reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 2 - Injured Migrant Workers (§§ 60 — 65) › § 65 - Injured migrant workers returning to the Commonwealth—Subrogation

The Secretary of Labor and Human Resources shall be subrogated in the rights of the worker against his employer’s insurer for the recovery of the expenditures incurred on account of the medical and hospital services rendered to the worker under the provisions of this chapter. The contracts of hire shall carry a stipulation to that effect and the Secretary shall take the proper action in law to make effective his right to such recovery.
History —June 23, 1958, No. 77, p. 173, § 5, eff. July 1, 1958.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 3 - Special Compensation Policies and Medical Contracts (§§ 71 — 75) › § 73 - Professional services of physicians not authorized to practice

The Manager of the State Insurance Fund is hereby authorized to contract for, in connection with the enforcement of the Workmen’s Accident Compensation Act, §§ 1—42 of this title, the professional services of physicians of American or alien citizenship not heretofore authorized to practice medicine in Puerto Rico, engaged for the purpose by the Secretary of Health, and who fulfil the requirements prescribed by Section 1 of Act No. 383, approved April 22, 1946.
History —May 14, 1947, No. 437, p. 910, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 3 - Special Compensation Policies and Medical Contracts (§§ 71 — 75) › § 74 - Professional services of physicians not authoried to practice—Conditions of contract

The services referred to in § 73 of this title shall be contracted for under the same conditions and limitations provided in the said Act.
History —May 14, 1947, No. 437, p. 910, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 3 - Special Compensation Policies and Medical Contracts (§§ 71 — 75) › § 75 - Group policies for certain nonprofit and cooperative associations

The Administrator of the State Insurance Fund is hereby authorized to issue, according to the conditions he/she deems justifiable, collective insurance policies to:
(a) Employers of farm workers that are members of a nonprofit association, or
(b) members or shareholders of a marketing, credit or production cooperative association established according to the laws that promote cooperatives in Puerto Rico;
(c) nonprofit employer’s associations for the production of farm products, and
(d) bona fide fishermen’s associations registered at the Department of State and who hold a license to that effect issued by the Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources.
History —May 11, 1955, No. 33, p. 110, § 1; Aug. 31, 2000, No. 253, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 5 - Hospital of Industrial Medicine and Surgery, and Physical Rehabilitation (§§ 101 — 105) › § 101 - Construction

The Manager of the State Insurance Fund is hereby authorized to invest from the reserve and surplus funds of the State Insurance Fund created by §§ 1—42 of this title, the sum of one million seven hundred and sixty thousand dollars ($1,760,000), or so much thereof as may be necessary, in the construction and equipment of a Hospital of Industrial Medicine and Surgery and of Physical Rehabilitation, and annexes thereto, for the hospitalization and treatment of workmen injured in labor accidents covered by law, or who contract occupational diseases included in §§ 1—42 of this title, and for the purchase of the lands that may be necessary for the building of said hospital, which sum shall be allocated as follows:
For the construction of a 350-bed hospital, including the acquisition of equipment and furnishings, and the preparation of plans and sketches, one million four hundred thousand dollars($1,400,000).
For a 100-bed dormitory for patients requiring physical rehabilitation, two hundred thousand dollars ($200,000).
For the purchase of land and for incidentals, one hundred and sixty thousand dollars ($160,000).
The Manager of the State Insurance Fund is likewise authorized to apply for and to receive aid derived from Federal funds, for the purpose of investing them in the construction of a Hospital of Industrial Medicine and Surgery and of Physical Rehabilitation, and annexes thereto, the construction of which is provided for herein, and in the acquisition of equipment therefor.
History —Apr. 22, 1946, No. 388, p. 1050, § 2; May 10, 1947, No. 326, p. 544, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 5 - Hospital of Industrial Medicine and Surgery, and Physical Rehabilitation (§§ 101 — 105) › § 101a - Use

The said hospital shall be used for the hospitalization and treatment of workmen injured in labor accidents or workmen who contract occupational diseases covered by §§ 1—42 of this title, and it may likewise be used with nonprofit purposes for the hospitalization and specialized treatment of all kinds of traumatic injuries and occupational diseases suffered by any member of the community, and to this end the Manager of the State Insurance Fund is hereby authorized to enter into contracts with the Department of Health, the Office of Vocational Rehabilitation, and any other public agency or private institution wishing to use the specialized services of the institution.
History —May 27, 1955, J.R. No. 76, § 2; June 17, 1957, No. 67, p. 157, § 2, eff. 90 days after June 17, 1957.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 5 - Hospital of Industrial Medicine and Surgery, and Physical Rehabilitation (§§ 101 — 105) › § 102 - Personnel for hospital; scholarships

