reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 42 - Regulation on Appropriation of Public Funds (§§ 941 — 951a) › § 943 - Resolutions—Contents; pork barrel

Every joint resolution which appropriates public funds for the construction of permanent works (pork barrel) shall contain the following information:
(a) Description of the work or improvement to be performed;
(b) total amount appropriated and an estimate of the work or improvement to be performed;
(c) specific location where the work or improvement shall be performed, stating:
(1) Senate District or Representative District;
(2) the corresponding municipality, and
(3) the ward, sector or urbanization;
(d) the government entity or municipality which shall be directly in charge of the performance or supervision of the work or improvement;
(e) the government entity or municipality which shall be directly in charge of the custody and disbursement of the funds appropriated, and
(f) any other information deemed necessary by the legislator.
History —Aug. 16, 2002, No. 179, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 42 - Regulation on Appropriation of Public Funds (§§ 941 — 951a) › § 944 - Custody and disbursement; requirements

The government entity or municipality which shall be directly in charge of the custody or disbursement of the funds appropriated for permanent works shall establish:
(a) A staggered system of payments based on the certification of the progress of the work or improvement;
(b) a checklist system to verify that the necessary auctions or quotations have been performed pursuant to the law;
(c) a system for the receiving and registration of documents, invoices and vouchers for every appropriation of funds;
(d) an easy access file where all documentation related to the performance of works or improvements may be verified.
History —Aug. 16, 2002, No. 179, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 42 - Regulation on Appropriation of Public Funds (§§ 941 — 951a) › § 945 - Resolutions—Contents; small pork barrel

Every joint resolution through which public funds are appropriated for the acquisition of equipment, purchase of materials and other activities of social interest (small pork barrel) shall contain the following information:
(a) Description of the equipment, materials to be acquired or the activities of social interest to be paid;
(b) name of the institution, organization o[r] person benefited with the funds appropriated;
(c) purpose or reason for the appropriation, and
(d) total amount appropriated.
In turn, the applicant shall be responsible for furnishing the information needed in order to comply with the purpose to set forth in this section, and the estimate he/she furnishes, shall state the appropriation which shall be made by every participating component, if any, at the time of requesting the funds, such as governmental, individual, of private entities, and of any other kind.
History —Aug. 16, 2002, No. 179, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 42 - Regulation on Appropriation of Public Funds (§§ 941 — 951a) › § 946 - Request; certification

Any request for public funds for the acquisition of equipment, purchase of materials and other activities of social interest (small pork barrel) made to any entity shall include a certified form which shall be provided therefor by each Legislative Body. In the event the appropriation exceeds the amount of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500), the applicant shall submit a statement sworn before a notary public or before a judge of first instance in order to receive the funds requested. In said request, the applicant shall furnish evidence of his/her financial situation, the need for the legislative contribution, and shall consign whether or not he/she has a relationship, within the fourth degree of consanguinity or second of affinity, with the legislator from whom the appropriation of public funds is requested or with any of his/her employees. If the applicant does have said relationship, he/she shall specify the degree of consanguinity. In the event there exists such degree of consanguinity, the commission of the Legislative Body that has the consideration of the joint resolution, may recommend the approval thereof with the consent of two thirds (2 / 3) of its members. In the case of juridical persons, the members of the Board of Directors of the requesting entity shall comply with the requirements listed herein.
The beneficiary shall furnish a report detailing the use of the funds; such report shall include the receipts of the materials, equipment, services received, certification of works or improvements performed, as the case may be, to the designated agency, not later than ninety (90) days after the day of the last payment to the beneficiary. To these ends, the designated agency shall provide a sheet to the beneficiary which states the obligations which shall be complied in agreement with the provisions set forth in this section and the beneficiary shall be warned that he/she shall comply with the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
The Clerk of the House and the Secretary of the Senate shall prepare and place at the disposal of the legislators and the persons who so request it, an application form for the legislative contributions pursuant to the requirements provided herein.
History —Aug. 16, 2002, No. 179, § 7; Jan. 13, 2004, No. 52, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 42 - Regulation on Appropriation of Public Funds (§§ 941 — 951a) › § 947 - Use of funds appropriated—No modification

The governmental agencies, municipalities, as well as the entities receiving appropriations from public funds shall use the same for the purposes established in the corresponding Joint Resolution, and never shall dispose of the same for other purposes or ends which are not categorically and specifically set forth in the Joint Resolution approved.
Any change or modification of the purposes or ends established in the original Joint Resolution, shall require the Legislature to restart or repeat all the procedures.
The compliance with these Joint Resolutions, appropriating public funds, shall be made following the norms and procedures applicable to the municipalities and governmental entities. Except for natural persons, all contracts subscribed and any other legal document shall be subject to the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and shall be interpreted in agreement to the same.
History —Aug. 16, 2002, No. 179, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 42 - Regulation on Appropriation of Public Funds (§§ 941 — 951a) › § 948 - Reappropriation

