reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 34 - State Capital Endowment Fund (§§ 671 — 673h) › Subchapter III - Trust (§§ 673 — 673h) › § 673b - Trustees

The Trust shall be directed and managed by a Board of Trustees. Said Board shall be composed of the members of the State Capitol Endowment Fund of the Legislative Assembly. All the powers of the Trust shall be discharged by this Board.
Trustees who are not members of the Legislative Assembly shall receive a nominal stipend for each day they attend Board meetings. The stipend given as a per diem shall be established by the regulation adopted to such effect, as per the authority conferred under this section. Trustees shall also be entitled to reimbursement for travelling expenses necessarily incurred in the discharge of official functions pursuant to applicable regulations.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 40, § 3.3, eff. July 1, 2011.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 34 - State Capital Endowment Fund (§§ 671 — 673h) › Subchapter III - Trust (§§ 673 — 673h) › § 673c - Adoption of regulation by the Board

If the Board should have to consider a matter in which a trustee has an interest, either personal or through a family or business relation, a direct or indirect financial interest in, including, but not limited to Board decisions pertaining to the investment of any such assets that are part of the Trust’s funds, in any obligation or proprietary deposit in a bank, corporation, partnership, or any other person in which such trustee has such financial interest, such trustee must state for the record that he/she has such financial interest, and he/she shall be unable to vote or otherwise participate in said matter. None of the foregoing shall be construed as a limitation in the participation or voting rights of a trustee in matters concerning the general investment norms of the Trust’s Permanent Fund.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 40, § 3.4, eff. July 1, 2011.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 34 - State Capital Endowment Fund (§§ 671 — 673h) › Subchapter III - Trust (§§ 673 — 673h) › § 673e - Executive Director

The Executive Director of the Board shall be the Superintendent of the Capitol, who shall have all such powers delegated on him/her by the Board and which are pertinent to the Trust’s management.
The Executive Director may, with the consent of and subject to the norms established by the Board, contract and establish the terms and conditions of employment of any additional personnel as the Trust may need. Personnel-related costs and expenses shall be defrayed by the Trust.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 40, § 3.6, eff. July 1, 2011.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 34 - State Capital Endowment Fund (§§ 671 — 673h) › Subchapter III - Trust (§§ 673 — 673h) › § 673f - Assets

Trust assets shall be invested pursuant to rules and regulations promulgated to that effect. Such rules and regulations shall be approved from time to time by the Government Development Bank, in terms of eligible investments for the funds of the Trust. Every year, the Executive Director shall draw a Trust budget, to be subject to the approval of the Board. Said budget shall clearly establish that the Trust’s operating expenses shall be defrayed with Permanent Fund revenues. For the purposes of this subchapter, real property that belongs to the Legislative Assembly shall not be deemed to be Trust assets; therefore, the Trust may not acquire obligations in favor of third parties using such real property as a surety for payment, unless so approved by the Legislative Assembly.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 40, § 3.7, eff. July 1, 2011.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 34 - State Capital Endowment Fund (§§ 671 — 673h) › Subchapter III - Trust (§§ 673 — 673h) › § 673g - Permanent Fund Management

The Board shall designate one or more banks to operate as custodians of the money, securities, and assets of the Permanent Fund. Custodial banks shall:
(a) Be incorporated under the laws of the United States of America or the Government of Puerto Rico, and
(b) be subject to supervision and examination by banking authorities or federal deposit institutions or those of the Government of Puerto Rico.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 40, § 3.8, eff. July 1, 2011.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 34 - State Capital Endowment Fund (§§ 671 — 673h) › Subchapter III - Trust (§§ 673 — 673h) › § 673h - Civil liability

No member of the Board of Trustees, officer, agent, or employee shall in any way be held responsible in his/her personal capacity for any obligation, loss, or expenses incurred by the Permanent Fund, unless such obligation, loss, or expense arises or results from gross negligence, intentional misconduct, or other action in full awareness of the possibility of causing damages. The Permanent Fund shall be available to indemnify third parties and hold any and all the trustees, officers, agents, and employees harmless from any loss, claim, damages, lawsuit, or obligation, including the payment of attorney’s fees arising from the discharge of their duties, unless they have incurred gross negligence, intentional misconduct, or any other action in full awareness of the possibility of causing damages.
Any Board member, officer, agent, or employee of the Trust who, in the discharge of his/her duties, functions, and responsibilities engages in conduct classified as a crime against public office or a crime against the public treasury, shall be subject to the applicable penalties under the Penal Code of Puerto Rico.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 40, § 3.9, eff. July 1, 2011.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 34A - Capitol District of Puerto Rico Act (§§ 681 — 687) › § 681 - Designation and territorial delimitation