The Manager of the State Insurance Fund is authorized to appoint, through contract, the necessary technical and administrative personnel and assistants for the purpose of organizing the services and operating the Hospital of Industrial Medicine and Surgery and of Physical Rehabilitation, as well as to fix the salaries thereof. He shall also have the power to grant, chargeable to the State Insurance Fund, scholarships for the time that may be necessary for the preparation of the necessary technical and administrative personnel, subject to the approval of the Office of Personnel.
History —Apr. 22, 1946, No. 388, p. 1050, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 5 - Hospital of Industrial Medicine and Surgery, and Physical Rehabilitation (§§ 101 — 105) › § 103 - Amortization of cost

The sums which for the purpose of §§ 101—103 of this title may be set aside from the reserve and surplus funds of the State Insurance Fund shall be reimbursed to their respective accounts, chargeable to the item for operating expenses of the State Insurance Fund, at the rate of seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) a year, until the full amortization thereof.
History —Apr. 22, 1946, No. 388, p. 1050, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 5 - Hospital of Industrial Medicine and Surgery, and Physical Rehabilitation (§§ 101 — 105) › § 104 - Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy School; expenses

The Manager of the State Insurance Fund is hereby authorized to make, and he shall make, with the approval of the Governor of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or of the official designated by him, the necessary arrangements for providing from time to time out of his regular funds the sums required to pay the salary of the Director of the Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy School sponsored by the State Insurance Fund and affiliated with the University of Puerto Rico, defray the cost of any survey and research work in the field of physical therapy and rehabilitation that, on request of the Fund, it may be necessary to undertake under the direction of the School of Medicine, as well as the salaries of the teaching and administrative personnel and any other incidental expense for the operation of the Physiotherapy and Occupational Therapy School that the School of Medicine or the University of Puerto Rico may have to defray by mutual agreement with the State Insurance Fund.
History —June 19, 1956, No. 63, p. 264, § 1; June 13, 1960, No. 72, p. 127, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 5 - Hospital of Industrial Medicine and Surgery, and Physical Rehabilitation (§§ 101 — 105) › § 105 - Use of personnel of School of Medicine, University of Puerto Rico

The School of Medicine of the University of Puerto Rico shall furnish the State Insurance Fund with the necessary technical supervisory personnel for the performance of any research work within the special field of physical therapy and rehabilitation.
History —June 19, 1956, No. 63, p. 264, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 6 - Regional Dispensary in the Metropolitan Area (§§ 111 — 112) › § 111 - Plans, designs and specifications

The Manager of the State Insurance Fund of Puerto Rico is hereby authorized to use from the unencumbered funds in the General Fund of the State Insurance Fund, created by §§ 1—42 of this title, the sum of fifty thousand dollars ($50,000), or the part thereof that may be necessary, for the preparation of plans, designs and necessary specifications for the construction of a Regional Dispensary in the Metropolitan Area for the adequate rendering of medical services to workers injured by reason of work accidents, and he may use the services of consultants and experts in the preparation of plans, the designs and specifications or he may otherwise delegate for such purpose other government agencies.
History —May 9, 1968, No. 37, p. 55, § 1, eff. July 1, 1968.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 6 - Regional Dispensary in the Metropolitan Area (§§ 111 — 112) › § 112 - Equipment

After the plans for the Regional Dispensary of the Metropolitan Area have been completed and approved by the pertinent agencies, the Manager of the State Insurance Fund is hereby authorized to use from the unencumbered funds in the General Fund of the State Insurance Fund the sums that he may deem advisable for its construction and for the acquisition and installation of its equipment as may be necessary for its efficient operation.
History —May 9, 1968, No. 37, p. 55, § 2, eff. July 1, 1968.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 7 - Employer’s Liability (§§ 131 — 140) › § 131 - Liability of employer

Where, after the effectiveness of this act, personal injury is caused to an employee who is himself in the exercise of due care and diligence at the time:
(1) By reason of any defect in the condition of the ways, works, or machinery, connected with, or used in the business of the employer, which arose from or had not been discovered or remedied owing to the negligence of the employer or of any person in the service of the employer and entrusted by him with the duty of seeing that the ways, works, or machinery, were in proper condition; or
(2) by reason of the negligence of any person in the service of the employer entrusted with the exercising of superintendence whose sole or principal duty is that of superintendence; or
(3) by reason of the negligence of any person in the service of the employer who has charge of, or physically controls, any signal switch, locomotive engine, car or train in motion, whether attached to an engine or not, upon a railroad, the employee, or, in case the injury results in death, his widow or children, or both of them, and if there be no such widow and children, then his parents (provided that said parents were dependent upon such employee for support) may maintain an action for damages against the employer, pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
History —Mar. 1, 1902, p. 150, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 7 - Employer’s Liability (§§ 131 — 140) › § 132 - Measure of damages