The natural persons who receive appropriations of public funds and who for any reason desist from the construction of the work, the acquisition of the equipment, or the development of the activity, shall inform the proposing legislator and the Treasury Committee of both Houses to reassign the use of the same.
History —Aug. 16, 2002, No. 179, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 42 - Regulation on Appropriation of Public Funds (§§ 941 — 951a) › § 949 - Report

The governmental entities, as well as those nongovernmental, which receive these public funds, shall be bound to render in the Office of the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate a detailed quarterly report on the funds used, not later than July 31, and Jaenary 31 of the corresponding fiscal year. The granting of additional funds to the beneficiaries shall not be authorized under any circumstance until the beneficiary renders the corresponding report. In the case of the municipalities, these shall comply with § 4902(t) of Title 21, part of the Autonomous Municipalities of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Act of 1991. In this report it shall be stated how the purposes and ends established by the joint resolution have been complied with. On the other hand, the private entities shall render a sworn report.
History —Aug. 16, 2002, No. 179, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 42 - Regulation on Appropriation of Public Funds (§§ 941 — 951a) › § 950 - Prohibition

No legislator or his/her assistants or employees may receive or hold any check issued by the designated agency. Any violation to this provision shall be sanctioned pursuant to the Code of Ethics of each Legislative Body.
History —Aug. 16, 2002, No. 179, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 42 - Regulation on Appropriation of Public Funds (§§ 941 — 951a) › § 951 - Record

The legislator shall keep a record of every appropriation made by him/her of public funds from the pork barrel and the small pork barrel. Such record shall contain all the documentation stipulated in §§ 943 and 945 of this title, which originated such request and recommendation. The legislator shall keep the record for four (4) years, or until there is conducted an audit by the office of the Comptroller, whichever occurs first. Should the four (4) years elapse and the Office of the Comptroller has conducted no audit, or the legislator resigns his office, the record shall be transferred to the Office of the Clerk of the House or the Secretary of the Senate until the Comptroller’s audit is conducted.
History —Aug. 16, 2002, No. 179, § 12.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 42 - Regulation on Appropriation of Public Funds (§§ 941 — 951a) › § 951a - Emergencies

Regardless of the provisions of this chapter, in emergency situations such as hurricanes, storms, floods, earthquakes, fire or natural disasters, the Management and Budget Office shall expedite the processing of appropriations of the funds approved and which so expressly state it in the title of the measure, with the phrase “emergency assistance” to help remedy said disasters and shall not take more than five (5) working days to transfer the funds to the designated agencies. Likewise, every designated agency shall establish an expedited procedure for the delivery of said funds within a term that shall not exceed five (5) working days.
When dealing with a request for public funds, pursuant to the provisions of this section for the acquisition of equipment, the purchase of materials, and other social assistance activities (small pork barrel) to any entity to recover the damages caused by an emergency situation, said request does not have to be accompanied, at the time of approval, by the certified form referred to in § 946 of this title. However, said form shall be delivered within the next thirty (30) days from the approval of the bill that appropriates the requested public funds, and if not done so in the prescribed term, the entity shall be bound to return the appropriated public funds, if they were finally made available.
Under no circumstances shall emergency funds be appropriated, pursuant to the provisions of this section, to an entity that has a relationship within the fourth degree of consanguinity or a second degree of affinity with the legislator from whom the appropriation of public funds is requested or any of his/her employees.
History —Aug. 16, 2002, No. 179, added as § 12-A on Jan. 13, 2004, No. 52, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 44 - Virtual Library (§§ 971 — 975) › § 971 - Creation and objectives

The Virtual Library of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is hereby created with the following objectives, purposes and goals:
(a) To preserve and conserve documents and other information resources of historical and strategic value about the economic, social, scientific, political and cultural development of Puerto Rico, making them electronically accessible through the Internet.
(b) To convert into a digital format the manuscripts, letters, signs, photographs, maps, newspapers, governmental publications, magazines, sound files, and original Puerto Rican books located in the General Archive of Puerto Rico, the General Library of Puerto Rico, the Puerto Rican Collection of the University of Puerto Rico, and in other public or private collections.
(c) To establish a Digitalization Center for converting the information resources belonging to institutions participating in the creation of the Virtual Library of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico into digital format.
(d) To create a bibliographical database, of complete text, audio, and images of the aforementioned information resources.
(e) To provide access to the digitalized information resources through descriptive cataloguing and indexation.
(f) To publish the database on the Internet through an electronic gateway on the “World Wide Web” (www).
(g) To establish formal agreements for exchange and collaboration between the institutions participating in the creation of the Virtual Library to manage the development of the infrastructure, the acquisition of documentary sources, and the support of the project.
(h) To generate specialized electronic services that can be sold by the Virtual Library to generate funds contributing to its maintenance.
History —Jan. 4, 2003, No. 66, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 44 - Virtual Library (§§ 971 — 975) › § 972 - Organization Board—Creation