The Capitol District of Puerto Rico is hereby created as a special jurisdictional district whose geographic delimitation includes the urban area of the Puerta de Tierra Ward of the capital city of San Juan where the Capitol building is located and other neighboring sectors within the perimeter bound to the NORTH, with the shoreline and the Atlantic Ocean; to the EAST, with a line going from the intersection of General Estévez Street with Muñoz-Rivera Avenue, due south up to the old easement of the railroad which, today, is the exclusive lane of the Metropolitan Bus Authority; to the SOUTH, from this point due west on the street that corresponds to the old easement of the railroad and used today as the exclusive lane of the Metropolitan Bus Authority to the limit of such road at the intersection with Paseo de los Veteranos Street, connecting, due north, with the Paseo de los Veteranos up to the Paseo de la Covadonga and, due west, with the limit of the lot where the Intendente Alejandro Ramírez Building, which houses the Department of the Treasury, is located, until it intersects the WEST limit; and to the WEST, with the limit of the Federal property of Fort San Cristóbal up to where it crosses the west boundary line of Casa Olímpica, seat of the Puerto Rico Olympic Committee, and through that boundary to the south until it intersects Constitución Avenue, also known as Ponce de León Avenue, and from there, due east to the line that connects with Paseo de la Covadonga, and from there due south and east down Paseo de la Covadonga, until it connects with the aforementioned limit of the SOUTH, including, on the eastern side within the district, the Ramón Mellado-Parsons Building and the building of the American Red Cross.
The geographic delimitation known as the Capitol District shall be delineated in an official plan prepared by the Planning Board to illustrate the extension and limits of this area within a term not to exceed four (4) months, counting from the date of the approval of this act. A copy of said plan shall be submitted to the Office of the Clerk of the House of Representatives and the Secretary of the Senate of Puerto Rico, the Land Use Office of the Municipality of San Juan, the Department of Economic Development and Commerce, the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, the Port Authority, the Department of Transportation and Public Works, the Office of the Governor, the Office of the Superintendent of the Capitol of Puerto Rico, and the appropriate section of the Property Registry within a term not to exceed five (5) business days, counted from the date of receipt of said plan.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 43, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 34A - Capitol District of Puerto Rico Act (§§ 681 — 687) › § 683 - Advisory Board

The Advisory Board of the Capitol District is hereby created with the purpose of advising the Superintendent of the Capitol, whenever he/she so requests, on specific issues that directly affect the area that the District shall encompass, as provided in Section 1 of this Act [sic.]. The Advisory Board of the Capitol District shall be composed of three (3) members: one (1) Building Conservation Architect, one (1) Engineer, and one (1) Art Historian. The members of the Advisory Board shall be appointed by the Superintendent of the Capitol, with the advice and consent of the Presiding Officers of both Legislative Bodies. Such members shall be appointed for a term of six (6) years.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 43, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 34A - Capitol District of Puerto Rico Act (§§ 681 — 687) › § 684 - Official seal

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DESCRIPTION OF THE OFFICIAL SEAL OF THE CAPITOL DISTRICT:
The Seal bears the name of the Government of Puerto Rico as a basis or foundation, and all other elements arise therefrom. Rising prominently above such name is the name of this geographic delimitation, located in the Puerta de Tierra Ward of San Juan, which reinvents itself with the name of Capitol District. The silhouette of the Capitol's cupola, central axis of the District, is shown above the name of the District. Eight (8) white stars float within the circle that surrounds the silhouette, which represent each election district in the Island.
The circle is the universal representation of perfection but, at the same time, it brings continuity and equality to mind. This element is repeated in the curve of the white cupola, from where a soft halo of light fades into the dark border of the circle. In turn, the stars are a symbol of light, truth and hope. In such ensemble, the elements acquire new symbolism. Thus, the blue circle points to the idea of the absolute, and when stars float in it, it reminds us of human integrity and of the importance of the elements in the ensemble, that is, that stars within a circle remind us of the need to integrate all aspects of human beings on their road to perfection and continuity. Finally, the white silhouette of the Capitol’s cupola serves as an anchor to relate the name of this District with such an emblematic building.
In terms of color, there are three (3) predominant hues on the Seal, to wit, white, a universal symbol of purity and faith; navy blue, a symbol of wisdom and truth, which in turn brings to mind the reflection of the deep and ever-present Atlantic Ocean pointing the way North, a silent witness to the history and geographic delimitation of the District. Finally, bronze reminds us of the permanence of facts in history, a symbol of truth and justice.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 43, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 34A - Capitol District of Puerto Rico Act (§§ 681 — 687) › § 685 - Property transfer

