reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 158 - Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico, Tourist Destination (§§ 6911 — 6926) › § 6915 - Executive Board—Powers

The Board for the Development of Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico shall direct and coordinate the efforts for the implementation of the Plan and be responsible for delimiting the strategies and for taking all actions necessary for making the Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico destination as [sic] a world class tourist destination.
History —Dec. 20, 2005, No. 158, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 158 - Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico, Tourist Destination (§§ 6911 — 6926) › § 6916 - Executive Board—Powers; Chairperson

The Chairperson of the Executive Board shall have, among others, the following powers and duties:
(a) Summon the Executive Board to all its regular and special meetings.
(b) Coordinate the work of the Board oriented towards the development of Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico as a world class tourist destination.
(c) Coordinate in a comprehensive manner the work of the Executive Board together with the Committees.
(d) Create subcommittees to attend to specific matters. They may be constituted by members of the committees or by other officers or persons of the public or private sector involved in or with expertise on the matters of the subcommittee for which they are designated.
(e) Be an ex-officio member of all committees or subcommittees created in this chapter or by the Executive Board for the Development of Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico.
(f) Create, with the approval of the Board, all regulations and plans needed for the implementation of this chapter.
(g) Establish an office in any of the municipalities located within the Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico Destination to provide support to the Executive Board or its committees as well as any subcommittee established pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
History —Dec. 20, 2005, No. 158, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 158 - Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico, Tourist Destination (§§ 6911 — 6926) › § 6917 - Infrastructure, Development, Transportation and Environmental Matters Committee

The Infrastructure, Development, Transportation and Environmental Matters Committee shall be constituted by the Secretary of the Department of Transportation and Public Works, who shall be its Chairperson; the Executive Director of the Aqueducts and Sewers Authority; the Director for Planning of the Tourism Company; the President of the Committee of the West of the Puerto Rico Hotels and Tourism Association; the Director of the Electric Power Authority; the Director of the Ports Authority; the Director of the Highways Authority; the Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources; the President of the Economic Development Bank for Puerto Rico; the President of the Chamber of Commerce of the West; the Director of the Office of Management and Budget, and a member appointed by the Association of Owners of Paradores whose parador is located within the tourist destination known as Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico.
This Committee shall carry out any task entrusted to it by the Executive Board or its Chairperson, as well as any other task the Committee believes shall help achieve the purpose stipulated in this chapter. The Committee shall also have the task of identifying the immediate needs and establish a work plan, approved by the Board, together with the agencies that constitute the same. It shall evaluate the program for the construction of roads, streets and highways, projects for aqueducts and electric power facilities, among others, that may be necessary for strengthening the tourist infrastructure and financial matters related to the development of tourist attractions and facilities. It shall also give particular attention to evaluating the implementation of all phases of the Master Plan created by the Ports Authority for the Rafael Hernández Airport and the establishment of programs for port incentives that foster the tourist and commercial development of the Mayagüez Maritime Port.
Furthermore, the Committee shall draft regulations to allow for the coordination of and steps to be taken for the installation of signs indicating the towns and the tourist facilities and attractions and the routes to reach these. These regulations shall include all matters pertaining to the installation of the signs in coordination with the Committee through interested public or private entities for the purpose of meeting the need for providing easy access and identifying locations. Any sign installed to identify the towns and the tourist facilities and attractions and the routes to reach these shall be written in both the Spanish and English languages and in the case of signals, those that are used internationally shall be employed for the benefit of tourists and the general public.
History —Dec. 20, 2005, No. 158, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 158 - Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico, Tourist Destination (§§ 6911 — 6926) › § 6918 - Education and Marketing Committee

The Education and Marketing Committee shall be constituted by the Executive Director of the Tourism Company, who shall be its Chairperson; the President of the Economic Development Bank for Puerto Rico; the Executive Director of the Corporation for the Comprehensive Development of Ecotourism; and a member appointed by the Association of Owners of Paradores whose parador is located within the tourist destination known as Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico; the President of the Committee of the West of the Puerto Rico Hotels and Tourism Association; a representative of the guided tours operators sector (guided tours enterprises) of the west; a representative of the tourist transportation sector of the west; the President of the Chamber of Commerce of the West; a representative of the tour guides sector of the west; the Executive Director of PR Tech; and a representative of the academic sector (the universities).
History —Dec. 20, 2005, No. 158, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 158 - Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico, Tourist Destination (§§ 6911 — 6926) › § 6919 - Substitution