The Organization Board of the Virtual Library of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is hereby created, and shall be formed by (7) members, to wit: the Director of the Office of Legislative Services of Puerto Rico; the President of the University of Puerto Rico; the Secretary of the Department of Education; the Director of the Puerto Rico Institute of Culture; the Executive Director of the Management and Budget Office of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; the President of the Librarian’s Society of Puerto Rico and the President of the Puerto Rican Association of Puerto Rican Private Universities. The work of the Organization Board shall be coordinated by the Director of the Management and Budget Office.
History —Jan. 4, 2003, No. 66, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 44 - Virtual Library (§§ 971 — 975) › § 973 - Organization Board—Terms of office

The Organization Board shall remain operative during one year, within which it must perform the duties and functions assigned to it, or until the agency or organization which must assume definite control over the Virtual Library begins its mandate following the corresponding legislative decision.
History —Jan. 4, 2003, No. 66, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 44 - Virtual Library (§§ 971 — 975) › § 975 - Special power

The Virtual Library of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico shall be able to request, manage and use funds originating from private sources for institutional purposes. Furthermore, it shall be able to sell its services through contracts with public and private entities; and to retain and use the funds so received for its operations, as well as any other resources it raises, as long as it complies with the ethical rules applicable to all public entities.
History —Jan. 4, 2003, No. 66, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 46 - Puerto Rico Capital Police Act (§§ 1001 — 1015) › § 1001 - Puerto Rico Capitol Police

The Puerto Rico Police shall establish a civilian police with limited jurisdiction, to be known as the Puerto Rico Capitol Police, hereinafter the Corps, attached to the Puerto Rico Police, whose main duty shall be to watch, monitor, ensure, and promote safety and public order in the Capitol District of Puerto Rico, and with the duties, obligations, authorities, and prerogatives conferred under this chapter.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 42, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 46 - Puerto Rico Capital Police Act (§§ 1001 — 1015) › § 1002 - Definitions

For purposes of this chapter, the following terms and phrases shall have the meaning state hereinbelow:
(a) Colonel.— As defined in §§ 3101 et seq. of Title 25, known as the “Puerto Rico Police Act”.
(b) Corps.— Means the Puerto Rico Capitol Police, attached to the Puerto Rico Police whose creation is authorized by virtue of this chapter. The terms Policía Capitolina and Capitol Police may be used interchangeably.
(c) Capitol District.— Means the territorial delimitation set by law in which the Capitol Building and all other structures comprising the Legislative Assembly are located.
(d) Member or Members of the Corps.— Means the personnel entrusted with carrying out directly the tasks geared toward maintaining order and protecting the life and property of the officials, employees, citizens, and tourists that visit and work at the Capitol District, as well as others assigned to the Corps by virtue of this chapter or the regulations promulgated thereunder.
(e) Puerto Rico State Police.— The civilian police created under §§ 3101 et seq. of Title 25. It is also known as the “Puerto Rico Police”.
(f) Municipal Police.— The civilian police created under §§ 1061 et seq. of Title 21.
(g) Speaker of the House.— The Speaker of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico.
(h) President of the Senate.— The President of the Senate of Puerto Rico.
(i) Legislative Branch.— The Legislative Branch, as created by Article III of the Constitution of Puerto Rico.
(j) Office of the Superintendent of the Capitol.— The agency that would be in charge of ensuring the preservation of the Capitol complex under the direction of a Superintendent appointed by agreement between the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, as created through § 651 et seq. of Title 2.
(k) Superintendent.— The Chief of the Puerto Rico Police.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 42, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 46 - Puerto Rico Capital Police Act (§§ 1001 — 1015) › § 1004 - Colonel; Superintendent of the Puerto Rico Police