(a) Regardless of any other contravening provision of law and subject to the provisions of subsections (b) and (c) of this section, the transfer to the Office of the Superintendent of the Capitol of all public land located within the territorial delimitation designated as the Capitol District in Section 1 of this Act [sic.] is hereby directed.
(b) The term “public land” shall mean those lands that belong to the Government of Puerto Rico, its agencies, entities, and instrumentalities. Lands with buildings where administrative operations are carried out or public services are provided; roads and avenues; and lands belonging to the Senate of Puerto Rico and/or the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico, and/or the Municipality of San Juan are expressly excluded from the meaning of this term.
(c) The transfers directed by this section shall take place through a public document to be registered in the Property Registry within a term of ninety (90) days after the approval of this act. All expenses incurred in this operation, including those that are administrative in nature, shall be covered by the Office of the Superintendent of the Capitol.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 43, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 34A - Capitol District of Puerto Rico Act (§§ 681 — 687) › § 686 - Appropriation of funds

The funds needed to carry out the purposes of this chapter shall be consigned in the General Budget and allotted to the Office of the Superintendent of the Capitol from Fiscal Year 2011-2012 onward. These funds may be matched with private, Commonwealth, municipal, or federal contributions.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 43, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 34A - Capitol District of Puerto Rico Act (§§ 681 — 687) › § 687 - Collection of license fees

Nothing set forth in this chapter shall affect the authority of the Municipality of San Juan to collect license fees, construction excise taxes or any other similar fee or charge.
History —Mar. 30, 2011, No. 43, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 702 - Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meaning stated below:
(a) Agency.— Shall mean any entity, department, board, committee, division, bureau, office, public corporation or government institution of the Executive Branch of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and any official, employee or member of this branch who acts or seems to act in the discharge of his official duties except:
(1) The Office of the Governor.
(2) Property Registrars in regard to their power of qualification.
(3) The University of Puerto Rico with respect to its teaching functions.
(b) Administrative act.— Shall mean any action, omission, decision, recommendation, practice or procedure of an agency, as it has been defined in subsection (a) of this section. It shall not include, however, the functions inherent to the study, language, and approval of rules and regulations.
(c) Ombudsman.— Shall mean the Citizens’ Investigating Official, created herein.
(d) Special Ombudsman.— Shall mean the Official appointed by the Ombudsman to handle any claim arising in specific areas of public endeavor.
(e) Small Businesses Ombudsman.— Is the official to be appointed by the Ombudsman to handle the claims that arise in the areas referred to in the Small Business Administrative and Regulatory Flexibility Act, §§ 2251 et seq. of Title 3.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 2; Dec. 21, 2000, No. 432, § 1; Dec. 28, 2000, No. 454, § 14, eff. 90 days after Dec. 28, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 703 - Creation of Office

The Office of the Citizens’ Investigating Officer, which shall be attached to the Legislative Branch, is hereby created. It shall be directed by the Ombudsman pursuant to the provisions of this chapter and the rules and regulations approved by him for its internal operation.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 3; Mar. 16, 1987, No. 6, p. 15, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 704 - Appointment of the Ombudsman

The Governor, with the advice and consent of the majority of the total number of members composing each House, shall appoint the Ombudsman, who shall hold office for a term of ten (10) years until his successor is appointed and takes office. The person designated to hold said office shall not have been previously appointed to said position.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 4; July 25, 1997, No. 48, § 1; Oct. 31, 1997, No. 128, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 705 - Qualifications and salary

The office of Ombudsman shall only be held by a person of legal age, who has resided in Puerto Rico for five (5) years preceding the date of his/her appointment and who also enjoys recognized professional capacity and moral probity and is knowledgeable and experienced in the field of public administration and government undertakings.
The Ombudsman shall earn an annual salary equal to seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000), or equal to that of a judge of the Circuit Court of Appeals, whichever is greater.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 5; May 1, 1997, No. 10, § 1; July 25, 1997, No. 48, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 706 - Vacancy

