reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 37 - Additional Lottery System (§§ 801 — 818) › § 810 - Prizes

The Additional Lottery tickets shall be deemed as bearer bonds and the person who holds said ticket and presents it for collection shall be recognized as the sole owner of the prize. No prize whatsoever shall be adjudicated nor paid to the person claiming said prize if he/she does not present the winning ticket and it is validated through the established system. The Secretary shall establish the system for verifying the validity and legality of the winning tickets, as well as the place, form and manner that the payments shall be made, through regulations.
It may be provided that the prizes may be paid by the vendor as well as by banking institutions and private entities established in Puerto Rico that are willing to do so through an agreement with the Secretary and pursuant to the rules promulgated by him/her.
The right to collect a prize shall expire in one hundred and eighty (180) days, counted from the day following the date that the corresponding drawing is verified, and any unclaimed prize money shall remain for the benefit of the Government of Puerto Rico; Provided, That before covering the Additional Lottery unclaimed prize money into the General Fund, the sum of one million five hundred thousand dollars ($1,500,000) in the first year; two million dollars ($2,000,000) the second year; and three million dollars ($3,000,000) in the third and subsequent years, shall be covered into an account different and separate from any other account or funds of the Commonwealth Government, denominated as the Special Fund for the Development of Minor Leagues, which shall be administered by the Sports and Recreation Department, to promote activities related to recreation and sports on the Island, thus emphasizing those activities aimed at persons with disabilities. The Sports and Recreation Department shall annually submit a report on the intended use for the resources that shall be covered into the special account, to both the Office of Management and Budget and the Legislature through the Office of the Secretary of the Senate or the Office of the Clerk of the House. The required annual report shall be filed not later than January 30 of each year; and the remainder of unused funds as of said date shall be covered into the General Fund of the Commonwealth.
Once the prize is paid off or the abovestated term of one hundred and eighty (180) days has elapsed, the Commonwealth shall be released from any liability.
History —May 24, 1989, No. 10, p. 44, § 10, renumbered as § 11 and amended on Aug. 17, 1989, No. 75, p. 326, § 8; June 26, 1997, No. 23, § 2; Nov. 30, 2006, No. 258, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 37 - Additional Lottery System (§§ 801 — 818) › § 811 - Tax on prizes

(a) Imposition of tax. — A tax on the prizes obtained in the Additional Lottery shall be imposed, collected and paid in lieu of any other taxes imposed by law, determined according to the following table:
If the prize were: The tax shall be:
No greater than $ 10,000 $ 0
Over $ 10,000 but not over $ 25,000 5% of the
excess of $ 10,000
Over $ 25,000 but not over $75,000 $ 750 plus 10% of the
excess of $ 25,000
Over $ 75,000 but not over $ 100,000 $ 5,750 plus 15% of the
excess of $ 75,000
Over $100,000 $ 9,500 plus 20% of the
excess of $ 100,000
(b) Recovery of taxes for difference in tax rates. — In the case of prizes whose amount exceeds five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000), in order to collect the taxes not imposed due to differences in tax rates on the amount of the prize, a tax of five percent (5%) in excess of five hundred thousand dollars ($500,000) shall be imposed, collected and paid, provided that the effective rate on the amount of the prize does not exceed twenty percent (20%).
(c) Obligation to deduct and withhold at source and to pay or deposit the tax imposed by this section. — Every vendor of wagers, regardless of his standing, including all the officials and employees of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, its agencies, instrumentalities and political subdivisions, any natural or juridical person who has the control, reception, custody, disposition or payment of the prizes, shall deduct and retain the tax imposed by subsections (a) and (b) of this section.
History —May 24, 1989, No. 10, p. 44, § 11, renumbered as § 12 on Aug. 17, 1989, No. 75, p. 326, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 37 - Additional Lottery System (§§ 801 — 818) › § 812 - Deposit and control of ticket sales

The product of the sale of the Additional Lottery tickets shall be remitted to the Department of the Treasury or deposited in banking institutions expressly authorized by the Secretary to these purposes, on the date or term established by the Secretary. The Secretary may provide for the vendor to discount from said product, the amount corresponding to the commissions and prizes paid.
The Secretary may require the vendor of wagers to establish a special account in a banking institution whereby electronic transfers can be made with the purpose of receiving the moneys from sales, make payments to the Department and receive payments from the Department.
The Secretary shall establish, by regulations, the reports that the vendors shall file in connection with the ticket sales transactions, as well as the form and manner they shall be filed, and the information they shall contain.
The Secretary may establish agreements with banking institutions and other private entities to carry out those functions, activities and services needed to implement the provisions of this chapter.
History —May 24, 1989, No. 10, p. 44, § 12, renumbered as § 13 on Aug. 17, 1989, No. 75, p. 326, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 37 - Additional Lottery System (§§ 801 — 818) › § 814 - Prohibitions and penalties

