reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 896 - Scholarships in medicine, odontology or veterinary science—Loan and Scholarship Committee

A special fund is hereby established in the Medical Science Campus of the University of Puerto Rico with the funds appropriated by Acts No. 215 of March 27, 1946, No. 53 of May 7, 1947, and §§ 896 to 899a of this title, as well as the funds that may be assigned in the future, to be destined for scholarships or loans to students of Medicine, Dentistry and Veterinary Medicine with permanent residence in Puerto Rico, who are accepted in schools of Medicine or Dentistry of the Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico, or in any school of medicine or dentistry or veterinary medicine that may be established in Puerto Rico, duly authorized by the Council on Higher Education, or in schools outside of Puerto Rico, duly recognized by the Puerto Rico Board of Medical Examiners and corresponding boards where the abovementioned disciplines are taught.
A Committee is hereby created which shall be known as the Scholarships and Loans Committee, attached to the Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico, which shall have the responsibility of selecting qualified candidates to receive the benefits of §§ 896-899a of this title, and administer the financial assistance system established therein. The Committee shall be constituted by the Dean of the Medical Science Campus or his/her representative, the Dean of the School of Medicine or his/her representative, the Dean of the School of Dentistry, or his/her representative, and three (3) members appointed by the Governor of Puerto Rico with the advice and consent of the Senate of Puerto Rico. The members of the Committee appointed by the Governor must be connected to education and the professional exercise of medicine, dentistry, and veterinary medicine.
The amounts granted as scholarships or loans to students of medicine, dentistry and veterinary medicine and who study said disciplines in any private school in or outside of Puerto Rico, shall never be greater than those conferred to students in the Medical Sciences Campus or the University of Puerto Rico.
The funds assigned for scholarships and loans to the Medical Science Campus of the University of Puerto Rico shall never be less than those assigned to said Campus in the years prior to the date of approval of this act.
History —June 5, 1948, No. 17, p. 56, § 1; May 30, 1975, No. 32, p. 69; June 24, 1977, No. 104, p. 262, § 2; Nov. 29, 1978, No. 8, p. 695, § 1; Jan. 6, 1999, No. 7, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 897 - Scholarships in medicine, odontology or veterinary science—Rules for qualification and cancellation

The Committee is hereby empowered to prescribe the norms, rules or conditions needed to select the candidates who shall be granted financial aid, and for the canceling of said aid when the academic proficiency, conduct or any other circumstances established by the Council by regulation may so warrant. The minimum requirements under which students may be candidates for financial aid, are as follows;
(a) Academic index of not less than 2.50.
(b) Duly justified limited financial resources that will not allow the student or responsible family member to pay for his/her studies.
(c) Be admitted to the Medical Science Campus of the University of Puerto Rico or any school of medicine, dentistry, or school of veterinary medicine established in Puerto Rico and duly authorized by the Council on Higher Education, or that obtains a license of authorization from said Council in the disciplines stated above, in schools outside of Puerto Rico which are duly accredited by the Puerto Rico Board of Medical Examiners or corresponding Examining Boards.
History —June 5, 1948, No. 17, p. 56, § 2; May 30, 1975, No. 32, p. 69; Nov. 29, 1978, No. 8, p. 695, § 1; Jan. 6, 1999, No. 7, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 899 - Scholarships in medicine, odontology or veterinary science—Funds appropriated; reports to Legislature

The Medical Sciences Campus may use part of the moneys recovered for the repayment of loans and interest to pay for what is needed to conduct the collection of the student loans that are due and thus maintain a healthy and efficient administration. Any expense in the collection efforts, as well as interest and attorney fees incurred by the institution through judicial or administrative means, may be included as part of the principal owed by the borrower for its total recovery. Provided, That the money paid for contracting with the schools of veterinary medicine to ensure the admission of students shall be deemed as a scholarship under this financial aid program. The Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico is bound to report to the Legislature the number of scholarships and loans granted annually, as well as the school or university to which the student is admitted.
History —June 5, 1948, No. 17, p. 56, § 4; May 30, 1975, No. 32, p. 69; June 24, 1977, No. 104, p. 262, § 2; Nov. 29, 1978, No. 8, p. 695, § 1; Jan. 6, 1999, No. 7, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 899a - Scholarships in medicine, odontology or veterinary science—Assurance of admission of students to veterinary schools