The Legislature may declare the position of Citizens’ Investigator vacant by a concurrent resolution approved by two thirds (⅔) of the total membership of each Legislative Body, after prior notice and hearing, if it determines that he is totally and permanently disabled, or that he has been guilty of negligence in the performance of his duty or improper conduct.
In case the office of Ombudsman becomes vacant due to illness, disability, temporary absence or for any other reason, his/her assistant shall assume the functions thereof until his/her successor is appointed and takes office. In such case the new appointment shall be for a term of ten (10) years.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 6; Mar. 16, 1987, No. 6, p. 15, § 2; July 25, 1997, No. 48, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 707 - Office personnel and delegation of powers

The Ombudsman may delegate any of the duties provided herein, except those established in §§ 708, 717, 718 of this title, to his Assistant or to any other designated official.
Notwithstanding [t]he above, the Assistant Ombudsman may perform the functions established in the abovementioned sections, when holding office as Acting Ombudsman.
The person designated as Assistant Ombudsman shall meet all the requirements stated in § 705 of this title for the office of Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman may avail himself of the benefits of the Retirement Act, §§ 761—788 of Title 3.
The Ombudsman may also recruit and appoint the personnel needed to carry out the provisions of this chapter, which shall be excluded from the provisions of Act No. 5 of October 14, 1975, known as the “Public Service Personnel Act”, and the Personnel Regulations of the Office of the Citizen’s Investigating Official, duly approved by the Ombudsman for such purpose, shall be applicable to them. The personnel of the Office of the Ombudsman may avail themselves of the benefits of §§ 761—788 of Title 3, known as the “Public Employees Retirement System Act”, and is also authorized to contract the technical and professional services deemed necessary to implement this chapter.
The Ombudsman may appoint Special Ombudsmen or Citizen’s Investigating Officials in those areas of public endeavor that need to be investigated with special emphasis on the way the services are rendered to the citizens. They shall bear the title of Ombudsman of their area.
The Special Ombudsmen shall report directly to the Ombudsman and shall be subject to the regulations established by the Ombudsman to perform their functions.
The Ombudsman shall provide all the resources the Special Ombudsmen need to perform their duties. When appointing a Special Ombudsman, the Ombudsman shall evaluate the legislation or regulations in effect in other jurisdictions to establish the duties said official will perform, and the prevailing practices of their areas.
The Ombudsman shall appoint the Small Businesses Ombudsman. The Small Businesses Ombudsman shall answer directly to the Ombudsman and shall be subject to the regulations that the Ombudsman establishes for the performance of his/her duties.
The Ombudsman shall provide the necessary resources so that the Small Businesses Ombudsman may discharge his/her duties. On designating the Small Businesses Ombudsman, the Ombudsman shall evaluate the legislation or regulations in effect in other jurisdictions to establish the duties to be performed by said official.
The Ombudsman may appoint the administrative personnel needed to assist and support the duties of the Small Businesses Ombudsman.
The Ombudsman shall be empowered to implement and enforce the purposes of this chapter in order to comply with its public policy.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 7; Mar. 16, 1987, No. 6, p. 15, § 3; Dec. 21, 2000, No. 432, § 2; Dec. 28, 2000, No. 454, § 14, eff. 90 days after Dec. 28, 2000.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 708 - Regulatory power

The Ombudsman shall have the power to adopt and promulgate the rules and regulations needed to implement this chapter, that are not incompatible with the laws in effect and the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The regulations adopted to such effect, including those applicable to internal procedures, shall not be subject to the provisions of § 2101 et seq. of Title 3, known as the “Uniform Administrative Procedures Act”, and shall have force of law when promulgated.
He is also authorized to establish, by regulations to such effect, the personnel administration of the Office, the pertinent procedure for the filing and handling of claims, carrying out investigations, and the manner of informing his conclusions. Said regulations shall have force of law once promulgated.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 8; Mar. 16, 1987, No. 6, p. 15, § 4; Dec. 21, 2000, No. 432, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 709 - Imposition of fees and duties; billing of agencies

No payment of fees, duties or taxes of any kind shall be required for the filing, handling and investigation of claims filed by individuals, groups or private juridical entities.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 9; Dec. 21, 2000, No. 432, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 710 - Jurisdiction