Ever[y] member may designate an authorized representative who shall officially substitute [for] him/her in the workings of the Executive Board for the Development of Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico or of the committees or subcommittees that may [be] created pursuant to this chapter, provided that said person is qualified to make decisions on behalf of the government agency or entity which is represented.
History —Dec. 20, 2005, No. 158, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 158 - Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico, Tourist Destination (§§ 6911 — 6926) › § 6920 - Term and organization of the works

The members of the public sector shall hold office for the term of their appointments as Secretaries or Directors of the agencies in question. The appointment of the representatives of the Legislature and the mayors shall be for a period of four (4) years or until their legislative term expires, whichever comes first.
The members of the private sector shall hold office for the term of their appointments as chairpersons or presidents of the private organizations or associations. The appointment of representatives of the private sector who are not chairpersons or presidents of their organizations or associations shall be for four (4) years.
The Executive Board and the committees shall be organized within a period of not more than thirty (30) days after the approval of this act. The Chairperson of the Executive Board shall call upon all members who constitute the Executive Board for the Development of Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico so they may meet, organize and establish the structure of the Executive Board and of the committees and at the same time create an internal work plan for their administration. After the first meeting, the Chairperson of the Executive Board shall summon the members of both committees to create the work plan for these.
History —Dec. 20, 2005, No. 158, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 158 - Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico, Tourist Destination (§§ 6911 — 6926) › § 6921 - Meetings

The Executive Board, after being summoned by the Chairperson and the Committees, shall meet at least once a month. However, the Chairperson may call to [sic] special meetings when deemed necessary.
No member shall receive any payment whatsoever for his/her work as member of the Executive Board or of any of its committees or subcommittees, nor shall he/she receive a per diem for attending the meetings and activities. Those government employees or officers who by virtue of their functions are entitled to a reimbursement for their expenses on account of per diems or mileage shall be excluded pursuant to the applicable law or regulations.
History —Dec. 20, 2005, No. 158, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 158 - Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico, Tourist Destination (§§ 6911 — 6926) › § 6922 - Preparation of the plan

The Tourism Company is directed to prepare a plan for the destination known as Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico. This Plan shall be one of several working tools for the Executive Board as well as for the committees and subcommittees that may be created pursuant to this chapter.
The Puerto Rico Tourism Company shall establish an Office for the Executive Board for the Development of Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico in one of the municipalities of the Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico destination and shall furthermore furnish the personnel, materials and support equipment necessary for the proper operations of the Executive Board or of any of its committees or subcommittees.
History —Dec. 20, 2005, No. 158, § 12.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 158 - Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico, Tourist Destination (§§ 6911 — 6926) › § 6923 - Responsibilities of the municipalities

The municipalities set forth in § 6912 of this title are directed to submit to the Executive Board for the Development of Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico, an inventory of the present and potential tourist attractions of the [municipalities], as well as of the infrastructure needs of each municipality. They shall also submit a list of the resident artisans who participate in the popular feast day celebrations and cultural events that are held or take place in those municipalities, to be submitted on or before sixty (60) days after the approval of this act.
History —Dec. 20, 2005, No. 158, § 13.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 158 - Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico, Tourist Destination (§§ 6911 — 6926) › § 6924 - Responsibilities of the agencies

The Electric Power Authority, the Department of Transportation and Public Works, the Highways Authority, the Aqueducts and Sewers Authority and the Ports Authority are directed to conduct a study of the needs which shall be submitted to the Planning Board, the Tourism Company and the Executive Board for the Development of Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico, that shall include an analysis of the necessary infrastructure and the plans for the work that must be undertaken. This study shall be submitted on or before sixty (60) days after the approval of this act.
The Institute of Puerto Rican Culture shall be directed to conduct a thorough study of the distinctive cultural elements such as the history, legends, traditions and historic monuments of Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico. This study shall be submitted to the Advisory Board for the Development of Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico and to the Puerto Rico Tourism Company on or before sixty (60) days after the approval of this act.
The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and the National Parks Authority are directed to submit to the Planning Board, to the Executive Board for the Development of Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico and to the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, an inventory of the natural reserves or resources and the recreational facilities that exist in the Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico Destination. Likewise, the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources shall revise its Regulations for Concessions for those persons or enterprises that apply for concessions in the property administered by the agency.
The Economic Development Bank for Puerto Rico is directed to develop a public finance plan for Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico and to promote the economic sponsorship of the private sector. This finance plan shall be submitted to the Executive Board and to the Puerto Rico Tourism Company on or before sixty (60) days after the approval of this act.
History —Dec. 20, 2005, No. 158, § 14.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 158 - Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico, Tourist Destination (§§ 6911 — 6926) › § 6925 - Signs