The higher authority, as to the immediate direction and supervision of the Corps, shall be exercised by a Colonel to be appointed by the Superintendent of the Puerto Rico Police with the advice and consent of the Presiding Officers of both Houses of the Legislative Assembly.
The Colonel shall be the chief executive of the Corps under the supervision of the Superintendent, discharge the duties of his/her office at the will of the Superintendent, and receive the compensation fixed by the latter. The person holding the rank of Colonel must have a bachelor’s degree conferred by a college or university certified or accredited by the Council on Higher Education of Puerto Rico, have command of the English language, and have completed an officer training course in a police or military academy, or in its default, have acted as an officer of the police or military force.
In the event of a vacancy in the office of Colonel due to death, resignation, removal or full and permanent disability, or when the Colonel is enjoying any sick, vacation or other leave, or when, for any other reason, the Colonel is unable to carry out his/her functions, he/she shall be replaced by the official designated by the Superintendent, who shall discharge as Acting Colonel all functions, duties, and responsibilities inherent to the office of Colonel, and continue to discharge the same until the Colonel is reincorporated or the Superintendent fills the vacancy and a new Colonel takes office.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 42, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 46 - Puerto Rico Capital Police Act (§§ 1001 — 1015) › § 1005 - Jurisdiction

(a) Primary jurisdiction.— Within the territorial limits of the Capitol District, the Capitol Police shall have exclusive primary jurisdiction over any incident that takes place within the Capitol District, except for those situations of public security in which the Puerto Rico Police should intervene as determined by the Superintendent. In addition, the Capitol Police shall have primary jurisdiction over all official proceedings of the Legislative Assembly, including serving summonses, call notices, and reminders; and the promotion of security and order in the facilities of the Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico, subject to the aforesaid.
(b) Concurrent jurisdiction.—
(1) Puerto Rico Police.— Except for the matters provided in subsection (a) of this section and the provisions of § 1003(e) of this title, within the limits of the Capitol District, the Capitol Police and the Puerto Rico State Police shall have concurrent jurisdiction in all matters entrusted to the Capitol Police under this chapter.
(2) Sergeants-at-Arms.— Except for the matters provided in subsection (a) of this section, within the limits of the Capitol District, the Capitol Police and the Sergeants-at-Arms of the Legislative Assembly shall have concurrent jurisdiction in making arrests authorized or directed by the Presiding Officers of the Legislative Houses, in accordance with the rules of both legislative bodies, and over the security within each House chamber.
(3) Office of the Superintendent of the Capitol.— Except for the matters provided in subsection (a) of this section, within the limits of the Capitol District, the Capitol Police and the Office of the Superintendent of the Capitol shall have concurrent jurisdiction in enforcing the provisions regarding access to and behavior in the buildings, halls of sessions, galleries, and hallways of the Legislative Houses and their offices.
(c) Jurisdictional limits.— The duty of conducting specialized investigations shall be the exclusive competence of the State Police Units, the Department of Justice, and other agencies, and the federal government. Provided, That under no circumstances, the Capitol Police shall create units of undercover agents to carry out the duties and obligations imposed thereon under this chapter. The powers and authorities granted to the Capitol Police shall not curtail the powers and obligations of the Puerto Rico Police; therefore, in the event of conflicts of jurisdiction or competence, the State Police shall always prevail.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 42, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 46 - Puerto Rico Capital Police Act (§§ 1001 — 1015) › § 1006 - Rulemaking authority

The Superintendent is hereby empowered to determine, by regulation, the organization and administration of the Capitol Police, the obligations, responsibilities, and conduct of its members, civilian employees, and any other issues necessary for the operations of the Corps. Likewise, he/she shall determine any infractions committed by the members of the Capitol Police that entail disciplinary action, as well as the procedures, classification, and appropriate sanctions or penalties, and the review or appeal recourses available in order to guarantee the rights of the Capitol Police members to due process of law and equal protection under the law. The regulation shall be submitted to the Presiding Officers of both Legislative Houses and, once approved, shall have full force of law and take effect thirty (30) days after its approval. The Colonel is hereby empowered to introduce amendments to the regulation, following the rules and procedures previously established for the approval thereof. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in the event of any discrepancy, Regulation No. 4216 of May 11, 1990, as amended, known as the “Regulations of the Puerto Rico Police Personnel”, shall prevail.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 42, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 46 - Puerto Rico Capital Police Act (§§ 1001 — 1015) › § 1007 - Duties and responsibilities of the members of the Capitol Police

Within the jurisdiction of the Capitol District and subject to the exceptions established in § 1003(e) and 1005(a) of this title, the members of the Capitol Police shall have, without it being understood as a limitation, the following duties, obligations, and responsibilities:
(a) To protect life and property;
(b) to prevent crime and disturbances;
(c) to observe and compel observance of laws, regulations, and municipal ordinances;
(d) to observe and ensure the protection of the civil rights of the people;
(e) to exhibit an exemplary conduct;
(f) to take the necessary precautions to guarantee the protection of any person detained;
(g) to show courtesy to the public and provide assistance to any persons who so require;
(h) to observe the orders lawfully issued by their superiors, and
(i) to be on time in their official engagements and diligent in discharging their duties, always acting in a composed, serene, and fair manner.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 42, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 46 - Puerto Rico Capital Police Act (§§ 1001 — 1015) › § 1008 - Appointments; personnel rules; probationary period; ranks