The Ombudsman shall have jurisdiction to investigate the administrative acts of the agencies and he shall exercise the power and authority granted herein.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 711 - Investigation of claims

The Ombudsman shall investigate any claim related to the areas of investigation established in § 713 of this title.
Notwithstanding the above, no claim shall be investigated in such cases that, in the discretion of the Ombudsman:
(a) There is an adequate remedy at law to repair the injury, offense or injustice presented as a claim;
(b) the claim refers to a matter outside of the jurisdiction of this chapter;
(c) the claimant does not have sufficient personal interest in the matter presented as a claim;
(d) the claim is frivolous or has been filed in bad faith, or
(e) the claim is being investigated by another agency and to act thereon would be a duplication of efforts and resources, in the opinion of the Ombudsman.
The claims not investigated for the reason stated in subsection (e) above, may be considered by the Ombudsman when said case no longer exists. Likewise he may also carry out, on his own initiative, whichever investigations he deems proper, when there are sufficient reasons in his opinion, to give rise to an investigation pursuant to § 713 of this title.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 11; Dec. 21, 2000, No. 432, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 712 - Notice

The Ombudsman shall notify the claimant of his decision to investigate the facts alleged in the claim. He shall also notify the latter of his decision not to investigate the complaint, if such is the case, stating the reasons therefor. In all the cases in which the Ombudsman decides to initiate an investigation, he shall so notify the agency concerned, except when the nature of the investigation requires that the notice be withheld, in which case it shall be notified as soon as the confidentiality of the investigation so permits.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 12; Dec. 21, 2000, No. 432, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 713 - Matters of investigation

Matters liable to investigation shall be any administrative act which may be:
(a) Contrary to law or regulations;
(b) unreasonable, unjust, arbitrary, offensive or discriminatory;
(c) based on an error of fact or on improper and irrelevant reasons;
(d) not accompanied by an adequate statement of facts when the law or the regulations so require, or
(e) executed inefficiently or erroneously.
The Ombudsman may perform the investigation for the purpose of recommending an adequate remedy.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 13.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 714 - Proceedings

In performing any investigation, the Ombudsman may make inquiries and obtain the information he deems necessary for the purposes thereof. To such end, the agencies shall permit the officers and employees of the Office to examine all their files and documents. Likewise, for the purpose of the investigation, the Ombudsman shall hold such private hearings and on-the-spot inspections as he may deem pertinent.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 14.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 715 - Summons

The Ombudsman shall have authority to administer oaths and take depositions, order the appearance and testimony of witnesses, and require the production of any papers, books, documents and other evidence.
When a duly summoned witness fails to appear to testify, or does not produce the evidence he is required to, or when he refuses to answer any question related to any study or investigation carried out pursuant to the provisions of this chapter, the Ombudsman may appear before any part of the Court of First Instance of Puerto Rico, on his own or through the Secretary of Justice, to require the appearance and testimony of the witness or the production of the evidence required, as the case may be. Upon a request by the Ombudsman, the Secretary of Justice shall furnish the necessary legal assistance for such purposes.
No natural or [juridical] person shall refuse to comply with a subpoena issued by the Ombudsman or his representative, or to produce the evidence requested, or to refuse to answer any question with regard to any matter under study or investigation, or to refuse to obey a judicial order so issued, on the grounds that the testimony or the evidence required of him could incriminate him or expose him to a criminal prosecution or to be discharged or suspended from his employment, profession or occupation. Nonetheless, no person shall be prosecuted or subjected to any punishment or seizure as a result of any transaction, matter or thing in regard to which he may be bound, after having claimed his privilege of not testifying against himself, to give testimony or evidence, except that said person who so testifies, shall not be exempt from prosecution or punishment for perjury when so committing it.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 15; Mar. 16, 1987, No. 6, p. 15, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 716 - Consultation with agency

Before entering a final opinion or recommendation which involves or affects an agency or person, the Ombudsman shall give the latter a reasonable opportunity to make a statement on the matter.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 16.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 717 - Procedures subsequent to investigation

At the end of any investigation the Ombudsman shall inform the agency of his resolution and recommendations if he/she determines that:
(a) The agency should give more ample consideration to the matter investigated;
(b) an administrative act should be altered or set aside;
(c) the law or regulations on which the administrative act is based should be modified;
(d) the reasons justifying the administrative act should be given, or
(e) the agency shall perform any other action.
The Ombudsman shall require the agency concerned to notify him, within a reasonable period of time, of any action performed pursuant to his resolution and recommendations. He shall also give opportune notice to the claimant of the actions performed by him and by the agency.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 17; Dec. 21, 2000, No. 432, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 718 - Appearance before courts