The Department of Transportation and Public Works is directed to post signs in the areas and along the highways located within the tourist destination known as Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico through signboards written in both the Spanish and the English languages, and in the case of signals, through those that are used internationally. The Department shall give priority to the areas and highways delimited by the Executive Board for the Development of the Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico as recommended by the Infrastructure, Development, Transportation and Environmental Matters Committee. The regulations for signposting which shall be adopted by the Infrastructure, Development, Transportation and Environmental Matters Committee pursuant to the provisions of § 6917 of this title shall allow the posting, by public or private interested entities and in coordination with the Committee, of signs strategically located so as to ensure their easy location and access for the benefit of tourists and the general public.
History —Dec. 20, 2005, No. 158, § 15.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 158 - Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico, Tourist Destination (§§ 6911 — 6926) › § 6926 - Exclusions

The destination known as Porta del Sol — Puerto Rico is excluded from the application of subsection (8) of § 671e of this title, part of the act known as the “Puerto Rico Tourism Company Act”. No regional or municipal Committee may exist other than those established by virtue of this chapter whose purpose is to achieve the functions delegated to the Executive Board or to its Committees created in this chapter. The Tourism Company shall ensure strict compliance with the stipulations of this section.
History —Dec. 20, 2005, No. 158, § 16.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 159 - Charter Flights Air Incentive Program (§§ 6931 — 6938) › § 6931 - Establishment

The “Charter Flights Air Incentive Program at the Rafael Hernandez Airport in Aguadilla and Mercedita International Airport of Ponce” attached to the Puerto Rico Tourism Company is hereby authorized and established for the purpose of fixing an incentives plan directed to promoting the arrival of charter flights to said airports, to increase the number of passengers, to promote the stay of passengers in the Paradores and Inns located at the Porta del Sol-Puerto Rico, and Porta Caribe Tourist Destinations endorsed by the Tourism Company, and to provide an economic boost to these important tourist sectors of Puerto Rico.
History —May 22, 2008, No. 67, § 2; July 20, 2012, No. 141, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 159 - Charter Flights Air Incentive Program (§§ 6931 — 6938) › § 6932 - Public policy

The main purposes pursued by the Government of Puerto through the adoption of incentives for the charter flights industry in the Rafael Hernández Airport are the following:
(a) To increase the hotel occupancy in the Paradores and Inns located at the Porta del Sol-Puerto Rico and the Porta Caribe Tourist Destinations endorsed by the Tourism Company;
(b) to increase the number of passengers in the Rafael Hernández Airport in Aguadilla;
(c) to promote consumption and investment of the region’s economy;
(d) generate and increase benefits to be received by the different economic sectors of Puerto Rico, and
(e) to offer equal incentives to all operators of charter flights in order to maximize the promotion of Puerto Rico as the Porta del Sol-Puerto Rico Tourist Destination, and the Porta Caribe Tourist Destination.
(f) to create new routes for the purpose of attracting tourists and promoting Puerto Rico in as many countries as possible.
History —May 22, 2008, No. 67, § 3; July 20, 2012, No. 141, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 159 - Charter Flights Air Incentive Program (§§ 6931 — 6938) › § 6933 - Fund—Creation

A special fund is hereby created in the books of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company to be denominated the “Special Fund for the Charter Flights Incentive Program at the Rafael Hernandez Airport of Aguadilla and Mercedita International Airport of Ponce” (the “Fund’), attached to the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. The Fund shall be kept separate from other public funds under the custody of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company. The Fund shall be nourished from the following appropriations:
(a) The sum of two million dollars ($2,000,000) from the funds of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, existing at present in the Air Access Program.
(b) Monetary appropriations provided by this chapter and those to be destined in the future by the Legislature to the special fund created herein.
(c) Any other moneys to be donated, transferred or assigned by the federal, Commonwealth or municipal government bodies or private persons or entities, including the Budget Fund created by virtue of §§ 101 et seq. of this title.
History —May 22, 2008, No. 67, § 4; July 20, 2012, No. 141, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 159 - Charter Flights Air Incentive Program (§§ 6931 — 6938) › § 6934 - Fund—Administration and consignation