The Medical Sciences Campus is hereby authorized to use funds appropriated by Acts No. 215 of March 27, 1946, and No. 53 of May 7, 1947, as well as any other funds hereafter appropriated thereto, to subscribe contracts with universities outside of Puerto Rico, to assure admission of students to veterinary schools. The Medical Sciences Campus of the University of Puerto Rico shall, in ensuing years, set aside in its operational budget this sum and the other amounts of money that may be necessary to execute the scholarships and loans program authorized by §§ 896-899a of this title.
History —June 5, 1948, No. 17, p. 56, added as § 6 on June 24, 1977, No. 104, p. 262, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 900 - Nursing scholarships—System established

The Secretary of Health is hereby authorized to establish a system of loans and scholarships to pursue basic studies in professional nursing.
History —May 5, 1950, No. 222, p. 566, § 1; Aug. 1, 1999, No. 206, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 901 - Nursing scholarships—Standards for professional nursing programs

In order for loans and scholarships to be granted to their students, professional nursing programs shall:
(a) Exist as such; with the recognition and authorization of the Council on Higher Education of Puerto Rico, as of the date the provisions of this act take effect.
(b) Select students on the basis of previous academic preparation and financial need, but without discrimination with regard to race, color or creed.
History —May 5, 1950, No. 222, p. 566, § 2; Aug. 1, 1999, No. 206, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 902 - Nursing scholarships—Selection of applicants

Applicants for scholarships or loans shall be selected from among all the students admitted by the respective schools in accordance with their own admission requirements and the standards established by the Council on Higher Education of Puerto Rico in conformity with the law and its regulations; Provided, That these aids may be granted to students with financial needs in any of their years of study, up to a maximum of four (4) years. It is further Provided, That every beneficiary of a scholarship shall sign a contract with the Secretary of Health to the effect that he/she will serve in the public health service of Puerto Rico for a number of years equal to the time for which he/she received the benefits of the scholarship, or in its defect, shall pay the total amount of the scholarship or the amount equivalent to each year that he/she was benefited with the scholarship, plus interest, in lieu of the public health service. The interest rate shall be established on the basis of interest rates for similar financial aids at the time of initiating the payment, as provided by the Secretary of Health.
History —May 5, 1950, No. 222, p. 566, § 3; Aug. 1, 1999, No. 206, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 903 - Nursing scholarships—Amount of scholarship

The amount of the scholarship shall be established according to the standards set forth by the financial aid offices of the entities, as verified by the Council on Higher Education of Puerto Rico, taking into account the costs of lodging and sustenance, uniforms, books and materials, academic instruction, stipends, etc. The interest to be paid for the loan shall not exceed four percent (4%). The payments for the aid received shall be made directly and at the end of the month, to the administrative authorities of respective schools.
History —May 5, 1950, No. 222, p. 566, § 4; Aug. 1, 1999, No. 206, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 904 - Nursing scholarships—Rules and regulations

The Secretary of Health shall adopt rules and regulations for the enforcement of the provisions of §§ 900—905 of this title, which rules and regulations shall, after the promulgation thereof, have the force of law.
History —May 5, 1950, No. 222, p. 566, § 5; eff. July 1, 1950.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 905 - Nursing scholarships—Expenses in Department of Health budget

In succeeding years the necessary appropriations for carrying out the purposes of §§ 900—905 of this title may be made in the budget of expenses of the Department of Health.
History —May 5, 1950, No. 222, p. 566, § 6, eff. July 1, 1950.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 910a - Scholarship for postgraduate agricultural studies

The Department of Agriculture of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico is hereby directed to create a Scholarship Program for Post-Graduate Studies. This Program shall have the purpose of granting scholarships to pay partially or entirely, studies for agronomists, veterinarians, or other professionals directly related to the Department of Agriculture or its dependencies.
History —Mar. 3, 2002, No. 41, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 910b - Scholarship for postgraduate agricultural studies—Board of Directors

A Board of Directors shall be created, to be chaired by the Secretary of Agriculture, and constituted by the Dean of the Agricultural Sciences College of the Mayagüez Campus, two (2) additional members chosen from among the directors or administrators of the Corporations attached to the Department of Agriculture, one representative from the College of Agronomists of Puerto Rico, and one representative from the College of Veterinarians.
History —Mar. 3, 2002, No. 41, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 910c - Scholarship for postgraduate agricultural studies—Priority