The Ombudsman shall, in cases of civil or criminal violations of law, request the Secretary of Justice to appear before the courts of Puerto Rico to institute the proper legal proceedings.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 18.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 719 - Failure to comply with duties

If the Ombudsman finds that any officer or employee of an agency has failed to comply with the duties inherent to his office or employment, or that he has been negligent in the discharge of his duties without just cause, he shall notify the authorities, organizations or competent administrative bodies so that they may act accordingly.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 19.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 720 - Publicity

The Ombudsman may make [his] resolutions and recommendations, public, as well as the action taken by the agency, once the Governor and the Legislature have been informed of them.
In the cases that the resolution of the Ombudsman is contrary to the position assumed by the agency, he shall also state the reasons that the agency has given to justify the administrative act, unless the agency in question is opposed to it.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 20; Dec. 21, 2000, No. 432, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 721 - Immunity

The Ombudsman shall enjoy immunity with regard to civil and criminal liability for the resolutions and recommendations issued as a result of any investigation performed in compliance with the provisions of this chapter.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 21; Dec. 21, 2000, No. 432, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 722 - Inviolability of correspondence

Any letter or correspondence of any kind addressed to the Ombudsman by a person under custody in any government institution shall be delivered to him, unopened, immediately.
Any person who violates the provision of this section shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine not to exceed five hundred dollars ($500), or imprisonment for a term of not more than six (6) months, or both penalties, at the discretion of the court.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 22.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 723 - Annual reports

The Ombudsman shall submit annual reports to the Legislative Assembly and to the Governor during the second week of the month of January of each year, containing his undertakings, studies and investigations, and shall also submit such other special reports which he deems convenient or may be required by the Legislative Assembly and the Governor.
Provided, That the Office of the Controller of Puerto Rico shall annually review the reports and documents related to the management and use of public funds by the Ombudsman’s Office.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 23; Mar. 16, 1987, No. 6, p. 15, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 724 - Government resources, use

In order to accomplish the purposes of this chapter, the Office shall use the resources available within the agencies and public instrumentalities, such as information, offices, personnel, technicians, equipment, material and other facilities, and these agencies and instrumentalities are hereby authorized to make these resources available to the Ombudsman. In such cases the officers or employees shall function accordingly under the jurisdiction and direction of the Office, subject to the conditions agreed upon with the agency. Provided, however, That any officer or employee of an agency who is transferred to the Office of the Ombudsman pursuant to the provisions of this section shall retain the rights, benefits, and classification he has in his regular office, position or employment.
The Ombudsman may also commission any department, agency, instrumentality or other organization or political subdivision of the government to perform any study, investigation or work that may be necessary for the discharge of his duties.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 24.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 725 - Inapplicability of laws

The Office of Ombudsman shall not be subject to the provisions of §§ 931—934d of Title 3, on rental rates, nor Act No. 96 of June 29, 1954, known as the “Procurement and Supplies Act”.
It is also exempted from the provisions of §§ 283—283p and 931—934d of Title 3 and 103 of Title 23.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 25; Mar. 16, 1987, No. 6, p. 15, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 726 - Penalties

Any person who wilfully and maliciously prevents or obstructs the performance of the Ombudsman’s or of the Office personnel’s functions shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not more than five hundred dollars ($500).
When the impediment or obstruction mentioned in the preceding paragraph is caused by intimidation, force or violence, this action shall constitute a felony and upon conviction, such person shall be subject to the penalties provided in Article 13 of the Penal Code.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, § 26.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 35 - Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) › § 727 - International organizations

The Citizens’ Investigating Official (Ombudsman) of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico may belong to and represent Puerto Rico in the different organizations of the United States of America, or international ones such as the Iberoamerican Ombudsman Federation. Such participation must be in harmony with the public policy of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the Department of the State of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico shall be informed.
History —June 30, 1977, No. 134, p. 393, added as § 28 on Jan. 1, 2003, No. 15, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 37 - Córdova and Fernós Congressional Internship Program (§§ 801 — 806) › § 801 - Establishment