(a) Appointments to the Corps shall be made by the Superintendent as proposed by the Colonel and be held by active members of the Puerto Rico Police. It being understood that the Superintendent shall follow the transfer and assignment procedure to designate members of the Puerto Rico Police as members of the Capitol Police. To be a member of the Capitol Police shall not be construed as a vested right, thus, such members may be transferred or relocated by the Superintendent, according to the existing service needs in the Puerto Rico Police.
(b) As to the admission, readmission, training, promotions, and transfer rules for members of the Corps, the same shall be governed by the existing provisions of §§ 3101 et seq. of Title 25, known as the “Puerto Rico Police Act”, and its regulations.
(c) The members of the Corps shall pass a preparatory course to comply with this chapter, which shall be designed by the Colonel, in coordination with the Puerto Rico Police and the Presiding Officers of both Houses of the Legislative Assembly, which may be administered by the Police Academy or the Capitol Police.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 42, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 46 - Puerto Rico Capital Police Act (§§ 1001 — 1015) › § 1009 - Official uniform

The Superintendent, through regulation, along with the Presiding Officers of both Houses of the Legislative Assembly, shall determine the badge to be worn by the members of the Corps. As to uniforms and equipment, the members of the Corps shall be governed by the existing provisions of §§ 3101 et seq. of Title 25, and its regulations.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 42, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 46 - Puerto Rico Capital Police Act (§§ 1001 — 1015) › § 1010 - Carrying weapons

The use of weapons by the members of the Corps shall be governed by the provisions contained in the existing regulations of the Puerto Rico Police.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 42, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 46 - Puerto Rico Capital Police Act (§§ 1001 — 1015) › § 1011 - Coordination with the Government, the Puerto Rico Police, and the Municipal Police

To achieve the purposes for which the creation of the Capitol Police is authorized, the Colonel shall take the necessary steps to coordinate efforts with the Government, especially with the Puerto Rico Police and the Municipal Police, to fight and prevent crime in all its aspects. The Puerto Rico Police shall take any necessary measures to effectively carry out the coordination herein provided.
This chapter shall not limit or impair in any way the powers and obligations assigned to the Puerto Rico Police and the Municipal Police.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 42, § 12.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 46 - Puerto Rico Capital Police Act (§§ 1001 — 1015) › § 1012 - Funds

The funds needed to carry out the purposes of this chapter, if necessary, shall be consigned in the budget of the Puerto Rico Police.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 42, § 13.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 46 - Puerto Rico Capital Police Act (§§ 1001 — 1015) › § 1013 - Civil claim

Any civil claim against any member of the Corps, in his/her official capacity, shall be made pursuant to §§ 3077 et seq. of Title 32, known as the “Lawsuits and Claims Against the Commonwealth Act”.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 42, § 14.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 46 - Puerto Rico Capital Police Act (§§ 1001 — 1015) › § 1014 - Financial aid

The Superintendent shall be empowered to accept financial aid of any kind, including donations, whether in cash, technical services or equipment originating from nonprofit institutions, the Government of the United States of America, the Government of Puerto Rico, or any instrumentality, agency or political subdivision thereof, in order to achieve the purposes of this chapter.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 42, § 15.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 46 - Puerto Rico Capital Police Act (§§ 1001 — 1015) › § 1015 - Disclosure of confidential security information

It is the duty of the Colonel and the members of the Capitol Police to ensure the confidentiality and integrity of any security information received, generated, disclosed, or otherwise maintained by the police corps. Neither the Colonel nor the members of the Corps may copy, remove, disclose, or otherwise make public or share confidential security information, including any information contained in the files, audio and/or video recordings with any member, official, citizen or entity without the express authorization of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate of Puerto Rico.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 42, § 16.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 1 - The Governor (§§ 1 — 17a) › § 1 - Powers and duties—Generally