When an employee receives a personal injury under any of the conditions enumerated in § 131 of this title he may bring an action against his employer, before the Court of First Instance, to recover damages for such injury. In assessing the amount of such damages the court shall take into consideration the degree of culpability of the employer, or of the person for whose negligence the employer is liable hereunder, the sums expended by the employee for medical assistance, for drugs, medicines, and similar necessary expenses, and the loss of wages while recovering from the injury; the court shall also take into consideration the pain and suffering caused by the injury. If the injury be of such character as to permanently impair the earning capacity of the employee, the court shall include in the damages awarded an allowance for such loss. In case the injury results in a temporary impairment of his earning capacity, the court, in addition to pain and suffering and the expenditures for medical services and drugs, shall take into consideration the average rate of wages which, under ordinary conditions, he might have earned if not injured.
History —Mar. 1, 1902, p. 150, § 2; Mar. 13, 1913, No. 69, p. 114, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 7 - Employer’s Liability (§§ 131 — 140) › § 133 - Survivorship of action

In case of the death of the employee before the termination of the action so brought against the employer, it may be continued in the name of his widow or children, and if there be no such widow or children, then in the name of his parents, if they, or either of them, were dependent upon such employee for support at the time of the injury. If it shall appear in any action so continued in the name of the widow, children or parents of a deceased injured employee, that the death was the result of the injury, damages shall be assessed by the court, and the court shall estimate such damages in accordance with:
(a) The degree of culpability of the employer or of the person for whose negligence the employer is liable.
(b) The material damage incurred by the claimant or claimants through the death of the employee, in accordance with the actual needs that said claimant or claimants had to depend upon the wages of such employee for their support, taking into consideration his earning capacity and his probabilities of life at the time of the accident.
History —Mar. 1, 1902, p. 150, § 3; Mar. 13, 1913, No. 69, p. 114, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 7 - Employer’s Liability (§§ 131 — 140) › § 134 - Action for death of employee—Damages

When, before having commenced an action hereunder, an employee dies as the result of personal injury received under any of the conditions enumerated under § 131 of this title, his widow, children, or both of them, or if there be no such widow or children, then his parents, provided such parents were dependent upon such employee for support at the time of the injury, may maintain an action against the employer before the Court of First Instance, for damages caused by the death of such employee. Such damages shall not exceed the sum of three thousand dollars ($3,000) and shall be fixed by the court in accordance with:
(a) The degree of culpability of the employer or of the person for whose negligence the employer is liable.
(b) The material damage incurred by the claimant or claimants through the death of the employee in accordance with the actual needs that such claimant or claimants had to depend upon the wages of such employee for their support, taking into consideration his earning capacity and his probabilities of life at the time of the accident.
History —Mar. 1, 1902, p. 150, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 7 - Employer’s Liability (§§ 131 — 140) › § 135 - Action for death of employee—Division of damages

The court, when fixing the amount of damages to be paid in case of death by personal injury under this chapter, shall determine the amount due to each of the claimants in proportion to the material damages incurred by each of them in accordance with the actual needs which each of them had to depend upon the wages of the employee whose death was caused by accident.
History —Mar. 1, 1902, p. 150, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 7 - Employer’s Liability (§§ 131 — 140) › § 136 - Notice of injury or death

No action for the recovery of damages for injury or death under the provisions of this chapter shall be maintained unless notice of the time, place and cause of the injury is given to the employer within thirty days after the injury is received or unless it is commenced within six months from the date of the injury. The notice required by this section shall be in writing, signed by the person injured or by someone in his behalf; but if from physical or mental incapacity it is impossible for the person injured to give the notice within the time provided in said section, he may give the same within ten days after the incapacity is removed, and in case of his death without having given the notice and without having been at any time after his injury of sufficient capacity to give the notice the person or persons entitled to claim compensation pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, or their representatives, may give such notice within thirty days after the death of such employee. But no notice given under the provisions of this section shall be deemed to be invalid or insufficient solely by reason of any inaccuracy in stating the time, place or cause of the injury; provided, it is shown that there was no intention to mislead, and that the party entitled to notice was not in fact misled thereby.
History —Mar. 1, 1902, p. 150, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 7 - Employer’s Liability (§§ 131 — 140) › § 137 - Employees of independent contractors or subcontractors