The Córdova and Fernós Congressional Internships Program, which shall be directed and administered by a Joint Committee of the Legislature as provided below, is hereby established in the Legislature of Puerto Rico.
History —Aug. 5, 1993, No. 59, § 1; Apr. 23, 2004, No. 94, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 37 - Córdova and Fernós Congressional Internship Program (§§ 801 — 806) › § 802 - Joint Committee—Created

The Joint Committee for the Córdova and Fernós Congressional Internships Program is hereby created, which shall be in charge of all matters related to the implementation and operation of the Program established by this chapter. The Joint Committee shall be composed of the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Floor Leaders of the several political parties in both Legislative Bodies, and the Chairpersons of the Legislative Committees with jurisdiction over international and federal affairs of each Body. The Committee shall appoint a Chairperson by the majority vote of its members. The members of the Joint Committee shall have the power to designate a member of the Legislative Body to which they belong as a substitute to them whenever it is necessary for all purposes in the work of the Commission.
History —Aug. 5, 1993, No. 59, § 2; Apr. 23, 2004, No. 94, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 37 - Córdova and Fernós Congressional Internship Program (§§ 801 — 806) › § 803 - Joint Committee—Members

Each member of the Joint Committee shall have the right to nominate two (2) candidates for the internship program each year. The Joint Committee shall ensure that among those recommended there are candidates nominated by the legislators of all political parties represented in the Legislature. Said candidates shall be selected following criteria regarding their academic qualification, grades, experience and outstanding services to society, according to the method for their selection which shall be established through regulations approved by the Joint Committee. The Resident Commissioner of Puerto Rico in Washington and the Chairperson of the Hispanic Caucus in the federal government may each select one (1) intern, following the criteria previously established. The Joint Committee shall place the remaining nominees in various Congressional dependencies, administrative agencies of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the federal government, independent agencies and quasi-public or international institutions all of which are located in Washington DC.
History —Aug. 5, 1993, No. 59, § 3; Apr. 23, 2004, No. 94, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 37 - Córdova and Fernós Congressional Internship Program (§§ 801 — 806) › § 804 - Interns

These interns shall be students at the undergraduate level who have completed at least half of the needed requirements for a Bachelor’s Degree, or post-graduate level students registered in institutions located in Puerto Rico. The interns thus chosen shall receive a salary and stipends for lodging and transportation during a maximum of four (4) months of full-time work in the office of the member of the Congress who selected the intern, in the administrative agency of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the federal government, independent agencies or quasi-public or international institutions in which they have been placed.
History —Aug. 5, 1993, No. 59, § 4; Apr. 23, 2004, No. 94, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 37 - Córdova and Fernós Congressional Internship Program (§§ 801 — 806) › § 805 - Regulation

The Joint Commission shall approve regulations to govern its internal operations and which will provide all the norms and procedures needed for the proper operation of the Program, and include all matters pertaining to the payment of salaries and stipends.
History —Aug. 5, 1993, No. 59, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 37 - Córdova and Fernós Congressional Internship Program (§§ 801 — 806) › § 806 - University credits

The Joint Committee of the Córdova and Fernós Congressional Internships Program shall take such pertinent steps to validate such participation in the Program as university credits.
History —Aug. 5, 1993, No. 59, § 6; Apr. 23, 2004, No. 94, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 37A - Santiago Iglesias Pantín Work Program (§§ 811 — 815) › § 811 - Creation

The Santiago Iglesias Pantín Work Program is hereby established in the Legislature of Puerto Rico, to be directed and administered by the Joint Committee on Internships of the Legislature.
History —Aug. 25, 2005, No. 66, § 1, eff. Jan. 1, 2006.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 37A - Santiago Iglesias Pantín Work Program (§§ 811 — 815) › § 812 - Joint Committee

(a) The Joint Committee on Internships of the Legislature shall be in charged [sic] of the implementation and administration of the program created by this chapter.
(b) Every member of the Joint Committee on Internships of the Legislature shall be entitled to recommend candidates for the Program on a quarterly basis. The Joint Committee must ensure that among the students selected there be a representation of candidates nominated by legislators from all political parties represented in the Legislature. There must also be candidates from all universities in Puerto Rico, provided they meet all other requirements demanded by this chapter. The Joint Committee must, through regulations, establish a method for selecting the candidates for the Santiago Iglesias Pantín Work Internship Program, to include criteria such as: education, mastery of oral and written communication skills, grades, experience and outstanding community services. The participants shall be summoned to an oral interview as part of their evaluation. The Joint Committee shall provide for the placement of the students selected in one of the offices or dependencies: U.S. Congressional offices directly related to labor affairs, federal agencies involved with labor affairs in Washington, non-government[al] labor unions or organizations involved in labor affairs in the federal capital.
History —Aug. 25, 2005, No. 66, §§ 2, 3, eff. Jan. 1, 2006.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 37A - Santiago Iglesias Pantín Work Program (§§ 811 — 815) › § 813 - Requirements