(a) The Puerto Rico Tourism Company shall establish through regulations all that pertains to the form and manner in which incentives shall be requested and granted in order to guarantee a sound administration of the public funds.
The following is hereby established with regard to the manner in which the aforementioned incentives shall be granted:
The Tourism Company shall annually set aside five percent (5%) or a minimum of one million dollars ($1,000,000) from the funds available in the “New Routes Air Access Program Fund” to the Rafael Hernández Airport of Aguadilla, and five percent (5%), or a minimum of one million dollars ($1,000,000) from said funds to the Mercedita International Airport of Ponce, beginning on July 1, 2012, for the purpose of promoting the establishment of new air routes.
(b) The Puerto Rico Tourism Company shall annually consign an item for the purpose of nourishing said Fund beginning with the budget for Fiscal Year 2007-2008.
History —May 22, 2008, No. 67, §§ 5—6; July 20, 2012, No. 141, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 159 - Charter Flights Air Incentive Program (§§ 6931 — 6938) › § 6935 - Establishment of incentives

The following incentives shall be granted to the companies or operators of charter flights for the new routes established by this chapter:
(a) Income guarantee incentive.— An income guarantee incentive of up to ten percent (10%) shall be offered during the term agreed upon of the projected break-even earnings.
(b) Cooperative market incentive.— A matching fund on a dollar-for-dollar basis shall be offered, this amount shall be based on the passenger/available seat volume projections.
(c) Airport landing incentive.— A fifty percent (50%) discount shall be contributed to landing fees.
(d) It is hereby expressly provided that the incentives herein itemized shall apply exclusively to charter flights using the Rafael Hernandez Airport of Aguadilla and the Mercedita International Airport of Ponce.
(e) The incentives herein provided shall be defrayed by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company to the corresponding company or operator in a term not to exceed thirty (30) days after attaining the objectives pursued.
History —May 22, 2008, No. 67, § 7; July 20, 2012, No. 141, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 159 - Charter Flights Air Incentive Program (§§ 6931 — 6938) › § 6936 - Beneficiaries

Only charter flights companies or operators shall be entitled to apply for the incentives provided for in this chapter.
History —May 22, 2008, No. 67, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 159 - Charter Flights Air Incentive Program (§§ 6931 — 6938) › § 6937 - Requirements

In order to qualify for the incentives provided under this chapter, it shall be required that seventy-five percent (75%) of the passengers in the charter flight have at least a three (3)-night stay reservation in any of the Paradores or Inns located at the Porta del Sol-Puerto Rico, and Porta Caribe Tourist Destinations, endorsed by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company.
History —May 22, 2008, No. 67, § 9; July 20, 2012, No. 141, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 159 - Charter Flights Air Incentive Program (§§ 6931 — 6938) › § 6938 - Administration

The Puerto Rico Tourism Company shall have the obligation to oversee that the funds appropriated to the Fund be used in accordance to the regulations established by it.
Sixty (60) days on or before the closing of each fiscal year, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company shall render a report to the Governor and the Legislature [regarding] compliance with, and administration of this chapter.
History —May 22, 2008, No. 67, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 160 - Special Mountain Region Tourist District (§§ 6941 — 6949) › § 6941 - Creation

(a) The Special Mountain Region Tourist District is hereby created.
(b) The Special Mountain Region Tourist District shall be constituted by the following municipalities: Adjuntas, Aguas Buenas, Aibonito, Barranquitas, Cayey, Ciales, Cidra, Comerío, Corozal, Florida, Jayuya, Lares, Morovis, Naranjito, Orocovis, and Utuado.
History —Aug. 4, 2009, No. 54, §§ 1, 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 160 - Special Mountain Region Tourist District (§§ 6941 — 6949) › § 6942 - Strategic plan

The Tourism Company is hereby directed to draft a Strategic Plan for District Tourism and Marketing Development and to name and identify the Special Mountain Region Tourist District. Such Plan shall include elements pertaining to agrotourism or rural tourism.
History —Aug. 4, 2009, No. 54, § 3; Apr. 16, 2010, No. 41, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 160 - Special Mountain Region Tourist District (§§ 6941 — 6949) › § 6943 - Inventory by municipalities