Whenever an employe(r) enters into a contract, either written or verbal, with an independent contractor to do part of such employer’s work, or whenever such contractor enters into a contract with a subcontractor to do all or any part of the work comprised in such contractor’s contract with the employer, such contract or subcontract shall not bar the liability of the employer for injuries to the employees of such contractor or subcontractor, by reason of any defect in the condition of the ways, works, machinery, or plant, if they are the property of the employer, or furnished by him, and if such defect arose or had not been discovered or remedied through the negligence of the employer or of some person entrusted by him with the duty of seeing that they were in proper condition.
History —Mar. 1, 1902, p. 150, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 7 - Employer’s Liability (§§ 131 — 140) › § 138 - Contributory negligence

No employee, or his widow or children, or either of them, or his parents, if there be no such widow or children, shall be entitled under this chapter to any right of compensation or remedy against the employer in any case where such employee knew of the defect or negligence which caused the injury, and failed within a reasonable time to give, or cause to be given, information thereof to the employer, or to some person superior to himself in the service of the employer who had entrusted to him some general superintendence.
History —Mar. 1, 1902, p. 150, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 7 - Employer’s Liability (§§ 131 — 140) › § 139 - Employer’s contribution to insurance fund

Any employer who shall have contributed to an insurance fund created and maintained for the mutual purpose of indemnifying an employee for personal injuries for which compensation may be recovered under this chapter, or who has insured the said employee in any insurance company against the accidents of labor, shall be entitled to have deducted from the sum which he shall have to pay as compensation under the provisions of this chapter, the amount that shall have been received by the person injured, or by his widow or children, or both of them, or by the parents, if there be no such widow and children, from the aforesaid fund or from the insurance company, by reason of the same accident.
History —Mar. 1, 1902, p. 150, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 7 - Employer’s Liability (§§ 131 — 140) › § 140 - Scope

This chapter shall not apply to injuries caused to domestic servants, or farm laborers, by fellow employees.
History —Mar. 1, 1902, p. 150, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 9 - Temporary Disability Benefits (§§ 201 — 212) › § 201 - Short title and rule of statutory construction

This chapter shall be known and may be cited as the Temporary Disability Benefit Act. This chapter shall be liberally construed to accomplish its purpose of paying compensation to workmen for the loss of wages as a result of disability due to illness or accident not connected with employment.
History —June 26, 1968, No. 139, p. 354, § 1; May 30, 1970, No. 83, p. 205, § 1; July 1, 1988, No. 51, p. 237, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 9 - Temporary Disability Benefits (§§ 201 — 212) › § 212 - Advance of funds

The Secretary of the Treasury is hereby authorized to make advances from the General Treasury of the Commonwealth to the Disability Benefit Fund not to exceed five million dollars ($5,000,000), during the period comprised from the date this act takes effect up to December 31, 1969, as the Secretary may deem necessary to defray the initial expenses of the administration of this chapter and to facilitate to the Fund the payment of benefits prior to the receiving of the contributions. Such advances shall be refunded by the Fund to the General Treasury not later than June 30, 1972, with interest as determined by the Secretary of the Treasury as prevailing, at the time the advance was made, for loans or investments of the same nature.
History —June 26, 1968, No. 139, p. 354, § 12.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE ELEVEN - Workmen’s Compensation (§§ 1 — 268) › Chapter 12 - Program in Support of the Puerto Rican Workers (§§ 261-268 — 268) › §§ 261—268 - Act Oct. 13, 2011, No. 203, § 1, eff. Oct. 13, 2011

History —May 31, 2004, No. 129, § 2; Repealed. Act.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 2 - Promotion and Development of Sports and Recreational Fishing (§§ 17 — 24) › § 17 - Jurisdiction

This chapter shall apply to all water and marine resources of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
History —Sept. 6, 1997, No. 115, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 2 - Promotion and Development of Sports and Recreational Fishing (§§ 17 — 24) › § 19 - Statement of public policy

This chapter is promulgated to create incentives for the adequate use of the aquatic and marine resources of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, promote the fishing sport and the participation of the entire family, promote the Island as an international center for the practice of this sport and recreational activity, promote the conservation of our natural resources and enable the protection and surveillance thereof.
History —Sept. 6, 1997, No. 115, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 2 - Promotion and Development of Sports and Recreational Fishing (§§ 17 — 24) › § 21 - Consulting Board