Priority shall be given to students who pledge themselves to work for the Government in the specialty obtained, matching every year of scholarship with a year in service.
History —Mar. 3, 2002, No. 41, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 910d - Scholarship for postgraduate agricultural studies—Priority; employees of the Government

The Board shall give priority to applicants who are employees of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and its attached corporations. The balance of leave with pay of said employees may be taken into account and this may be supplemented with a scholarship.
History —Mar. 3, 2002, No. 41, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 910e - Scholarship for postgraduate agricultural studies—Use of Fund

In addition to the regular employees of the Department of Agriculture and the corporations attached thereto, students who pledge under contract to offer their services to the Department after completing their studies, may avail themselves of the Fund.
History —Mar. 3, 2002, No. 41, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 910f - Scholarship for postgraduate agricultural studies—Fund; appropriations

The Scholarship Fund of the Program shall be replenished by an annual contribution of not less than twenty-five thousand dollars ($25,000) for the first year; fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) for the second year; and one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) for the third and subsequent years, from the savings and income of the Department of Agriculture and agencies attached thereto. In addition, the Fund may receive transfers from other government agencies as well as donations from the private business sector.
History —Mar. 3, 2002, No. 41, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 910g - Scholarship for postgraduate agricultural studies—Fund; transfer

The first transfer of funds shall be made in the same fiscal year that this act is approved.
History —Mar. 3, 2002, No. 41, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 910h - Samuel R. Quiñones Senate Scholarship

(a) The “Samuel R. Quiñones Senate Scholarship for Excellence in the Spanish Language,” is hereby instituted, which shall be granted annually by the Senate of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to a student in the 12th grade of high school, to be selected by a committee designated by the Secretary of the Department of Education.
(b) The Committee shall hold contests, and coordinate and supervise the activities in all school districts to carry out the duty to select the student to whom the scholarship shall be granted, pursuant to the regulations set forth by the Secretary for the granting of said scholarship.
(c) This scholarship shall be granted in cash, and the Puerto Rico Senate shall appropriate the amount of one thousand dollars ($1,000) from the General Expenses Fund each year for this purpose.
History —Dec. 29, 2003, No. 332, §§ 1—3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 910j - Dr. Antonio Pantaja Scholarship

(a) The “Dr. Antonia Pantoja Scholarships Program” is hereby established, which shall be directed and administered by the Joint Commission for the Dr. Antonia Pantoja Scholarships Program.
(b) Through the “Dr. Antonia Pantoja Scholarship Program” two (2) scholarships of ten thousand dollars ($10,000) each, shall be granted annually, for a maximum of four (4) years, to students who wish to study towards a Doctor’s degree in Social Work. One (1) scholarship shall be granted to a student residing in Puerto Rico who has completed undergraduate studies in any duly-accredited university in Puerto Rico: the other scholarship shall be granted to a Puerto Rican student residing in the United States who has completed undergraduate studies in any duly-accredited university in the United States.
(c) Those students who are committed to work with the government in the area of their specialty upon completion of their degree shall receive priority, by matching each scholarship year for a year of service. If the scholarship recipient fails to comply with the established conditions, he/she shall be bound to reimburse the amount received.
(d) A Joint Committee for the Dr. Antonia Pantoja Scholarship Program is hereby created, that shall be in charge of the organization and functioning of the Program. The Committee shall be composed of the Chairpersons of both Legislative Bodies, the Speakers of the different political parties in both Legislative Bodies, and another of the College of Social Workers of Puerto Rico, one representative of the Centro de Estudios Puertorriqueños, of Hunter College in New York.
(e) The Committee for the Dr. Antonia Pantoja Scholarship Program shall approve regulations to administer the program. Said regulations shall establish the norms and procedures that are necessary for the adequate granting and evaluation, as well as the eligibility requirements of the grantees.
History —Apr. 23, 2004, No. 97, §§ 1—5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 910l - Permanent Scholarship Fund; Cooperativism—Creation and purpose