Member municipalities are hereby directed to submit to the Tourism Company an inventory of their current and potential tourist attractions and the needs in terms of infrastructure for such attractions. Member municipalities shall also submit a roster of artisans and popular and cultural festivities relevant to and celebrated in their municipalities, within a term not greater than one hundred and eighty (180) days as of the date of approval of this act.
History —Aug. 4, 2009, No. 54, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 160 - Special Mountain Region Tourist District (§§ 6941 — 6949) › § 6944 - Studies

(a) The Electric Power Authority, the Department of Transportation and Public Works, the Highway Authority, and the Aqueduct and Sewer Authority are hereby directed to conduct a study on the needs for adequate infrastructure and on ways in which to improve and finance the same, in consultation with the Planning Board and the Tourism Company, so as to lay the groundwork for drafting a Strategic Plan for the Special Mountain Region Tourist District by municipality and for preparing a visual and narrative documentary in digital format, in order for the same to be distributed among the town halls of municipalities comprised within said district so as to give the documentary proper public exposure.
(b) The Institute of Puerto Rican Culture is hereby directed to conduct a comprehensive study of the distinctive cultural elements, history, legends, traditions, and historic landmarks of the Special Mountain Region Tourist District, in order for these elements to be incorporated into and considered in the drafting of the Strategic Plan set forth in this chapter. Likewise, the Department of Agriculture shall be responsible for conducting a comprehensive study on the group of tourism-related activities and accommodations organized by farmers, in accordance with the provisions contained in the Reglamento para el establecimiento del turismo rural [lit.: “Regulation for the Establishment of Rural Tourism”], so that they can be incorporated into said Plan.
History —Aug. 4, 2009, No. 54, §§ 5, 6; Apr. 16, 2010, No. 41, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 160 - Special Mountain Region Tourist District (§§ 6941 — 6949) › § 6945 - Inventory by the agencies

The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and the National Park Company are hereby directed to submit to the Public-Private Commission for District Development, created further, and to the Planning Board an inventory of the reservoirs and/or natural resources and of the existing recreational facilities in the Special Mountain Region Tourist District, so as to incorporate such offerings into the tourism master plan as pertains to ecotourism and other relevant modalities. Furthermore, the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources shall revise its Concession Regulations for those persons or businesses that request concessionaires within the premises administered by the agency.
History —Aug. 4, 2009, No. 54, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 160 - Special Mountain Region Tourist District (§§ 6941 — 6949) › § 6946 - Public financing plan

The Tourism Company is hereby directed to develop a public financing plan for the Special Mountain Region Tourist District and to promote financial patronage by the private business sector. To this end, the Economic Development Bank for Puerto Rico, subject to the provisions of its Organic Act and in compliance with its policies and regulations in effect, shall collaborate with the Tourism Company in drafting such public financing plan.
History —Aug. 4, 2009, No. 54, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 160 - Special Mountain Region Tourist District (§§ 6941 — 6949) › § 6947 - Commission

The creation of a Public-Private Commission for District Development is hereby directed, which shall guarantee celerity in fulfilling the tasks provided in this chapter and follow up on the progress of efforts conducted, in order to achieve the adequate implementation of the proposals included in the Strategic Plan provided herein. Said Commission shall be constituted by the Executive Director of the Tourism Company, who shall preside; the Chair of the Planning Board; the Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources; the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture; the mayors of the municipalities that constitute the Special Mountain Region Tourist District; the President of the Economic Development Bank for Puerto Rico; the President of the Puerto Rican Parador Owners Association; the President of the Puerto Rico Chamber of Commerce; the Executive Director of the Integrated Ecotourism Development Corporation; and the President of the Puerto Rico Hotel & Tourism Association. Each member may designate an authorized representative to officially stand in for him/her to tend to the business of the Commission created herein. Public sector members shall hold office for the duration of their terms of appointment as Secretaries or Directors of the agencies listed above. Private sector members shall hold office for the duration of their terms of appointment as Presidents of their private association or organization.
Within a term not to exceed thirty (30) days as of the date of approval of this act, the President of the Commission or his/her authorized representative shall convene all members, who shall assemble in meeting and organize and establish the structure of the Commission, as well as an internal work plan for its administration.
The Commission shall meet at least once a month, not to be construed as a limitation, and may assemble in special meetings convened by the majority of members whenever necessary. The Commission shall fulfill its tasks within a term not to exceed one hundred and eighty (180) days after holding its first meeting, and render a report to the Legislature and the Governor of Puerto Rico on the works conducted and on any such issues which might affect the proper implementation of the Strategic Plan by the Tourism Company, together with possible recommendations. No member shall receive any pay for serving in the Commission or any per diems for attending meetings and functions.
History —Aug. 4, 2009, No. 54, § 9; Apr. 16, 2010, No. 41, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 160 - Special Mountain Region Tourist District (§§ 6941 — 6949) › § 6948 - Report