For the implementation of the purposes of this chapter, a Recreational Fishing Consulting Board is hereby created to advise the Secretary on the assignment of resources and the determination of priorities for the development of this sector and in the implementation of the powers and duties contained in § 20 of this title. The Board shall be composed of the Executive Director of the Recreational Development Company, the Director of the Fishing Program of the Department of Agriculture, the Executive Director of the Tourist Company, a representative of the recreational fishing clubs existing in Puerto Rico and a mayor in whose municipality there are recreational fishing facilities. The Board shall be constituted no later than sixty (60) days from the date in which the law takes effect and shall hold its first meeting no later than thirty (30) days after being duly constituted, to assist the Secretary in the preparation of a working plan for the implementation of the purposes of this chapter.
History —Sept. 6, 1997, No. 115, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 2 - Promotion and Development of Sports and Recreational Fishing (§§ 17 — 24) › § 22 - Licenses

The Secretary shall issue licenses for sport and recreational fishing, fishing guides and provisional fishing licenses. He/She shall also have the power to determine the duration and use of the licenses, as well as the power to revoke and suspend licenses.
The following structure of annual license fees is hereby fixed through this chapter:
Children under 13 years of age: Free of charge
Youths from 13 to 21 years of age: $5.00
Adults over 21 years of age to 60 years of age: $20.00
Adults over 60 years of age: Free of charge
American citizens not residents of Puerto Rico: $35.00
Visiting foreign citizens $50.00
The following structure for temporary one-week fees is also fixed:
Children under 13 years of age: Free of charge
Youths and adults from 13 to 60 years of age: $5.00
Adults over 60 years of age: Free of charge
American citizens not residents of Puerto Rico: $7.00
Visiting foreign citizens $10.00
The following structure for temporary one-day fees is also fixed:
Children under 13 years of age: Free of charge
Youths and adults from 13 to 60 years of age: $5.00
Adults over 60 years of age: Free of charge
American citizens not residents of Puerto Rico: $5.00
Visiting foreign citizens $7.00
The Secretary may review these fees every four (4) years to adjust the same to the average increase in prices during said period as estimated by the economic indicators published by the Puerto Rico Planning Board.
History —Sept. 6, 1997, No. 115, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 2 - Promotion and Development of Sports and Recreational Fishing (§§ 17 — 24) › § 23 - Facilities, docks and infrastructure

The Secretary shall be empowered to construct, improve and administer facilities near the aquatic and maritime resources of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico for the use and enjoyment thereof by the citizenry, fishermen, and tourists who wish to enjoy the fishing sport as defined in this chapter, allowing the Secretary of Recreation and Sports to administer the passive recreation areas, including picnic areas and similar facilities. The Secretary of Recreation and Sports may establish cooperative agreements with municipalities, nonprofit entities or private entities for the development of these passive recreation areas.
The new facilities shall be constructed taking into consideration the needs of persons with physical disabilities and the applicable federal and state legislation. The existing facilities shall be rehabilitated and adapted to the purposes of this chapter.
Said facilities shall also have parking and passive recreational areas in order to protect the environment and resources of the area, as well as surveillance and information posts administered by the Department. The docks thus constructed or restored shall be for public use, and all structures, as well as the areas in which this chapter is developed and implemented shall be considered to be parks or environmental reserves.
History —Sept. 6, 1997, No. 115, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 2 - Promotion and Development of Sports and Recreational Fishing (§§ 17 — 24) › § 24 - Prohibitions, fines and penalties

Commercial fishing is hereby prohibited in the lakes and basins of Puerto Rico and the number of fish to be captured is limited to ten (10) for each calendar day of fishing. Any person who violates any of the provisions of this chapter or regulations created for its implementation, shall incur a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be punished with a fine of five hundred dollars ($500) or imprisonment for a period not to exceed six (6) months or both penalties at the discretion of the court, in addition to the regulatory penalties, except the cases of violations to the prohibition of commercial fishing in the lakes and basins of Puerto Rico, in which case the fine shall be of one thousand dollars ($1,000).
History —Sept. 6, 1997, No. 115, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 2A - Fisheries (§§ 25 — 25o) › § 25a - Statement of public policy

All aquatic and semiaquatic organisms found in bodies of water which are not private property, are hereby declared to be of public domain. These organisms may be fished, used and traded freely, subject to the provisions of this chapter and the regulations promulgated thereunder. The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources shall promote the better use, conservation and management of fishery resources pursuant to the needs of the People of Puerto Rico.
History —Nov. 29, 1998, No. 278, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 2A - Fisheries (§§ 25 — 25o) › § 25b - Jurisdiction