(a) Prohibitions. — The following shall be deemed to be prohibited practices with relation to the lottery game authorized by this chapter:
(1) Sell or offer for sale a lottery ticket to any person under eighteen (18) years of age.
(2) Sell, advertise or offer for sale, lottery tickets without being duly authorized by a lottery seller’s license in effect.
(3) Sell or offer for sale a ticket or share thereof at a price different from the official price established by regulations.
(b) Penalties. — Any person who incurs any of the practices previously enumerated or who violates the provisions of this chapter or the regulations promulgated for its implementation, shall incur a misdemeanor. If the person convicted is a vendor of chances, such a conviction shall entail the automatic cancellation of the license issued by the Director of the Bureau.
Violations subsequent to the provisions of this chapter or its regulations shall constitute a felony in the fourth degree.
Prior violations shall not apply to the provisions contained in §§ 815—817 of this title.
Any property used in relation to the commission of any felony or misdemeanor typified in this chapter shall be confiscated in favor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico pursuant to §§ 1723 et seq. of Title 34.
History —May 24, 1989, No. 10, p. 44, § 14, renumbered as § 15 and amended on Aug. 17, 1989, No. 75, p. 326, § 11; Sept. 15, 2004, No. 320, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 37 - Additional Lottery System (§§ 801 — 818) › § 815 - Forgery of tickets

The tickets of the Additional Lottery game authorized by this chapter shall be deemed to be securities of the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Any person who with the intention of defrauding another person or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, falsely makes, alters, forges or imitates any lottery ticket, or who circulates, passes on or attempts to pass on any ticket as genuine knowing that the same is false, altered, forged or imitated, shall incur the crime of forgery as prescribed in §§ 4846 and 4852 of Title 33, and upon conviction shall be sanctioned with the penalty fixed for said crimes.
To own, circulate, pass or attempt to pass as genuine any Additional Lottery ticket that is forged, imitated or altered, shall be prima facie evidence of the intent of a person to defraud another person or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
History —May 24, 1989, No. 10, p. 44, § 15, renumbered as § 16 on Aug. 17, 1989, No. 75, p. 326, § 12; Sept. 15, 2004, No. 320, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 37 - Additional Lottery System (§§ 801 — 818) › § 816 - Sale of winning tickets

The sale, cession, transfer or purchase or the offer to sell, cede, transfer or purchase a winning ticket to be presented for collection for the purpose of using or investing, directly or indirectly, all or part of the income from an organized crime activity, as defined in §§ 971 et seq. of Title 25, known as the “Act Against Organized Crime”, or for the purpose of evading tax liabilities imposed by the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, shall constitute a felony. Violations of this section shall be sanctioned as a felony in the third degree and in addition shall entail a fine of ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
History —May 24, 1989, No. 10, p. 44, added as § 17 on Aug. 17, 1989, No. 75, p. 326, § 13; Sept. 15, 2004, No. 320, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 37 - Additional Lottery System (§§ 801 — 818) › § 817 - Improper alteration of gaming machines

Any person who in any way alters the operation of the apparatus, machines or devices related to the Additional Lottery games or who in any way interferes with the acquisition of, transportation to, introduction, possession, use or operation of the apparatus, machines or devices related to the Additional Lottery games shall incur a felony in the third degree and in addition shall be fined in an amount of ten thousand dollars ($10,000).
History —May 24, 1989, No. 10, p. 44, added as § 18 on Aug. 17, 1989, No. 75, p. 326, § 13; Sept. 15, 2004, No. 320, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 37 - Additional Lottery System (§§ 801 — 818) › § 818 - Relation to other laws