The Governor shall have the following powers and perform the following duties:
(1) He may suspend the execution of sentences in criminal cases and grant pardons, commutations of punishment, and total or partial remissions of fines and forfeitures for crimes committed in violation of the laws of Puerto Rico.
(2) He shall commission all officers that he may be authorized to appoint.
(3) He may veto any legislation enacted, as provided in Art. III, § 19, and Art. IV, § 4 of the Constitution.
(4) He shall be commander-in-chief of the militia.
(5) He shall at all times faithfully execute the laws.
(6) He shall supervise the official conduct of all executive and ministerial officers.
(7) He shall see that offices are filled and the duties thereof performed, or, in default thereof, apply such remedy as the law allows, and if the remedy is imperfect, acquaint the Legislative Assembly therewith at its next session.
(8) He shall make the appointments and fill the vacancies as required by law.
(9) Whenever any suit or legal proceeding is pending against Puerto Rico, or which may affect the title of the Commonwealth to any property, or which may result in any claim against Puerto Rico, he may direct the Secretary of Justice to appear on behalf of the Government of Puerto Rico, and may employ such additional counsel as he may judge expedient.
(10) He may require the Secretary of Justice or any Fiscal (Prosecuting Attorney) to inquire into the affairs or management of any corporation existing under the laws of Puerto Rico.
(11) He may require the Secretary of Justice to aid any Fiscal (Prosecuting Attorney) in the discharge of his duties.
(12) He may offer rewards not exceeding one thousand dollars ($1,000) each for the apprehension of any convict who has escaped from the penitentiary (presidio).
(13) He must perform such duties respecting fugitives from justice as are prescribed by Code of Criminal Procedure.
(14) He must issue and transmit election proclamations.
(15) He shall enjoy such other powers and must perform such other duties as are devolved upon him by the laws of the United States and the laws of Puerto Rico.
History —Political Code, 1902, § 48.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 1 - The Governor (§§ 1 — 17a) › § 1a - Functions and duties—Delegation

(a) The Governor is hereby empowered to delegate to any officer of the Executive Branch of the Government whose appointment requires approval by the Senate or to any member of his corps of assistants, those functions and duties imposed upon him by law and whose delegation does not run counter to specific provisions of law or to the Constitution of the Commonwealth. Such delegation shall be in writing through a proclamation or administrative bulletin signed by the Governor.
(b) For the purposes of this section, “corps of assistants” shall mean the officers and employees of the Office of the Governor.
History —June 28, 1956, No. 104, p. 784, §§ 1, 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 1 - The Governor (§§ 1 — 17a) › § 2 - Compensation; use of buildings, etc

(a) The annual salary of the Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico shall be $ 70,000, as of January 2, 1989.
(b) The Governor of Puerto Rico in addition shall be entitled to occupy, free from the payment of any rent, the buildings which up to the present have been used by the Chief Executive of Puerto Rico, including all furniture and other movables therein contained.
History —Sept. 11, 1948, No. 1, p. 248, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 1 - The Governor (§§ 1 — 17a) › § 3 - Annual message and report

The Governor shall present to the Legislative Assembly, at the beginning of each regular session, a message concerning the affairs of the Commonwealth and a report concerning the state of the Treasury of Puerto Rico and the proposed expenditures for the ensuing fiscal year. Said report shall contain the information necessary for the formulation of a program of legislation.
History —Political Code, 1902, § 49.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 1 - The Governor (§§ 1 — 17a) › § 4 - Convene Legislative Assembly or Senate; Council of Secretaries

The Governor shall call the Legislative Assembly or the Senate into special session when in his judgment the public interest so requires.
When the Governor calls the Legislative Assembly into special session it may consider only those matters specified in the call or in any special message sent to it by him during the session; but it may provide for the expenses of the session and other matters incidental thereto.
He may also convene the Council of Secretaries at any time for the transaction of executive business.
History —Political Code, 1902, § 50.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 1 - The Governor (§§ 1 — 17a) › § 5 - Appointment of officers

The Governor shall appoint, in the manner prescribed by the Constitution or by law, all officers whose appointment he is authorized to make. He shall have the power to make appointments while the Legislative Assembly is not is session. Any such appointments that require the advice and consent of the Senate or of both Houses shall expire at the end of the next regular session.
History —Political Code, 1902, § 52.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 1 - The Governor (§§ 1 — 17a) › § 6 - Removal of officers

The Governor shall have power to remove any officer whom he may appoint, except officers whose removal is otherwise provided for by the Constitution, and he may declare the office vacant and fill the same in the manner provided by law.
History —Political Code, 1902, § 53.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 1 - The Governor (§§ 1 — 17a) › § 8 - Order of succession