It is hereby declared that the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico shall have jurisdiction over the territorial sea of the Island of Puerto Rico and the islands that politically belong to it. The territorial sea shall extend to up to twelve (12) miles from the limit of the low-tide line or from the baselines established under international principles of law.
History —Nov. 29, 1998, No. 278, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 2A - Fisheries (§§ 25 — 25o) › § 25e - Special fishing permits

(a) Any natural or juridical person who is engaged whether on a full-time or part-time basis, in the catching or fishing of live aquatic or semiaquatic species for scientific research, educational purposes, exhibition, aquaculture, marketing and possession of aquarium fishes, must file an application with the Secretary for one of the following permits:
(1) Catching permit.
(2) Import and export permit.
(3) Possession permit.
These permits shall have an effective term of one year.
(b) In addition to their fishing license, commercial fishermen must hold the following permits, which shall be included in the commercial fishing license voucher, to fish the following species:
(1) Common lobster fishing.
(2) King Conch fishing.
These permits shall have an effective term of one (1) year, except for those fishermen who are sixty (60) years of age or over, who shall have the benefit of holding such permits for life.
(c) In addition to their fishing license, recreational fishermen must have the following permits to fish the following species:
(1) Special recreational fishing permits.
(2) Lobster fishing.
(3) King Conch fishing.
(4) Billfish and Swordfish fishing.
(d) Any person who wishes to engage in fishing for recreational purposes in locations designated by the Department for such purposes and under the custody and supervision of the officer in charge of such facilities, may obtain—in default of the recreational fishing license and provided the requirements established through regulations are met—an incidental fishing permit, to be issued by the corresponding officer in charge or any other authorized person upon whom the Secretary has expressly delegated. This permit shall be effective for the day on which it was issued, for a fee which shall be determined through regulations. The Department may require permits by regulations, for catching other aquatic or semiaquatic species. These permits shall have an effective term and cost to be established by regulations.
Persons who contract the services of a holder of a rental boat owner recreational fishing license shall be exempted from holding a recreational fishing license; however, any fish caught must be included in the statistical report.
History —Nov. 29, 1998, No. 278, § 7; Aug. 11, 2009, No. 68, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 2A - Fisheries (§§ 25 — 25o) › § 25f - Denial or revocation of licenses or permits

Any of the following circumstances shall constitute grounds for denying or revoking a license or permit issued under this chapter:
(a) Prior violations by the applicant or his/her representatives or agents, of any resolution, decision or order issued by the Secretary, or any provision of this chapter or the regulations promulgated thereunder.
(b) Having furnished false information on the application.
(c) Refusing to furnish pertinent information as required by the Department under this chapter or its regulations.
History —Nov. 29, 1998, No. 278, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 2A - Fisheries (§§ 25 — 25o) › § 25g - Information requirements

(a) Every fishing license holder shall be bound to furnish statistical information concerning the total fishes fished, caught, or bought, as required by the Department through regulations.
(b) Every commercial entity or person engaged in the trading of live fishery resources in Puerto Rico shall be bound to keep an official register of the origin, quantity and species subject to said trading, through the official register form provided by the Department. These registers shall be accessible to Department personnel pursuant to regulations.
(c) The information contained in the registers shall be confidential and the registers shall not be deemed to be public. The information on said registers shall be compiled and published in such a way that it does not disclose trade secrets.
History —Nov. 29, 1998, No. 278, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 2A - Fisheries (§§ 25 — 25o) › § 25h - Aquaculture

Aquaculture shall be encouraged, developed and managed by the Department of Agriculture of the Government of Puerto Rico.
The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources can require permits and endorsements as needed to regulate aquacultural activities which could have an impact on aquatic environments. After having been issued the pertinent permits, aquaculturists may make exclusive and sole use of the fishes thus farmed.
History —Nov. 29, 1998, No. 278, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 2A - Fisheries (§§ 25 — 25o) › § 25i - Regulations and licenses in effect

Fishing regulations promulgated under the act that is hereby repealed, shall remain in effect until the Department replaces them. The Department shall post public notice in two (2) newspapers of general circulation of its intent to adopt new regulations within a term of five (5) months from the effective date of this act. The Department shall hold public hearings prior to the approval of new regulations. Said notice shall indicate the date and place that the hearings will be held. Fishing license regulations shall be approved within a term of six (6) months from the effective date of this act.
The procedure to adopt regulations must comply with the provisions of §§ 2121–2141 of Title 3, part of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act, as amended. Licenses in effect issued prior to the approval of this act shall remain in effect up to ninety (90) days after the approval of license regulations. The [issuance] of new licenses shall be subject to compliance of the criteria established in this chapter.
History —Nov. 29, 1998, No. 278, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 2A - Fisheries (§§ 25 — 25o) › § 25j - Emergency measures