(a) Pursuant to the conditions and limitation established in this chapter and in the regulations promulgated by the Secretary for its implementation, those natural and juridical persons duly authorized by the Secretary shall be the only persons and entities that may hold Additional Lottery games, maintain a site, as well as acquire, possess, use, maintain and operate any apparatus, machine, device, printed material or ticket in relation to the additional games herein authorized, without being subject to the provisions of §§ 1247 et seq. of Title 33.
(b) Notwithstanding the provisions of § 82 of this title, the acquisition, leasing, transportation, introduction, possession, use and maintenance of the machines or mechanized or computerized equipment that shall be used in the Additional Lottery, as well as their spare parts and accessories, shall be exempted from the corresponding prohibitions, solely when they are introduced to be operated exclusively in the places authorized by the Director, through the corresponding license as established in this chapter, and pursuant to the regulations promulgated by the Secretary to such effects.
(c) Nothing that is provided herein shall be construed as repealing, altering or modifying the provisions of §§ 206 et seq. of Title 23, which establishes the public policy on school zones, for which reason, the provisions of the regulations approved by the Puerto Rico Planning Board to implement said §§ 206 et seq. shall be complied with, concerning the location of the places for the sale of the Additional Lottery tickets.
(d) None of what is provided by this chapter shall be construed to revoke, alter or modify the provisions of §§ 5051 et seq of Title 21 or §§ 9068 et seq. of Title 13.
History —May 24, 1989, No. 10, p. 44, § 16, renumbered as § 19 and amended on Aug. 17, 1989, No. 75, p. 326, § 14; Sept. 15, 2004, No. 320, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 38 - Children’s Play Areas (§ 821) › § 821 - Construction of play areas for children

It is hereby directed that rubber gravel or tiles made of discarded shredded tires in Puerto Rico, if said product is available, shall be used in all new construction that is begun as of January 1, 2000, which has in its design the establishing of children’s play areas, and to provide that the Regulations and Permits Administration shall take the corresponding regulatory provisions to ensure compliance with this chapter.
History —July 30, 1999, No. 191, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 40 - National Park System (§§ 841 — 852) › § 841 - Definitions

The following terms shall have the meaning stated below, except when the context clearly indicates otherwise:
(a) Company. — Is the Puerto Rico National Parks Company, successor of the Recreational Development Company of Puerto Rico, created by §§ 501 et seq. of this title.
(b) Director. — Is the Executive Director of the Puerto Rico National Parks Company.
(c) Board. — Is the Board of Directors of the Puerto Rico National Parks Company.
(d) Trust. — Is the Trust for the Development, Operation, and Conservation of the National Parks of the Island of Puerto Rico.
(e) Governor. — Is the Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(f) Park. — Every space, facility, structure, beach, public beach, forest, marine reserve, historic or natural resource or monument that is used or can be used to carry out recreational activities or outdoor sports.
(g) National park. — Every space, facility, structure, beach, public beach, forest, marine reserve, historic or natural resource or monument that due to its importance for all Puerto Ricans is declared as such by executive order or under the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(h) System. — Is the National Parks System established in this chapter.
(i) Government agencies. — Are the agencies, departments, offices, dependencies, municipalities and public corporations of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
History —Apr. 8, 2001, No. 9, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 40 - National Park System (§§ 841 — 852) › § 842 - Constitution

The following parks that on the effective date of this act are under the jurisdiction of the Recreational Development Company, created by §§/N 501 et seq. of this title, and the National Parks Trust, are hereby designated and shall become part of the National Parks System:
(a) Luis Muñoz Rivera Park.
(b) Luis Muñoz Marín Park.
(c) Cavernas del Río Camuy Park.
(d) Boquerón Public Beach and Vacation Center (Cabo Rojo).
(e) José Celso Barbosa Third Millennium Park at El Escambrón.
(f) La Monserrate Public Beach (Luquillo).
(g) Monte del Estado Vacational Center (Maricao).
(h) Condado Lagoon Park.
(i) Julio E. Monagas Park.
(j) Mayagüez Zoo.
(k) Seven Seas Public Beach (Fajardo).
(l) Punta Santiago Public Beach and Vacation Center.
(m) Caña Gorda Public Beach (Guánica).
(n) Isla de Cabras Recreational Center.
(o) Punta Guilarte Public Beach and Vacation Center (Arroyo).
(p) Tres Hermanos Public Beach and Villas de Añasco Vacation Center (Añasco).
(q) Sun Bay Public Beach (Vieques).
(r) Cerro Gordo Public Beach (Vega Alta).
(s) Punta Salinas Public Beach (Toa Baja).
(t) Villas del Lago Caonillas Vacation Center (Utuado).
(u) Manuel “Nolo” Maldonado Public Beach (Dorado).
History —Apr. 8, 2001, No. 9, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 40 - National Park System (§§ 841 — 852) › § 843 - Designations—Procedure