(a) As part of the Program requirements, interns must meet a minimum of twenty (20) hours of voluntary work in some nonprofit faith-based or community organization during their stay in Washington, D.C. so as to foster social service work among Puerto Rican youth.
(b) The Program participants shall be students at the undergraduate level who have completed half or more of the requirements for obtaining a bachelor’s degree, or at the graduate level enrolled in post-secondary institutions located in Puerto Rico. The interns selected shall receive a stipend for room and board, transportation and personal expenses for a maximum term of five (5) months of full time work at the dependency in the federal capital designated by the Joint Committee.
History —Aug. 25, 2005, No. 66, §§ 4, 5, eff. Jan. 1, 2006.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 37A - Santiago Iglesias Pantín Work Program (§§ 811 — 815) › § 814 - Bylaws

The Joint Committee on Internships of the Legislature must approve bylaws not later than sixty (60) days as of the date of approval of this act. Said bylaws must set forth all standards and procedures necessary for the operation of the Santiago Iglesias Pantín Work Internship Program, including, but not limited to: admission requirements of the interns, criteria and procedure for the selection of interns, criteria and procedure for the selection of dependencies in the federal capital, the payment of stipends, the length of the program and the maximum number of interns to be selected as well as any other matter the Joint Committee may deem convenient.
History —Aug. 25, 2005, No. 66, § 6, eff. Jan. 1, 2006.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 37A - Santiago Iglesias Pantín Work Program (§§ 811 — 815) › § 815 - Necessary steps

(a) The Joint Committee shall take the necessary steps to ensure that participation in the Program is revalidated as a university credit.
(b) The Joint Committee shall ensure that the Santiago Iglesias Pantín Work Internship Program operates according to the school calendar during every school semester and offers a combined curriculum of theoretical and practical experiences.
History —Aug. 25, 2005, No. 66, §§ 7, 8, eff. Jan. 1, 2006.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 38 - Legislative Internship Program of the Legislature (§§ 821 — 829) › § 821 - Establishment

The Jorge Alberto Ramos-Comas Legislative Internship Program is hereby established in the Legislature of Puerto Rico. It shall be directed and administered by the Joint Committee created in § 822 of this title.
The Legislative Internship Program is geared to offer university students an educational experience which will combine the theoretical and practical elements of the legislative processes and their interaction with the Executive and Judicial Branches.
This Program seeks to promote a greater awareness among its participants of the importance of the legislative process in the pursuit of the common good and at the same time develop expert talents and a future interest in remaining connected with this Branch of Government.
History —Sept. 3, 1996, No. 184, § 1; Nov. 13, 2001, No. 158, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 38 - Legislative Internship Program of the Legislature (§§ 821 — 829) › § 822 - Creation

The Joint Committee of the Legislative Internship Program of the Legislature of Puerto Rico is hereby created. Said Committee shall be in charge of all matters pertaining to the implementation and operation of the Internship Program established by this chapter.
History —Sept. 3, 1996, No. 184, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 38 - Legislative Internship Program of the Legislature (§§ 821 — 829) › § 823 - Composition

The Joint Committee created in § 822 of this title shall be constituted by the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Floor Leaders of the various political parties in both Legislative Bodies and the Chairpersons of the Legislative Committees on Youth Affairs of each Body. The Committee shall appoint a Chairperson from among its members by a majority vote. The members of the Committee may designate any other member of the Body to which they belong as a substitute for all purposes and at any time in the Committee.
History —Sept. 3, 1996, No. 184, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 38 - Legislative Internship Program of the Legislature (§§ 821 — 829) › § 824 - Nomination of candidates

Every member of the Legislature may nominate a candidate to the Legislative Internship Program each semester. The Committee shall ensure that among the students selected there be candidates nominated by legislators of all political parties represented in the Legislature.
History —Sept. 3, 1996, No. 184, § 4.