After the mandate established herein is fulfilled and the Special Mountain Region Tourist District is operating under a properly prepared Strategic Plan for District Marketing and Tourist Development, the business of the Commission created herein shall be deemed to be completed. The Tourism Company shall be responsible for overseeing and keeping the District operative; Provided, That the Tourism Company, shall remit on March 30 of every year, a report to the Legislature and the Governor of Puerto Rico to account for its endeavors, achievements, and progress in applying this chapter.
History —Aug. 4, 2009, No. 54, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 160 - Special Mountain Region Tourist District (§§ 6941 — 6949) › § 6949 - Uniform business hours schedule

The agencies, departments, public corporations and instrumentalities of the Government in charge of museums, parks, offices or any tourist attraction site, shall implement a Uniform Business Hours Schedule for weekends and legal holidays, pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 263 of November 16, 2002.
History —Aug. 4, 2009, No. 54, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 161 - Tourist Residences (§§ 6951 — 6951t) › § 6951b - Powers of the Executive Director of the Tourism Company

(a) To draft and approve regulations, together with the DACO, to implement the impositions of this chapter. He/she may establish additional requirements in the regulations, insofar as they are also approved by the Secretary of the DACO and the same are not inconsistent with this chapter;
(b) to interpret the regulations according to the expertise of his/her agency, allowing the DACO, through its Secretary, to express itself regarding issues related to its expertise if controversies arise with regards to this Act and its regulations; provided, however, that any interpretation shall be made according to the purposes sought by this chapter;
(c) to assist the Secretary, when deemed necessary, with his/her investigative powers in everything related to a vacation home developer and the directors, officials, or affiliates thereof, in order to determine whether the same comply with this chapter and/or its regulations;
(d) to issue any Orders or Notices established or allowed under this Act and/or its regulations;
(e) to impose fines for violation of this chapter and/or its regulations;
(f) to execute, together with the DACO, cooperation and reciprocity agreements with the authorities of other jurisdictions, in order to harmonize offer and sales practices outside of Puerto Rico and vacation home units; and
(g) to coordinate with the DACO any power, duty, authority, or function conferred to such Department by this chapter or its regulations, so that the DACO may exercise, comply, or perform the same in its stead.
History —Dec. 16, 2009, No. 181, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 161 - Tourist Residences (§§ 6951 — 6951t) › § 6951c - Information register

The Secretary shall keep a public register with the following documents and information:
(a) Vacation home developers to whom any type of license under this chapter has been issued or revoked, and the directors, officials, and shareholders thereof with more than five percent (5%) of the capital of the company;
(b) documents related to any bond and/or surety filed by the vacation home developers;
(c) history of fines under this chapter imposed on vacation home developer s and the directors, officials, or affiliates thereof;
(d) all documents related to any registration outside of Puerto Rico of every vacation home project;
(e) all contract models approved for each project and copies or issues of all the marketing and advertising materials used for the project; and
(f) any other document or information filed with the Tourism Company or the DACO, in accordance with this chapter.
History —Dec. 16, 2009, No. 181, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 161 - Tourist Residences (§§ 6951 — 6951t) › § 6951e - Minimum application content requirements to obtain a vacation home developer license