From the effectiveness of this act, and upon identification of the eligible areas to be incorporated to the National Parks System, the procedure to be followed shall be:
(a) To require, through an executive order of the Governor, that the director prepare a detailed report with recommendations, pursuant to the provisions of §§ 845 and 846 of this title.
(b) Once the Director renders reports with findings and recommendations for the designation of a national park, the Legislature shall make the determination it deems pertinent through [enactment] to such effect, in which it shall incorporate the conditions and conclusions contained in the report directed to comply with the objectives of this chapter, if this were the case.
(c) Once [an] act is approved, the area in question shall be integrated [in]to the system and shall be under the administration and custody of the company.
History —Apr. 8, 2001, No. 9, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 40 - National Park System (§§ 841 — 852) › § 844 - Executive Director—Powers

In order to comply with the objectives of this chapter and with §§ 501 et seq. of this title, the Executive Director of the Company shall have, without it being understood as a limitation, the following duties and powers:
(a) To enter [into] contracts and agreements with agencies of the Central Government and of the government of the United States of America and with for profit or nonprofit organizations for the transfer or management of areas of national value to be designated as national park.
(b) To accept donations of money or in kind and aid from any other type of private person or nonprofit or for profit entities.
(c) Receive legislative appropriations for the acquisition or management of areas of national value to be designated as national park.
(d) Acquire land through purchase, donation legacy, exchange, eminent domain or other legal manner, from any natural or juridical person, central government agency and the Government of the United States of America.
(e) Borrow money for the acquisition of areas of national value to be designated as national park, pursuant to the provisions of §§ 501 et seq. of this title.
(f) Recommend to the Planning Board the designation as reserve of any area identified with a natural, historic, recreational, cultural, scientific, archaeological value or other that the Company proposes to evaluate for its designation as national park.
(g) Direct the drafting of studies, reports with findings and recommendations for the designation of national parks, by request of the Legislature or the Governor.
History —Apr. 8, 2001, No. 9, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 40 - National Park System (§§ 841 — 852) › § 845 - Inventory

To direct the acquisition and management of areas of national value, the Company shall prepare and maintain an inventory which shall include, without it being understood as a limitation, the following:
(a) The areas that have the highest potential to achieve the national value criteria for the purposes of this chapter.
(b) Themes, sites and resources different from those represented in the National Parks System.
(c) The list from the Planning Board indicating those areas that should be conserved or declared a natural reserve and for its development as national park.
The Company shall establish priorities within said inventory and shall review it periodically. It shall also establish the adequate procedures so that the members of the community are able to recommend the areas to be included in the inventory, furnish useful information for the preparation of the inventory and give access to it within a reasonable time.
History —Apr. 8, 2001, No. 9, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 40 - National Park System (§§ 841 — 852) › § 846 - Studies

The Executive Director shall determine if an area that is undergoing studies has significant natural, cultural, historic or recreational resources and represents a typical example of a particular type of resource of the Island that deserves to be designated as national park, and if the area is adequate for inclusion in the Puerto Rico National Parks System.
The study shall evaluate, without it being understood as a limitation, the following factors with respect to the area under consideration:
(a) The rarity and integrity of the resources and the area.
(b) The threat of losing or the disappearance of the resource or area.
(c) Similar resources already under protection by the National Parks System or another public entity.
(d) Costs related to its acquisition, development and operation.
(e) The socioeconomic impact of any designation.
(f) The level of support of the local and general public.
(g) If the area has the proper configuration to ensure the long term protection of the resources and its use by visitors.
History —Apr. 8, 2001, No. 9, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 40 - National Park System (§§ 841 — 852) › § 847 - Use

The national parks that are owned by the [Company], as well as any other park that is henceforth designated as [a] national park, shall be used solely and exclusively pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and §§ 501 et seq. of this title for the management thereof and the implementation of the public policy for their use and enjoyment by the people and the provisions of law that create the national parks for specific uses.
No park shall be granted the title of “national park” if not by legislative designation or executive order that establishes the motive, the use to be given to the park and the funds for its operation.
History —Apr. 8, 2001, No. 9, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 40 - National Park System (§§ 841 — 852) › § 848 - Management

All areas totally or partially acquired, conserved or restored with Company funds shall be managed for the purposes established in this chapter, and the provisions of §§ 501 et seq. of this title. In this same manner each national park shall be administered in conformity with the provisions of this chapter specifically applicable to said park.
History —Apr. 8, 2001, No. 9, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 40 - National Park System (§§ 841 — 852) › § 849 - Economic resources

