one (1) member of the Director’s Council, and one (1) member elected by the Director’s Council from among the persons recommended by nongovernmental groups concerned with rights of persons with disabilities.
(c) An Executive Committee shall be constituted to be composed of one Chairperson, one Vice-Chairperson, and one Secretary. Members of the Executive Committee shall be elected by a simple majority of the Director’s Council members. Each of the persons elected shall hold office in the Director’s Council until their terms expire or, until an absolute majority of the remaining members of the Director’s Council determines that they shall be removed from office in the Executive Committee.
(d) The Director’s Committee shall meet as many times as needed, but not less than once (1) every three (3) months. A simple majority of members of the Director’s Committee may call a meeting. Meeting hours shall be agreed upon by the members of the Director’s Council.
(e) The Director’s Council may delegate to the Advocate such actions or duties germane to the Director’s Council when it deems appropriate.
(f) The Advocate shall provide the Director’s Council with the facilities, equipment, supplies, and human resources needed to discharge the duties imposed by this chapter.
History —Sept. 24, 2015, No. 158, § 2.03.