A special fund denominated the “Permanent Scholarship Fund for University Students Enrolled in a Bachelor’s Degree Program in the Field of Cooperativism” is hereby created in the books of the Department of the Treasury, to be attached to and administered by the Council on Higher Education, pursuant to the provisions set forth under subsections (18), (19), and (20) of § 852e of this title, part of the act known as the “Council on Higher Education of Puerto Rico Act”. The resources accrued in this fund shall be used to help defray the expenses of those students admitted to and enrolled in a recognized educational program in Puerto Rico leading to a Bachelor’s Degree in the field of cooperativism, who are interested in broadening their knowledge through cooperative experiences in other regions.
History —Sept. 16, 2004, No. 340, § 2; Aug. 13, 2008, No. 271, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 910m - Permanent Scholarship Fund; Cooperativism—Regulations

The Council on Higher Education of Puerto Rico shall administer the Educational Fund through the regulations, norms and conditions implemented with the cooperation of an Advisory Board. Provided, That these shall be consistent with the provisions of subsections (18), (19), and (20) of § 852e of this title, part of the act known as the “Council on Higher Education of Puerto Rico Act”.
(a) The Advisory Board shall be constituted by:
(1) A representative of the Cooperative Development Administration.
(2) A representative of the Institute of Cooperativism of the University of Puerto Rico.
(3) Three representatives of the cooperative movement appointed by the Puerto Rico League of Cooperatives.
(4) A representative of every higher education private institution that offers a program leading to a Bachelor’s Degree in Cooperativism.
History —Sept. 16, 2004, No. 340, § 3; Aug. 13, 2008, No. 271, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 910n - Permanent Scholarship Fund; Cooperativism—Eligibility requirements

The minimum requirements listed below, besides those to be set through regulations by the Council on Higher Education and the Advisory Board, which must be met by aspirants in order to qualify, are hereby established. The requirements to be established may not be discriminatory because of race, gender, color, religion, political affiliation or nationality.
(a) To have been accepted in an accredited university institution with a general grade index of not less than 2.50 or its equivalent.
(b) To have enrolled in some recognized undergraduate academic program at some university in Puerto Rico leading to a Bachelor’s Degree with a major in Cooperativism. Priority shall be given to those students who commit themselves to working for the cooperative movement on the Island after finishing their university studies by matching each year under a scholarship with one year of service.
(c) To [pass] twelve (12) credit hours or their equivalent in a full time program per semester during their program of university studies maintaining an academic general grade index of not less than 2.50 or its equivalent.
(d) To sustain consecutive semester studies during each term of studies.
(e) To every semester send to the Advisory Board their grades, achievements and/or certificates obtained during the course of their university studies.
(f) To provide evidence of financial need to receive the assistance granted through §§ 910 l —910q of this title to be able to continue studies.
History —Sept. 16, 2004, No. 340, § 4; Aug. 13, 2008, No. 271, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 910o - Permanent Scholarship Fund; Cooperativism—Motives for cancellation

(a) To maintain an average of less than 2.50 or its equivalent.
(b) To have submitted false information in the documents for admission to the Program.
(c) Failure to finish their study program in the stipulated time.
(d) Irregular [attendance] or undisciplined conduct.
History —Sept. 16, 2004, No. 340, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 910p - Permanent Scholarship Fund; Cooperativism—Penalties for noncompliance

(a) The Advisory Board shall establish through regulations, the penalties for noncompliance with the provisions of §§ 910 l —910q of this title.
History —Sept. 16, 2004, No. 340, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 910q - Permanent Scholarship Fund; Cooperativism—Financial appropriations

The Fund created through §§ 910 l —910q of this title shall be nourished by the following financial appropriations:
(a) Appropriations made yearly by the Legislature through Joint Resolutions or donations specifically intended for the Fund, for the developing and fostering cooperative education in Puerto Rico.
(b) Donations from enterprises, companies, groups, nonprofit institutions, societies, partnerships, private corporate entities, and private citizens as well as from federal, Commonwealth and municipal government entities.
(c) The interest generated from investments chargeable to the monies of the Fund.
(d) The transfers of funds conducted by the Council on Higher Education of the moneys originating from Act No. 435 of September 22, 2004, as amended, known as the “Postsecondary Student Permanent Financial Assistance and Scholarship Fund Act”, as it may deem pertinent and without being subject to the original purposes of the Permanent Fund.
(e) $15,000.
History —Sept. 16, 2004, No. 340, § 7; Aug. 13, 2008, No. 271, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61 - Scholarships (§§ 861-866 — 910v) › § 910v - Scholarship for Young Bilingual Students