When a vacancy occurs in the office of Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico due to death, resignation, destitution, total or permanent disability, or any other absolute reason, said office shall be passed on to the Secretary of State, who shall discharge it for the remainder of the term and until a new Governor is elected and takes office. If the offices of Governor and Secretary of State are both vacant simultaneously, the order of succession shall be the following:
(1) Secretary of Justice.
(2) Secretary of the Treasury.
(3) Secretary of Education.
(4) Secretary of Labor and Human Resources.
(5) Secretary of Transportation and Public Works.
(6) Secretary of Economic Development and Commerce.
(7) Secretary of Health.
(8) Secretary of Agriculture.
In order to permanently discharge the office of Governor, a Secretary shall officially hold his/her position, and his/her appointment must have been confirmed; except in the case of the Secretary of State, unless as otherwise provided by Article IV, Section 9 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. He/she shall also meet the requirements of age, citizenship and residence provided for the Governor by Article IV of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, in its defect the succession shall correspond to the following official in the succession order who thus meet them. Only in the case that none of the Secretaries meets the constitutional requirements and/or meets the requirement of being confirmed, the succession order shall be initiated, thus waiving the requirements set forth in this section, except when Article VI, Section 9 of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico applies. Until the new Governor has appointed and confirmed a new Secretary of State, he/she shall ensure that no vacancies in the succession order arise.
History —July 24, 1952, No. 7, p. 12, § 1, Jan. 10, 1998, No. 19, § 1; May 2, 2005, No. 7, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 1 - The Governor (§§ 1 — 17a) › § 9 - Substitute for Governor during temporary absence

When for any cause which originates [an] absence of temporary character, the Governor is temporarily unable to perform his/her functions, he/she shall be substituted, for the duration of the absence, by the Secretary of State. If for any reason, the Secretary of State is unable to discharge the office, the order set forth in the § 8 of this title shall be followed. Provided, That in order to discharge the functions of Acting Governor, it shall neither be necessary to meet the constitutional requirement of age and residence nor that of the confirmation of the Secretary to succeed him/her.
History —July 24, 1952, No. 7, p. 12, § 2; May 2, 2005, No. 7, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 1 - The Governor (§§ 1 — 17a) › § 10 - Records to be kept

The Governor shall cause to be kept the following records:
(1) A register of all applications for pardons, reprieves or for commutation of any sentence, with a list of the official signatures and recommendations in favor of each application.
(2) An account of all his offical expenses and disbursements, including the incidental expenses of his department, and of all rewards offered or paid by him for the apprehension of criminals and persons charged with crime.
(3) A register of all appointments made by him, with date of commission, name of appointee and predecessor.
History —Political Code, 1902, § 54.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 1 - The Governor (§§ 1 — 17a) › § 12 - Governor’s Annual Prize Program for Administrative Improvements

The Governor of Puerto Rico is hereby authorized pursuant to such rules as he may adopt, to award annual prizes for administrative improvements to officials and employees, work units, programs and agencies of the Government of Puerto Rico, who adopt or implement innovative ideas and processes which result in an economy or an increase in the quality of the services offered by the departments, agencies and instrumentalities of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. For the purposes of §§ 12—15 of this title, work units shall be those defined in the budget document as sections in the organization chart of each program or its equivalent. The prizes may consist, of cash, trophies or medals among others. In case of the death or a person entitled to receive a prize, such prize shall be delivered to his/her heirs.
History —June 13, 1953, No. 79, p. 278, § 1; July 19, 1997, No. 40, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 1 - The Governor (§§ 1 — 17a) › § 13 - Governor’s Annual Prize Program for Administrative Improvements—Persons not eligible

The following shall not be eligible for these prizes: officers and employees of the municipalities; the personnel of the Division of Organization and Methods of the Bureau of the Budget and of other administrative units engaged in the improvement of procedures and methods; persons contracted with a temporary character and in the capacity of technicians or professionals to carry out any inquiry, investigation, survey or consultation of a special nature on behalf of the Legislative Assembly of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico or of a Committee of the Houses thereof, or on behalf and upon authorization of the Governor; the members of the Committee in charge of the administration of the Governor’s Annual Prize Program for Administrative Improvements. The Governor may refuse to award a prize to any officer or employee for any suggestion which is a part of the normal duties of his office or employment, or to the incumbent of any office who, because of his being responsible for major policies and programs, it would be improper for him to receive a prize from the Program.
History —June 13, 1953, No. 79, p. 278, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 1 - The Governor (§§ 1 — 17a) › § 14 - Governor’s Annual Prize Program for Administrative Improvements—Prize additional to compensation; exemption from income tax

The prize received in cash by any official or employee as part of a work unit shall be in addition to his/her regular compensation and shall not be considered as a part thereof. Provided, further, That such prize shall not be subject to the payment of income tax. When the prize is awarded to a program or agency, and the same consists of cash, said resources shall become apart of the agency’s budget and shall be used for non-recurrent expenses. If the prize consists of a trophy or medals, the same shall belong to the recipient agency.
History —June 13, 1953, No. 79, p. 278, § 3; July 19, 1997, No. 40, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 1 - The Governor (§§ 1 — 17a) › § 15 - Governor’s Annual Prize Program for Administrative Improvements—Operating expenses