To obtain a regular or provisional license, or to renew the same, an application shall be filed under oath attesting, at least:
(a) The name, street and mailing address, telephone and fax numbers, and e-mail address of the applicant, of all managing or administrative partners, and of any person with a share of at least five percent (5%) of the capital of the company, if it is a partnership, of all directors and officials and of the resident agent, if it is a corporation or a limited liability company, and of any person with a share of at least five percent (5%) of the capital of the company.
(b) A description of the proposed vacation home projects, if this fact is known at the time of filing, including the location, number of units, average pricing of the units, and amenities to be included, as well as sources of capital and financing available for such projects.
(c) The number, name, and classification of construction projects of any type built by the applicant or the affiliates thereof before the application date.
The application shall have the following documents attached:
(1) A certified copy of the Memorandum or Certificate of Incorporation or formation;
(2) a balance sheet of the applicant at the time of filing the application, duly certified by an authorized official of the applicant;
(3) a list of all affiliates devoted to the purchase and sale of land, construction, and/or property management, and an account of the businesses in which they are engaged;
(4) an account, as well as the status, of all lawsuits and administrative complaints filed against the same, the affiliates, directors, officials, partners, shareholders, and members thereof regarding construction projects of any type in any jurisdiction during the last five (5) years;
(5) evidence of having the bond or surety documents that may be required, pursuant to this chapter or its regulations; and
(6) a certified check or postal money order made to the order of the Secretary for the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000). Income generated from such charge shall be devoted to defray the expenses related to the implementation of this chapter.
History —Dec. 16, 2009, No. 181, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 161 - Tourist Residences (§§ 6951 — 6951t) › § 6951f - Application approval or denial

(a) The DACO shall evaluate the license application and carry out all the investigations it deems pertinent before approving the same. However, if a license application under the terms of this chapter, duly filled out and accompanied by all the documents and information necessary for its consideration, were not denied within thirty (30) business days after being filed, it shall be deemed approved and the applicant may demand that the license applied for be issued within the following ten (10) business days.
(b) As a condition for the issuance of a license pursuant to this chapter, the Secretary may, when he/she deems it necessary to protect the buyers’ interest, demand the posting of a fidelity bond on the amounts of money to be deposited in reserve or escrow accounts related to the project or projects of the applicant.
(c) The Secretary shall deny the issuance or renewal application of a vacation home developer license when he/she determines that:
(1) The application does not comply with the requirements of this chapter or its regulations for the issuance of such license,
(2) the examination of its content shows that there is a substantial risk that the applicant will not comply with the provisions of this chapter or with the obligations assumed with the buyers, or
(3) during the last five (5) years, the applicant has incurred one of the actions or omissions that would entail the revocation of an effective vacation home developer license.
(d) The DACO and the Tourism Company may jointly draft additional rules, through regulations, with regards to the content and evaluation of the applications.
History —Dec. 16, 2009, No. 181, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 161 - Tourist Residences (§§ 6951 — 6951t) › § 6951g - Deposit management

(a) A special escrow account agreement shall be executed between a financial or cooperative institution in Puerto Rico and the vacation home developer before the execution of any reservation contract or purchase agreement, including the terms agreed on by the parties; provided, however, that the same shall not contravene this chapter. Said contract, or a model thereof, shall be filed with the DACO, together with the model reservation contract or purchase agreement, but the DACO shall not be empowered to review or approve the special escrow account agreement.
(b) The special escrow account agreement may be drafted either in English or Spanish.
(c) Every vacation home developer shall deposit in a financial or savings institution authorized to operate in Puerto Rico the deposits received on account of a reservation contract or a purchase agreement with regards to each project.
(d) The amounts of money that the vacation home developer is required to deposit in a special escrow account shall be deposited within ten (10) business days following the receipt thereof. These amounts of money shall be kept separate from all other operating funds of the vacation home developer. It shall not be possible to draw funds from this account in order for such amounts and their interest, if any, to be immediately refunded to the respective depositor, when appropriate, as agreed in the terms of the reservation contract or purchase agreement, or accredited to the purchase and sale price when the deeds are signed, all according to the manner and procedure provided hereunder.
(e) Notwithstanding the foregoing, the vacation home developer shall be allowed, after having consigned to the DACO the deposit of a bond in an amount to be determined by the DACO for the tourism project in question, to use the funds obtained through the deposits agreed on in the reservation contracts and/or purchase agreements only for expenditures related to the development of the vacation home project.
(f) Deposits shall be refundable to the buyer in cases in which a court or the DACO determines that the vacation home developer engaged in undesirable practices as described herein or in any fraud or deceit with the intention to defraud, regardless of any terms providing otherwise in the reservation contract or purchase agreement.
(g) The provisions of this section shall not apply to exempt special escrow account agreements.
History —Dec. 16, 2009, No. 181, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 161 - Tourist Residences (§§ 6951 — 6951t) › § 6951j - Contract evaluation