(a) The “Scholarship for Young Bilingual Students” is hereby created, to be granted annually by the House of Representatives to a high school senior of the Public Education System, who shall be selected by a committee, to be designated by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
(b) The committee, in coordination with the Secretary of the Department of Education of Puerto Rico, shall organize contests, coordinate and supervise activities in educational regions to carry out the task of selecting the student who shall receive the scholarship pursuant to the regulations established for the granting thereof by the Speaker of the House of Representatives.
(c) Said scholarship shall be granted in cash and each year, the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico shall set aside from its Budget of General Expenses, the sum of two thousand five hundred dollars ($2,500) for its granting.
History —Apr. 29, 2008, No. 48, §§ 1—3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61A - Educational Vouchers and Free Selection of Schools (§§ 911 — 911n) › § 911 - Definitions

The following terms and phrases contained in this chapter shall have the meaning stated hereinafter:
(a) Department. — The Department of Education of Puerto Rico.
(b) Bona fide student. — Any student enrolled in a public or private school at least for that semester immediately preceding his/her application to participate in the Educational Vouchers and Free Selection of Schools Program.
(c) Authorized private entity. — Institution established by law to help defray the scholastic expenses of students that attend public or private schools.
(d) Office. — The Office of the Educational Vouchers and Free Selection of Schools.
(e) Program. — The Educational Vouchers and Free Selection of Schools Program established herein.
(f) Secretary. — The Secretary of the Department of Education of Puerto Rico.
(g) Educational voucher. — The credit granted by the Department to the public school which the student freely selects to continue his studies.
History —Sept. 3, 1993, No. 71, § 2; July 19, 1995, No. 181, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61A - Educational Vouchers and Free Selection of Schools (§§ 911 — 911n) › § 911a - Program—Creation

An Educational Vouchers and Free Selection of Schools Program is hereby created attached to the Deputy Secretary of Student Services of the Department, where its Office shall be located.
History —Sept. 3, 1993, No. 71, § 3; July 19, 1995, No. 81, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61A - Educational Vouchers and Free Selection of Schools (§§ 911 — 911n) › § 911b - Program—Office; function

The Office shall have a Director and the office employees needed to perform the pertinent work. The main function of the Office shall be to prepare the application documents for the aspirants to the three types of vouchers established in this chapter, specifying the qualifications pertinent to each. In case the number of applications for vouchers cannot be covered [by] the resources available, the Office shall establish an objective and fair procedure to make the corresponding adjudications. The Office shall be in charge of conducting the evaluations and follow-ups needed to ensure the effective measuring of the results of the three (3) modalities of the Program.
History —Sept. 3, 1993, No. 71, § 4; July 19, 1995, No. 81, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61A - Educational Vouchers and Free Selection of Schools (§§ 911 — 911n) › § 911c - Program—Powers and duties

The Office created by this chapter shall also have the following duties and powers:
(a) Implement and administer the Program.
(b) Analyze and make recommendations regarding the distribution and use of funds appropriated to the Program.
(c) Advise the Secretary on the establishing of the evaluation criteria to be used in the Program.
(d) Submit recommendations to the Secretary on the development of the Program.
(e) Recommend to the Secretary the procedures to ensure and increase the participation of students, parents and educational entities in the Program.
(f) Evaluate the Program at least once a year.
(g) Refer applicants to authorized private entities in order for economic assistance to be processed for the free selection of schools that cannot be offered under this chapter.
(h) Carry out any other duties assigned by the Secretary.
History —Sept. 3, 1993, No. 71, § 5; July 19, 1995, No. 81, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61A - Educational Vouchers and Free Selection of Schools (§§ 911 — 911n) › § 911d - Educational vouchers—Types

The Program shall consist of three (3) types of educational vouchers:
(a) Free selection of public schools by students from other public schools.
(b) Free selection of public schools by students from private schools.
(c) Educational advance for talented students who take university courses which can be credited to university programs as well as secondary school programs.
History —Sept. 3, 1993, No. 71, § 6; July 19, 1995, No. 81, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61A - Educational Vouchers and Free Selection of Schools (§§ 911 — 911n) › § 911e - Educational vouchers—Eligibility