The operating expenses connected with the purposes of §§ 12—15 of this title shall be met during the fiscal year 1953-54 and succeeding years from the funds appropriated to the Bureau of the Budget in the Operating Budget Act.
History —June 13, 1953, No. 79, p. 278, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 1 - The Governor (§§ 1 — 17a) › § 17 - Capital improvement projects; reports to the Legislature

It shall be the duty of the Governor to submit a report to the Legislature, at the opening of each regular session on capital improvement projects chargeable to the General Fund to be carried out by the different agencies of the Executive Branch, the construction of which has not been started, excluding those authorized at the immediately preceding Legislative Session. This report shall contain the reasons which have prevented the start of the work.
History —June 28, 1968, No. 153, p. 487, § 1, eff. July 1, 1968.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 1 - The Governor (§§ 1 — 17a) › § 17a - Authorization to transfer properties for national defense

(a) The Governor of Puerto Rico is hereby authorized and directed, in behalf and in representation of The People of Puerto Rico, to convey to the Government of the United States of America, for national defense purposes, the marsh lands, mangrove swamps, dry lands, and adjacent bodies of water, owned by The People of Puerto Rico and located on the east and southeast coasts of Puerto Rico, bounded by the Caribbean Sea, the Ensenada Honda bay and the Atlantic Ocean, and which extend along the coast between the boundaries of the lands of the Insular Government of Puerto Rico, toward the east and west of the Daguao river and toward the north and west of the Fajardo river, including specifically the following parcels: Parcel No. 4, called “Manglar de Oriente”; Parcel No. 5, called “Manglar de Guayacán”; parcel No. 6, called “Pueblo de Puerto Rico”; parcel No. 7, called “Pueblo de Puerto Rico”; parcel no. 8, including the islets “Roloncito” and “La Garza”; parcel No. 11, called “Manglar de Medio Mundo”; parcel No. 12, called “Manglar de la Puerca”; a parcel situated to the north of a parcel of land owned by private persons, called “Particular Sucesión Veve”; and all rights, title and interest that The People of Puerto Rico may have in parcel No. 9, called “Islote Cabra de Tierra”; parcel No. 13, called “Manglar Fortuna”; parcel No. 14, called “Manglar de Santa Rita”, including the adjacent parcels, known as A, B, and C; and parcel No. 15A, called “Manglar de Santa María, subject to such rights of a third party as there may be on a portion there; parcel No. 15B, called “Manglar de Tolonesa”; parcel No. 16, called “Manglar de Mata Redonda”; Provided, That whenever said lands are no longer necessary for national defense, they shall automatically revert to the People of Puerto Rico.
(b) The Insular Government shall execute, free of charge, any documents that may be necessary to carry out the purposes of this section, upon payment by the Government of the United States, for the houses or improvements located thereon and owned by persons other than The People of Puerto Rico.
History —Apr. 26, 1941, No. 54, §§ 1, 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 1A - Advisory Committee for Restoration, Preservation and Improvement of La Fortaleza (§§ 18 — 18g) › § 18 - Short title

This chapter shall be known as “An Act To Create the Governor’s Advisory Committee for the Restoration, Preservation and Improvement of La Fortaleza ”.
History —July 23, 1979, No. 182, p. 498, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 1A - Advisory Committee for Restoration, Preservation and Improvement of La Fortaleza (§§ 18 — 18g) › § 18a - Definitions

(1) Governor.— Means the Governor of Puerto Rico.
(2) Committee.— Means the Governor’s Advisory Committee for the Restoration, Preservation and Improvement of La Fortaleza.
(3) La Fortaleza.— Means the real or personal property of historical and cultural value located in the complex known as the Palacio de Santa Catalina or La Fortaleza.
(4) Assistant.— Means the Governor’s Assistant or the person in charge of the property of La Fortaleza, who is responsible for the custody, control, inventory and disposition of the various properties of La Fortaleza.
(5) Furnishings.— Means furniture, furniture equipment, furnishings, paraphernalia, equipment, trimmings, paintings, sculptures, ornaments, decorations, accessories, decorative and historical objects, and any object or article that is used or may be used to furnish, decorate or restore the interior of the residences, museums or office buildings.
(6) Person(s).— Means any person or juridical entity, groups organized for a specific purpose, societies, public and private corporations, including municipalities, agencies or instrumentalities of the Government of Puerto Rico.
History —July 23, 1979, No. 182, p. 498, § 2.