When the available scientific information shows that a fishery resource is in grave jeopardy, or that the fishing activity poses a hazard, or that a health hazard exists, the Secretary may decree a state of emergency through an administrative order and take the necessary measures.
History —Nov. 29, 1998, No. 278, § 12.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 2A - Fisheries (§§ 25 — 25o) › § 25j-1 - Prohibited practices

It is hereby prohibited to toss, discharge or order the tossing or discharging or depositing of oil, acid, poison or any other substance that kills or destroys the fish, crustaceans or mollusks in any lake, lagoon, spring, river, stream, channel or any current of water of Puerto Rico. Provided, That when any natural or juridical person has the need to toss into the sea or any lake, lagoon, spring, river, stream, channel or any current of water of Puerto Rico, the residue or waste from a factory, or industrial or agricultural enterprise, it shall be mandatory for it to previously obtain the corresponding permit [from] the Federal Environmental Protection Agency and the Environmental Quality Board. Any natural or juridical person that violates the provisions of this section shall incur a misdemeanor, and upon conviction thereof, shall be sanctioned with the penalty of a fine of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) nor more than three thousand dollars ($3,000). The provisions of this section shall not be construed in the sense of preventing the pertinent sanitary authorities from discharging substances necessary to protect the public health, into the water.
History —Nov. 29, 1998, No. 278, added as § 13 on Aug. 1, 1999, No. 210, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 2A - Fisheries (§§ 25 — 25o) › § 25k - Fines and penalites

Any person who violates the provisions of this chapter or the regulations in effect promulgated thereunder, may be penalized by an administrative fine to be determined through regulations. Any person who violates the regulations shall have the right to request an administrative hearing. Each unlawful catch or fishing activity shall constitute a violation. In the case of fishing gear, each fishing gear in contravention of the provisions of this chapter and its regulations shall constitute a violation.
Violations of this chapter or [of] the governing regulations thereunder shall be sanctioned by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100), nor more than five thousand dollars ($5,000) for each violation.
History —Nov. 29, 1998, No. 278, § 13, renumbered as § 14 on Aug. 1, 1999, No. 210, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 2A - Fisheries (§§ 25 — 25o) › § 25l - Administrative hearings

The procedure to be followed in the administrative hearing shall be adjusted to the provisions of §§ 2151–2170a of Title 3, part of the act known as the “Uniform Administrative Procedures Act” and the regulations approved thereunder by the Department.
History —Nov. 29, 1998, No. 278, § 14, renumbered as § 15 on Aug. 1, 1999, No. 210, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 2A - Fisheries (§§ 25 — 25o) › § 25m - Additional powers of the Secretary

In exercising the powers conferred by this chapter for the protection of fishery resources or in the best public interest, the Secretary may issue cease and desist orders on any activity in contravention of this chapter or its regulations, orders to show cause, orders to perform, as well as issuing resolutions, and imposing administrative fines pursuant to the regulations in effect.
History —Nov. 29, 1998, No. 278, § 15, renumbered as § 16 on Aug. 1, 1999, No. 210, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 2A - Fisheries (§§ 25 — 25o) › § 25n - Resort to higher jurisdiction

In the event a party does not comply with [an] order or resolution of the Secretary, the latter may resort to the competent part of the Court of First Instance to have a court order issued and thus compel compliance [with] the previous order or resolution, under admonition that the party shall be held in contempt for failure to comply with said order.
History —Nov. 29, 1998, No. 278, § 16, renumbered as § 17 on Aug. 1, 1999, No. 210, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 2A - Fisheries (§§ 25 — 25o) › § 25o - Enforcement of this chapter

The Ranger Corps of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, or any other law enforcement officer, is hereby empowered to intervene in any phase of the [implementation] of this chapter or those approved thereunder [sic], as provided in §§ 1201 et seq. of this title, known as the “Natural and Environmental Resources Rangers Act”.
History —Nov. 29, 1998, No. 278, § 17, renumbered as § 18 on Aug. 1, 1999, No. 210, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 3 - Fishing (§§ 41-47 — 71) › § 64 - Establishment of fish ponds—Appropriation

The sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000) is hereby appropriated from any available funds in the Commonwealth Treasury not otherwise appropriated, in order that the Secretary of Agriculture may establish on lands of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or cooperate in the establishment of, on private lands whose owners may be interested, fish ponds devoted to the propagation of species of fish suitable for human consumption and adapted to conditions in Puerto Rico, such as the catfish (Ameiurus catus and Ameiurus nebulosus), bluegill sunfish (Lepomis incisor) and other species.
History —May 12, 1941, No. 154, p. 934, § 1, eff. 90 days after May 12, 1941.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 3 - Fishing (§§ 41-47 — 71) › § 65 - Establishment of fish ponds—Acceptance of federal assistance

The Secretary of Agriculture is authorized to request, accept, and receive any assistance from any federal agency in the form of labor, personnel, equipment, supplies, or in any other practical form, in order that, together with the funds appropriated by §§ 64–66 of this title, he may establish, or cooperate in the establishment of, the fish ponds provided for by §§ 64–66 of this title.
History —May 12, 1941, No. 154, p. 934, § 2, eff. 90 days after May 12, 1941.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 3 - Fishing (§§ 41-47 — 71) › § 66 - Establishment of fish ponds—Permits; rules and regulations

Natural or [juridical] persons desiring to establish fish ponds on lands belonging to them or in their possession shall obtain the corresponding permit from the Secretary of Agriculture, who shall specify the requirements for such fish ponds, through rules and regulations which he shall prescribe for the purpose.
History —May 12, 1941, No. 154, p. 934, § 3, eff. 90 days after May 12, 1941.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 3 - Fishing (§§ 41-47 — 71) › § 69 - Oyster improvements—Appropriation; nurseries

The sum of five thousand dollars ($5,000) is hereby appropriated from any available funds in the Commonwealth Treasury not otherwise appropriated, so that the Secretary of Agriculture may undertake a program for the improvement of the quality and increase the production of the natural oyster beds in Puerto Rico, and to establish artificial oyster nurseries through the employment of modern practices of oyster culture.
History —Apr. 5, 1951, No. 50, p. 120, § 1, eff. July 1, 1951.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 3 - Fishing (§§ 41-47 — 71) › § 70 - Oyster improvements—Acceptance of federal assistance

The Secretary of Agriculture is hereby authorized to ask for, accept and receive any help from any federal agency by way of labor, personnel, equipment, supplies, or in any other practical form, so that in combination with the funds herein appropriated, he may improve the quality and increase the production of the oyster beds in Puerto Rico.
History —Apr. 5, 1951, No. 50, p. 120, § 2, eff. July 1, 1951.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 3 - Fishing (§§ 41-47 — 71) › § 71 - Oyster improvements—New species

The Secretary of Agriculture is likewise authorized to introduce oyster species which might help to improve the oyster resources in Puerto Rico.
History —Apr. 5, 1951, No. 50, p. 120, § 3, eff. July 1, 1951.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 4 - Falconry Law (§§ 72a — 72q) › § 72a - Repealed. Act May 17, 2012, No. 89, § 20, effective May 17, 2012

History —July 25, 2000, No. 137, § 3; Repealed. Act.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 4 - Falconry Law (§§ 72a — 72q) › § 72b - Repealed. Act May 17, 2012, No. 89, § 20, effective May 17, 2012

History —July 25, 2000, No. 137, § 4; Repealed. Act.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 4 - Falconry Law (§§ 72a — 72q) › § 72c - Repealed. Act May 17, 2012, No. 89, § 20, effective May 17, 2012

History —July 25, 2000, No. 137, § 5; Repealed. Act.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 4 - Falconry Law (§§ 72a — 72q) › § 72d - Repealed. Act May 17, 2012, No. 89, § 20, effective May 17, 2012

History —July 25, 2000, No. 137, § 6; Repealed. Act.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 4 - Falconry Law (§§ 72a — 72q) › § 72e - Repealed. Act May 17, 2012, No. 89, § 20, effective May 17, 2012

History —July 25, 2000, No. 137, § 7; Repealed. Act.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 4 - Falconry Law (§§ 72a — 72q) › § 72f - Repealed. Act May 17, 2012, No. 89, § 20, effective May 17, 2012

History —July 25, 2000, No. 137, § 8; Repealed. Act.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWELVE - Conservation (§§ 1-16 — 8162) › Subtitle 1 - Protection of Game and Fish (§§ 1-16 — 107u) › Chapter 4 - Falconry Law (§§ 72a — 72q) › § 72g - Repealed. Act May 17, 2012, No. 89, § 20, effective May 17, 2012

History —July 25, 2000, No. 137, § 9; Repealed. Act.