The program shall be [sustained by] legislative appropriation and other sources provided by law or regulations, as well as [by] any funds received as a contribution from private sources.
[The income and interests derived from the investment of money of the Company shall form part of the economic resources of the same. Any balance that remains in the Company at the conclusion of a fiscal year shall be conserved in the Company for its use in any fiscal year.]
History —Apr. 8, 2001, No. 9, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 40 - National Park System (§§ 841 — 852) › § 850 - Property title

The property title of the areas of national value designated as National Parks shall belong to the Company. Said title shall be held solely by the Company, which shall not be able to transfer it to any person or entity, public or private, nor to any municipality. These properties shall be exempted from property taxes.
History —Apr. 8, 2001, No. 9, § 12; Jan. 8, 2004, No. 36, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 40 - National Park System (§§ 841 — 852) › § 851 - Annual report

The Executive Director of the Company shall render an annual report to the Governor and the Legislature on the National Parks System Designation Program. Said report shall be rendered no later than June 30 of each year, and shall include, in addition to the steps taken, a detailed explanation of the income and disbursements during the year, and an explanation of the acquisition and management plan proposed for the next year.
History —Apr. 8, 2001, No. 9, § 13.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 40 - National Park System (§§ 841 — 852) › § 852 - Report to the Governor

As of the effective date of this act, the Company shall prepare and maintain an up-to-date inventory of the areas of national value to be designated national parks that are at present property of the Commonwealth or of its agencies or instrumentalities. The Executive Director of the Company shall render an annual report to the Governor regarding the areas included in the inventory with his/her recommendations on the same.
History —Apr. 8, 2001, No. 9, § 14.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 40A - Tanamá River Karst Zone National Park (§§ 861 — 870) › § 861 - Designation

(a) The Legislature of Puerto Rico recognizes that the geological formations of the karst region in northeast Puerto Rico constitute a unique and essential area for the maintenance of the aquifers and springs, which are the main sources of drinking water for a large part of Puerto Rico. Consequently, it is essential to preserve these resources and their natural and environmental attributes, typical of this region, from the possible threat of destruction due to unrestricted development and extractions from the earth’s crust. The Tanamá River Karst Zone National Park, hereinafter “the Park”, is hereby established with the purpose of implementing the public policy of preserving and conserving certain zones that have natural resources of majestic scenery and ecological importance, such as the mountains and the river in the karst zone located in Utuado, Hatillo and Arecibo for the benefit, use and enjoyment of present and future generations.
(b) The Tanamá River Karst Zone National Park is hereby designated, which shall consist of the existing lands and bodies of water that the National Parks Company delimits as the designated area. For such purposes, the National Parks Company shall prepare a map of the designated area, which shall be available to the public for inspection.
History —Sept. 21, 2004, No. 395, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 40A - Tanamá River Karst Zone National Park (§§ 861 — 870) › § 862 - Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the following meanings:
(a) Park. — Shall mean the Tanamá River Karst Zone National Park, which includes the lands located in the municipalities of Arecibo, Hatillo and Utuado that extend longitudinally by the Tanamá River in a stretch of approximately 19.2 kilometers, starting [from] the south in Caguana ward, adjacent to Indigenous Ceremonial Park, continuing toward the north along the Tanamá River, between Santa Rosa and Hato Nuevo wards to the east and adjacent to Angeles, Aibonito, Esperanza and Dominguito wards to the west, up to Cueva Ventana at the mouth of Río Grande de Arecibo with Dominguito and Tanamá wards to the north.
(b) National park. — Means any space, facility, building, beach, public beach, forest, marine reserve, historic monument or natural resource that, due to its importance for all Puerto Ricans is declared as such by the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
(c) Company. — Shall mean the National Parks Company of Puerto Rico.
(d) Director. — Shall mean the Executive Director of the National Parks Company of Puerto Rico.
(e) Buffer area. — Shall mean the land adjacent to the delimitations of the Park, which shall be designated by the Planning Board and the National Parks Company, the use of which shall be allowed and encouraged as a transition to guarantee the ecological integrity of the Park.
(f) Compatible uses. — Compatible uses shall be defined in the regulations to be adopted for the Park.
History —Sept. 21, 2004, No. 395, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 40A - Tanamá River Karst Zone National Park (§§ 861 — 870) › § 863 - Prohibition on the issuance of construction permits