The students from public or private schools located who meet the requirements established in this chapter for each one of the types of educational vouchers shall be eligible for the benefits of this Program. The Program shall take effect from the second grade on, and its benefits shall be granted at the beginning of each school year.
The amount for educational vouchers fixed in this chapter shall in no case exceed the sum of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) per student, or its monetary equivalent in 1995 currency.
History —Sept. 3, 1993, No. 71, § 7; July 19, 1995, No. 81, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61A - Educational Vouchers and Free Selection of Schools (§§ 911 — 911n) › § 911f - Educational vouchers—In general

The educational vouchers for the free selection of public schools shall consist of certificates to be presented by the student’s parents at the selected schools. The certificate of credit granted to the public school shall be used by the school to enrich its educational offerings and to finance expenses related to the rendering of its services to the students.
History —Sept. 3, 1993, No. 71, § 8; July 19, 1995, No. 81, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61A - Educational Vouchers and Free Selection of Schools (§§ 911 — 911n) › § 911h - Educational vouchers—Talented students

The educational advance for talented students who take courses as established in § 911d(c) of this title shall be subject to the availability of funds and to the compliance of the student with the academic achievement requirements established by regulations, which in no case shall be different from those established for students who [are] not participating in the Program. The educational advance shall not be subject to the requirement of an annual family income of eighteen thousand dollars ($18,000).
History —Sept. 3, 1993, No. 71, § 10, renumbered as § 9 by § 13 and amended on July 19, 1995, No. 81, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61A - Educational Vouchers and Free Selection of Schools (§§ 911 — 911n) › § 911i - Requirements

The educational institutions which participate in the Educational Voucher Program shall meet the following requirements:
(a) Be licensed or accredited by the recognized accrediting organizations in Puerto Rico, with the [exception] of public schools.
(b) Keep an admission policy free from discrimination on account of race, sex, color, social origin or condition, physical or mental impediments, political or religious beliefs.
(c) Comply with the health and safety legislation and regulations in effect in Puerto Rico applicable to educational institutions.
History —Sept. 3, 1993, No. 71, § 11, renumbered as § 10 by § 13 and amended on July 19, 1995, No. 81, § 12.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61A - Educational Vouchers and Free Selection of Schools (§§ 911 — 911n) › § 911j - Determinations by the Secretary

This Program is instituted experimentally. The Secretary shall determine the areas in which it will be tested and the manner in which it can be gradually extended. On making these determinations, the Secretary shall take into consideration factors such as the following: the student population in the areas, the number and capacity of the public and private schools in the same, as well as other variables which promote the best use of the resources.
History —Sept. 3, 1993, No. 71, § 12, renumbered as § 11 on July 19, 1995, No. 81, § 13.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61A - Educational Vouchers and Free Selection of Schools (§§ 911 — 911n) › § 911k - Reports

The Secretary shall submit to the Legislature within the term of ninety (90) days, after the end of the school year, a report on the development and progress of the Program which shall include comparative elements on academic achievement and daily attendance of students, percentage of dropouts, suspensions, and expulsions, as well as the funds used for the Program during the school year.
History —Sept. 3, 1993, No. 71, § 13, renumbered as § 12 on July 19, 1995, No. 81, § 13.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61A - Educational Vouchers and Free Selection of Schools (§§ 911 — 911n) › § 911l - Rules and regulations

The Secretary is hereby empowered to issue orders, resolutions or determinations needed to carry out the purposes of this chapter and to conduct fiscal and operation audits, when deemed convenient for the best operation of the Program. Likewise, the Secretary is empowered to adopt the rules and regulations needed to implement the provisions of this chapter, pursuant to §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3, known as the “Commonwealth of Puerto Uniform Administrative Procedure Act”.
History —Sept. 3, 1993, No. 71, § 14, renumbered as § 13 on July 19, 1995, No. 81, § 13.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61A - Educational Vouchers and Free Selection of Schools (§§ 911 — 911n) › § 911n - Penalties

Any person who, on his own, or through an agent, violates this chapter or the regulation adopted hereunder, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction thereof shall be sentenced to imprisonment for a term which shall not exceed six (6) months or a fine which shall not exceed five hundred dollars ($500), or both penalties at the discretion of the court.
History —Sept. 3, 1993, No. 71, § 17, renumbered as § 16 on July 19, 1995, No. 81, § 16.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61C - Educational Foundation for Free Selection of Schools (§§ 913 — 913j) › § 913 - Creation