(a) The DACO shall have thirty (30) business days counted from the filing of a reservation contract or purchase agreement to ascertain compliance with the provisions of this chapter. If the DACO fails to express itself during such term, it shall be understood that the contract or agreement has received a positive evaluation and may be used by the vacation home developer or any other real estate broker or agent of the vacation home developer for purposes of the sales and marketing of the units of the project for which approval was requested.
(b) In case of an Initial Negative Evaluation, the DACO shall have to issue the same within thirty (30) business days counted from the filing of the reservation contract or purchase agreement, and shall be accompanied by specific, clear, and supported grounds. The vacation home developer shall have thirty (30) days following an Initial Negative Evaluation to submit an amended contract. The DACO shall have fifteen (15) days counted from the filing of an amended contract to evaluate compliance with the provisions of this chapter. If the DACO fails to express itself during such term, it shall be understood that the Amended Contract has received a positive evaluation and may be used. In case of a Negative Reevaluation, the DACO shall issue the same within said fifteen (15) day term, accompanied by specific, clear, and supported grounds. The vacation home developer shall have ten (10) days after receiving a negative reevaluation to request an administrative hearing. The DACO shall carry out such administrative hearing within ten (10) days after the same was requested, and shall make a final and binding decision within five (5) days after said administrative hearing. Any final and binding decision shall be subject to review, pursuant to §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3.
(c) The date stamped by the DACO on the reservation contract, purchase agreement, or amended contract filed for approval shall be conclusive for the beginning of the terms provided herein.
(d) A negative reevaluation may not be upheld by the DACO in allegations for which no grounds were provided in the initial negative evaluation, insofar as the provision in question in the amended contract has not been altered by the vacation home developer.
(e) A final and binding decision not to approve an amended contract may not be supported by the DACO in allegations for which no grounds were provided in the Initial negative evaluation or in the negative reevaluation.
History —Dec. 16, 2009, No. 181, § 13.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 161 - Tourist Residences (§§ 6951 — 6951t) › § 6951k - Exempt contract provisions

Exempt contracts and the management of deposits acquired through the same shall be governed by the laws of the jurisdiction where they were executed. However, the remaining provisions of this chapter shall apply to the vacation home developer.
History —Dec. 16, 2009, No. 181, § 14.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 161 - Tourist Residences (§§ 6951 — 6951t) › § 6951l - Mandatory memberships

Mandatory memberships shall be valid in vacation home projects, insofar as this obligation is included in the purchase agreement, including a summary of the terms and conditions of the membership and the fees (on account of what and for which estimated amount, if these have not been fixed) to be paid by the members. The membership terms and conditions shall be determined by the issuer of such memberships at his/her complete discretion. Such mandatory memberships may be in hotels, gyms, spas, recreational areas, or clubs, including sports clubs such as, but not limited to golf, tennis, or sailing clubs.
History —Dec. 16, 2009, No. 181, § 15.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY-THREE - Public Planning and Development (§§ 1 — 11273) › PART VI - Tourism (§§ 6001 — 6982i) › Chapter 161 - Tourist Residences (§§ 6951 — 6951t) › § 6951m - Undesirable practices

The following practices shall be considered undesirable for purposes of this chapter and its regulations:
(a) To commit any kind of fraudulent action that causes or may cause damages to buyers and/or to the image of Puerto Rico as a tourist and investment destination.
(b) To publish advertisements, statements, or information distorting or exaggerating the terms under which units may be acquired.
(c) To intentionally provide incorrect information to the DACO, the Tourism Company, and/or buyers.
(d) To execute a reservation contract, purchase agreement, or special escrow account Agreement in contravention to this chapter.
(e) To request or accept money deposits or advances to reserve units in a Project without a location assessment, preliminary plan or development, or any other endorsement or permit that substitutes the same by law, approved by the Planning Board and/or the regulations and Permits Administration of Puerto Rico or any government entity that, by law, substitutes the same in their functions, as the case may be, or by an autonomous municipality in the event that the power over city planning has been duly delegated thereto.
(f) To fail to comply with the obligations under a reservation contract, purchase agreement, or special escrow account agreement.
(g) To violate any other of its obligations provided herein or established by the DACO through regulations.
History —Dec. 16, 2009, No. 181, § 16.