The Planning Board, the Regulations and Permits Administration, the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, the municipal governments whose territorial boundaries are located within the area comprised by the Park, and any other instrumentality of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico with concerns in this matter are hereby directed to issue an absolute and total prohibition on the granting of location, construction permits, permits for the extraction of material from the earth’s core, and for land use that are not in agreement with the purposes of this chapter.
It shall also be required that, for any project to be carried out within the buffer areas of the land reserved by this chapter, the Government agency or instrumentality with concerns in the approval of such a permit or consultation shall be bound to require a Declaration of Environmental Impact from the proposed project. They shall also notify the Executive Director of the National Parks Company of such a consultation or request for a permit. The buffer area shall be delimited by the Planning Board together with the National Parks Company as part of the plan for the management of the Park. Exempted from compliance with this provision are those land use proposals that are compatible with the ecological health of the Park and which propose to occupy in its entirety two thousand square meters (2,000 m2) or less, except when the Declaration of Environmental Impact is required due to other considerations. The compatible uses referred to herein shall be those that are consigned in the special regulations required in this section.
History —Sept. 21, 2004, No. 395, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 40A - Tanamá River Karst Zone National Park (§§ 861 — 870) › § 864 - Zoning

The Planning Board, in coordination with the National Parks Company, shall study the karstic area surrounding the Tanamá River to delimit the lands that shall be enclosed within the Tanamá River Karst Zone National Park and the necessary buffer zones. Likewise, the Planning Board, together with the National Parks Company and the municipalities that comprise the reserve, shall adopt the special zoning and regulations to establish the uses to be allowed within the delimitation of the Park and the buffer zones in order to reserve and to destine the farms of the referred Park to the protection and conservation of the karst zone.
History —Sept. 21, 2004, No. 395, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 40A - Tanamá River Karst Zone National Park (§§ 861 — 870) › § 865 - Location consultations

(a) Those location consultations for uses that are not compatible with the purposes of this chapter and in land located within the Park which are pending resolution before the Planning Board shall be denied at the time in which the delimitation of the Park and the regulation that governs its uses takes effect.
(b) Those location consultations for uses that are not compatible with the purposes of this chapter that were approved by the Planning Board and which were in effect at the time of the delimitation of the Park and the regulations shall remain in effect.
History —Sept. 21, 2004, No. 395, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 40A - Tanamá River Karst Zone National Park (§§ 861 — 870) › § 866 - Cases pending adjudication

(a) Those cases filed before the Regulations and Permits Administration for uses that are not compatible with the Park and which are pending resolution, before said Administration at the time in which the delimitation of the Park and the regulations that govern its use take effect and which are not compatible with said regulations shall be denied.
(b) Those cases of uses not compatible with the Park that were approved by the Regulations and Permits Administration and which are in effect as of the date of effectiveness of the delimitation of the Park and the regulations shall remain in effect.
History —Sept. 21, 2004, No. 395, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 40A - Tanamá River Karst Zone National Park (§§ 861 — 870) › § 867 - Prohibition on conveyance and transfers

The conveyance and transfer of the land within the Tanamá River Karst Zone National Park for any purposes other than those indicated in this chapter is hereby totally and absolutely prohibited.
The purpose and use of the land subject to this chapter shall not be altered in any manner unless new legislation are issued with respect thereto.
History —Sept. 21, 2004, No. 395, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 40A - Tanamá River Karst Zone National Park (§§ 861 — 870) › § 868 - Authorization to seize and acquire lands

The Puerto Rico National Parks Company is hereby directed to carry out the acquisition of private farms through of negotiation or eminent domain, and the alienation and transfer of public farms, if any, at gratuitous title, which comprise the zone designated as the Tanamá River Karst Zone National Park, as well as the patrimonial property and any other interest or right held by any person or entity, or any other tangible property rights over such farms for their preservation for the uses established in this chapter. Any land acquired by non-public entities for purposes of conservation shall not be considered in the expropriation plans of this chapter.
Likewise, the Company may acquire lands by donation, transfer, purchase, exchange or any other mechanisms allowed under the law within the Park limits. However, if there is a farm whose title is property of the State or of any political subdivision thereof, said farm may be acquired only by donation.
Those uses within the lands of the Park whose protection is established by this chapter may continue to operate, provided that the following conditions are complied with:
(1) That the National Parks Company establishes that the land subject to said use does not affect the integrity of the park resources that is to be protected and which cannot be reverted.
(2) That the existing use does not adversely affect the land of the Park or its surrounding areas.
The Planning Board, in coordination with the National Parks Company, shall establish the appropriate procedures for the interested parties to request permits for the continuation of the established use and the term therefor by regulation. Those uses existing within the land of the Park whose protection is established in this chapter and whose continuation is not authorized pursuant to the procedures established in this section shall be eliminated within a term of two (2) years as of the denial to continue operations. The National Parks Company shall not conduct eminent domain procedures against residential areas or farming projects authorized by the Department of Agriculture.
The National Parks Company shall not initiate eminent domain procedures to acquire land until all possible efforts to acquire such lands through direct purchase negotiations with the owner of the property have been exhausted.
History —Sept. 21, 2004, No. 395, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 40A - Tanamá River Karst Zone National Park (§§ 861 — 870) › § 869 - Conservation and management plan