A nonprofit profit organization is hereby created under the name of “Educational Foundation for the Free Selection of Schools, Inc.”, hereinafter denominated “Educational Foundation”.
History —July 19, 1995, No. 80, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61C - Educational Foundation for Free Selection of Schools (§§ 913 — 913j) › § 913a - Nature and purpose

The Educational Foundation shall be a nonprofit corporation which shall provide educational financial aid and equal opportunities for elementary and high school students in public or private schools in Puerto Rico.
History —July 19, 1995, No. 80, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61C - Educational Foundation for Free Selection of Schools (§§ 913 — 913j) › § 913b - Board—Organization

The Foundation shall be constituted when its incorporators file its certificate of incorporation at the Offices of the Department of State of Puerto Rico. The affairs of the Educational Foundation shall be governed by a Board of Trustees. The members of the Board of Trustees shall be:
(a) The Secretary of Education, as ex officio member with voice but no vote;
(b) the President of the University of Puerto Rico, as ex officio member with voice and vote;
(c) the Secretary of the Treasury, as ex officio member with voice but no vote, and
(d) four private citizens of moral probity and recognized competence in the field of education, initially designated by the Governor. Subsequently, they shall be elected by the active members.
Ex officio members shall serve for the term of their incumbency and the other four members shall be appointed for 2, 3, 4 and 5 years in the same order of their designation.
The members of the Board who are not ex officio members shall be entitled to a per diem, as provided in the Regulations of the Foundation.
Any vacancy shall be covered by the Board with a person of the same qualifications who shall be in office for the remainder of the term of the member who created the vacancy.
History —July 19, 1995, No. 80, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61C - Educational Foundation for Free Selection of Schools (§§ 913 — 913j) › § 913c - Board—Constitution

The Board, once constituted, shall hold its initial meeting to elect its chairperson and vicechairperson by a majority of votes. Four (4) members of the Board of Trustees shall constitute quorum to solve any matter before its consideration and any resolution adopted shall be approved by the majority of those present.
History —July 19, 1995, No. 80, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61C - Educational Foundation for Free Selection of Schools (§§ 913 — 913j) › § 913d - Board—Functions

The Board of Trustees shall also have the following functions in addition to those assigned by law:
(a) Contract the services of an internal auditor, who shall answer solely to the Board. When deemed necessary, the Board may contract the services of an external auditor.
(b) Render an annual report audited by a certified public accountant on the operation and use of the funds of the Educational Foundation.
(c) Submit a copy of the audited annual reports to the Governor and the President and Speaker of the Legislative Bodies.
(d) Publish the annual reports.
History —July 19, 1995, No. 80, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61C - Educational Foundation for Free Selection of Schools (§§ 913 — 913j) › § 913e - Funds

The funds needed to subsidize the educational benefits granted by the Educational Foundation shall proceed from donations from individuals or private institutions. The Educational Foundation may withhold from two [percent] (2%) to five percent (5%) for its operating expenses. Any public or private employee may voluntarily authorize a deduction from his/her salary to donate it to the Education Foundation. To such ends, he/she shall fill out and submit a salary deduction authorization form in the original and a copy to the personnel unit, division or department of their respective agency or private employer, which shall specify under his/her signature the amount he/she wishes to donate, from a minimum of fifty dollars ($50) to a maximum of two hundred and fifty dollars ($250). The agency or private employer for which the employee renders services shall be responsible for remitting a copy of the salary deduction authorization form submitted by the employee to the Educational Foundation.
The amount deducted from the employee’s salary to make the donation thus authorized shall be clearly indicated on the payroll of the agency or private employer for which the employee works and on the voucher or checkstub handed to the employee.
Every natural or juridical person, whether a corporation or a partnership, shall be entitled to claim the tax credit mentioned above for any donation made on that day to the Educational Foundation Scholarship program, even on the same day of the month of April determined by the Secretary of the Treasury to file the income tax return.
History —July 19, 1995, No, 80, § 6; Mar. 14, 1996, No. 13, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61C - Educational Foundation for Free Selection of Schools (§§ 913 — 913j) › § 913e-1 - Revocation or modification

Any public or private employee who authorizes a salary deduction pursuant to the provisions of this chapter may revoke or modify said authorization at any time through a written notice in the original and a copy, which shall be submitted to the personnel unit, division or department of the agency or employer for which he/she works, at least fifteen (15) days prior to the date on which he/she wishes to make such revocation or modification effective. The agency or private employer for which the employee renders services shall be responsible for forwarding a copy of the certification to the Educational Foundation.
History —July 19, 1995, No. 80, added as § 7 on Mar. 14, 1996, No. 13, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61C - Educational Foundation for Free Selection of Schools (§§ 913 — 913j) › § 913e-2 - Remittance or donation

In cases where the payrolls of those agencies are prepared and processed by the Secretary of the Treasury the agencies, private employers and the Department of the Treasury shall be responsible for remitting the sums deducted from the employees’ salar[ies] to the Educational Foundation pursuant to the provisions of this chapter. Said remittance shall be made on or before the fifteenth day of the month following the month in which the deduction was made and it shall be accompanied by a list or a magnetic tape containing the name of the employees and the sums deducted from each one of them.
History —July 19, 1995, No. 80, added as § 8 on Mar. 14, 1996, No. 13, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61C - Educational Foundation for Free Selection of Schools (§§ 913 — 913j) › § 913f - Powers of the Foundation

The Educational Foundation shall also have the following powers in addition to those recognized by the laws of Puerto Rico for corporations:
(a) Seek and receive funds for the purposes of this chapter.
(b) Make loans on behalf of the Educational Foundation regarding those sums, terms and conditions it deems necessary and convenient to comply with the purposes of this chapter.
(c) Select the beneficiaries in accordance with the eligibility requirements established in this chapter and in the regulations of the Foundation.
(d) Appoint an Executive Director and [set] his/her salary and responsibilities.
(e) Prepare, approve, amend and repeal regulations in the exercise of its powers and duties.
(f) Approve a corporate seal and alter the same at its convenience.
(g) Sue and be sued on its own behalf.
(h) Negotiate and grant professional and consultation contracts; acquire, transfer goods and services; lease; sublease and grant all those other instruments and agreements with any natural or juridical person necessary or convenient to exercise the powers and functions conferred by this chapter.
(i) Appoint those officials, agents and employees necessary for the adequate compliance with the aims and purposes for which it has been created and fix their powers, faculties and duties.
(j) Administer, adjudicate and redeem the funds and property of the Educational Foundation in accordance with the purposes of this chapter.
(k) Prepare the document to request financial aid and register and process the applications it receives.
History —July 19, 1995, No. 80, § 7, renumbered as § 9 on Mar. 14, 1996, No. 13, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61C - Educational Foundation for Free Selection of Schools (§§ 913 — 913j) › § 913g - Functions of Executive Director

(a) Perform all the administrative functions inherent to his/her office and those assigned by the Board of Trustees.
History —July 19, 1995, No. 80, § 8, renumbered as § 10 on Mar. 14, 1996, No. 13, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61C - Educational Foundation for Free Selection of Schools (§§ 913 — 913j) › § 913h - Eligibility criteria

In granting financial aid, the Educational Foundation shall take into consideration the following, in addition to the norms established by it to that effect:
(a) The annual income of the family group of the applicant shall not exceed eighteen thousand dollars ($18,000) or an equal sum in 1995 currency.
(b) The applicants shall be public or private school students.
(c) The participating schools shall be licensed by the General Council of Education and shall have an admission policy free of discrimination on account of race, sex, religion, political beliefs, economic or social condition, and physical or mental disability.
History —July 19, 1995, No. 80, § 9, renumbered as § 11 on Mar. 14, 1996, No. 13, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE EIGHTEEN - Education (§§ 1 — 3510-3520) › PART III - Educational Activities Generally (§§ 861-866 — 1597b) › Chapter 61C - Educational Foundation for Free Selection of Schools (§§ 913 — 913j) › § 913i - Amount of financial aid

The amount of financial aid shall in no case exceed the sum of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) annually per student or an equal amount in 1995 currency.
History —July 19, 1995, No. 80, § 10, renumbered as § 12 on Mar. 14, 1996, No. 13, § 4.