Within one (1) year as of the approval of this act the Company shall:
(1) Identify the titleholders of the land designated as the Tanamá River Karst Zone National Park and establish the delimitation thereof.
(2) Prepare a graphic design of the area.
(3) Plan each of the phases of the acquisition and administration process of the land that shall comprise the karst zone pursuant to this chapter.
(4) Establish the total cost of the project including acquisition, administration and operating costs. It shall also analyze other financing mechanisms that may be necessary to achieve the objectives of this chapter.
(5) Promulgate the necessary regulations for the conservation and administration of the Park, pursuant to the purposes set forth in this chapter.
(6) Oversee the effective implementation of the prohibition on the issuing of construction permits and the denial of those in process that are not compatible with this chapter.
(7) No construction within the Park or in its surroundings may affect the environmental integrity thereof, it being understood thus that such construction shall not affect the conservation programs of endangered or threatened species that are managed by the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, or by any other entity concerned.
(8) The National Parks Company shall consult the final plan for the creation of the Park with the municipalities that comprise the reserve.
(9) The plan for the conservation and management of the Park, as well as any amendment or modification and studies conducted, shall be remitted to the Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the Legislature upon completion of the same.
(a) The development of activities to provide the benefits of public recreation.
(b) The protection of the scenic, scientific and historic characteristics that contribute to public enjoyment thereof.
The administration, protection and development of the Park shall be executed by the Executive Director, subject to the provisions of this chapter and of §§ 501 et seq. of this title, known as the “Recreational Development Company Act of Puerto Rico”, as amended by Act No. 10 of April 8, 2001. For the administration, protection and development of the Park, the Director shall prepare and implement a management plan that shall include the following:
History —Sept. 21, 2004, No. 395, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 40A - Tanamá River Karst Zone National Park (§§ 861 — 870) › § 870 - Powers of the Executive Director

The Executive Director is hereby authorized to enter agreements with other Commonwealth and federal government entities, as well as community organizations and private entities for the study, administration, scientific research and management of the Park.
History —Sept. 21, 2004, No. 395, § 12.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 42 - Special Permanent Fund for Ex-Boxers (§§ 901 — 915) › § 902 - Definitions

Unless otherwise understood or clearly shown from the context, the following terms shall have the meaning indicated below:
(a) Legislature. — The legislative government body known as such.
(b) Eligible boxers. — Professional boxers who have resided in Puerto Rico for the last five (5) years prior to their petition, having ended their career after not less than five (5) years in the practice of said profession, and who need orientation and training to effectively face financial and legal problems, as well as disability problems as defined in local and federal statutes that protect the rights of disabled persons, which may affect them adversely.
(c) Puerto Rico Professional Boxing Commission. — The government entity that governs professional boxing in Puerto Rico, attached to the Sports and Department Recreation, the agency that delegates administrative and quasi-adjudicative powers.
(d) Comptroller. — The Comptroller of Puerto Rico.
(e) The Sports and Recreation Department of Puerto Rico. — The executive agency in charge of promoting the public policy of the government in the areas of recreation and sports and which, pursuant to the provisions in this chapter, presides the Board of Trustees of the Trust.
(f) Trust or Boxers’ Trust. — The Special Permanent Fund for Ex-boxers.
(g) Trustee. — A member of the Board of Trustees of the Boxers’ Trust.
(h) Board or Board of Trustees. — Group of the members that constitute the Board of Trustees of the Boxers’ Trust.
History —Aug. 26, 2005, No. 90, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 42 - Special Permanent Fund for Ex-Boxers (§§ 901 — 915) › § 903 - Funds; deductions; supervision

(a) The initial capital of the Trust shall consist of the funds provided under § 915 of this title. The Permanent Special Fund shall also receive special appropriations from the Central Government, the Legislature, municipal governments or the United States Government, as well as funds originating from promoters, managers, trainers, persons related to this sport or individuals, corporations and private partnerships, ex-boxers and active boxers that contribute a percentage of the purse for each of their fights on Puerto Rican soil, pursuant to the rules of the Sports and Recreation Department itself, or through the Puerto Rico Professional Boxing Commission, pursuant to the provisions established in § 915 of this title, and the funds and personal and real property donated by natural or juridical persons.
(b) The contributions from the private sector to this Fund shall be deductible from the income tax return of the donor, pursuant to the provisions of law. Any contribution or income received by the Trust shall be exempted from the payment of taxes.
(c) The supervision of the public funds appropriated to the Trust, as well as the use thereof, shall be the duty of the Office of the Comptroller of Puerto Rico exclusively.
History —Aug. 26, 2005, No. 90, §§ 3—5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 42 - Special Permanent Fund for Ex-Boxers (§§ 901 — 915) › § 904 - Board of Trustees

The Boxers’ Trust shall be directed and administered by a Board of Trustees, whose members shall have the same rights, duties and powers and prerogatives. All powers of the Trust shall be exercised by the Board, which shall consist of seven (7) members, to wit: the Secretary of the Sports and Recreation Department, who shall preside the same; the Secretary of the Department of Education, the Secretary of the Department of Health; the President of the Puerto Rico Professional Boxing Commission; and three (3) representatives of the citizens with recognized interest in professional boxing. The representatives of the citizens shall be designated by the Chair of the Board, according to the recommendation to such effects submitted by the President of the Professional Boxing Commission, for a term of four (4) years each, and until their successors are designated and take office.
History —Aug. 26, 2005, No. 90, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 42 - Special Permanent Fund for Ex-Boxers (§§ 901 — 915) › § 905 - Facilities and services

The Secretary of the Sports and Recreation shall provide the facilities and services necessary for the Board of Trustees to carry out its purposes and functions, as established in this chapter. The members of the Board shall perform their duties “ad honorem”, as a public service, including the evaluation and awarding or denial of petitions for assistance submitted by eligible ex-boxers.
History —Aug. 26, 2005, No. 90, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 42 - Special Permanent Fund for Ex-Boxers (§§ 901 — 915) › § 906 - Requirements

The Board shall establish by regulation the requirements to be met by all who claim any assistance, including, without it being understood as a limitation, the following situations:
(a) That the eligible ex-boxer has mental conditions that require psychological or psychiatric treatment which is not covered by a private or Commonwealth health plan, and which the ex-boxer is unable to defray.
(b) That the eligible ex-boxer has financial problems of such a nature that he cannot make the necessary payments to maintain his residence and defray the cost of his most basic living needs.
(c) That the eligible ex-boxer needs economic assistance for the litigation of warranted legal cases of a civil-contractual nature, as long as he qualifies due to not having the financial means to defray them.
(d) That the eligible ex-boxer needs economic assistance for the litigation of warranted legal cases of a civil-contractual nature, as long as he qualifies due to not having the financial means to defray them.
(e) That the eligible boxer needs assistance for rehabilitation from habitual drug addiction or alcoholism, as long as he cannot pay for it due to his not having sufficient financial means.
(f) Other situations, the circumstances of which shall be evaluated to determine whether they are warranted.
History —Aug. 26, 2005, No. 90, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 42 - Special Permanent Fund for Ex-Boxers (§§ 901 — 915) › § 907 - Meetings

The Board of Trustees shall meet as often as needed to consider assistance petitions from eligible ex-boxers. Nevertheless, its first meeting shall be convened as a special meeting, within sixty (60) days following the approval of this act, to elect by majority vote the trustee that shall act as secretary of said Board and for the Chair of the Board to designate, by recommendation of the President of the Professional Boxing Commission, the three (3) representatives of the citizens.
History —Aug. 26, 2005, No. 90, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE FIFTEEN - Sports and Parks (§§ 1 — 2020) › Subtitle 1 - Generally (§§ 1 — 915) › Chapter 42 - Special Permanent Fund for Ex-Boxers (§§ 901 — 915) › § 908 - Vacancies and removal of members

(a) Should a vacancy arise among the trust members representing the citizens, it shall be filled by designation by the Chair of the Board, according to the recommendation to such effects submitted by the Professional Boxing Commission.
(b) The Board of Trustees, with the majority vote of the Board, may remove any trustee from office for just cause. Said removal and the reasons therefor shall be entered into a public record. The following shall be understood as just cause:
(1) The violation of the provisions of this chapter or its regulations with respect to the faithful discharge of fiduciary responsibilities.
(2) Acts or omissions contrary to the best interests of the Trust, the ex-boxers eligible for the benefits thereof or the financial solvency of the Fund created by this chapter.
(3) Gross negligence in the performance of duties.
History —Aug. 26, 2005, No. 90, §§ 10, 11.