reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 71 - Board of Examiners and College of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2256) › Subchapter I - Board of Examiners of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2243) › § 2234 - Faculties and duties

The faculties and duties of the Board shall be:
(a) To evaluate all applications received for licenses and renewal of licenses to practice the profession of interior designer-decorator.
(b) To offer examinations at least twice a year.
(c) To authorize the practice of the profession of interior designer-decorator in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, by issuing licenses and in accordance with the provisions of this subchapter.
(d) To adopt the rules and regulations that are needed for the faithful compliance [with] this subchapter, its duties and functions, provided the same are not contrary to the public law and order, and are adopted after holding public hearings and are promulgated in accordance with the provisions of the Uniform Administrative Procedures Act of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, §§ 2101 et seq. of this title.
(e) To keep an Official Registry of each and every one of the interior designers/decorators who are duly licensed by law, with their names and addresses, and remit a copy of this roster to the College. The Board shall subsequently remit to the College every six (6) months a supplemental list of all persons to whom a license has subsequently been issued, so that the College may proceed in conformity with the provisions of §§ 2244 et seq. of this title.
(f) To adopt the necessary rules and regulations with regard to the continuing education requirement; Provided, That any continuing education course required shall be offered by the College and by other institutions independent from the College, in order to ensure that College members have several options to meet the continuing education requirements established by this subchapter. Said regulations shall specify the content, duration and organization of the continuing education courses. These courses shall have a duration of at least fifteen (15) hours per year.
Upon establishing the rules and regulations, the following criteria shall be taken into consideration, among others:
(1) The guidelines and statements of the College and other interior designer/decorator institutions or professional associations recognized for their merits.
(2) The accessibility that interior designers have to the means of the required continuing education.
(3) The type of evidence required to meet this requirement, pursuant to the continuing education regulations established by the Board.
The Board, pursuant to the regulations adopted to such an effect, shall delegate the functions related to the administration of the Continuing Education Program [to] the College.
History —June 8, 1973, No. 125, p. 501, § 4; Dec. 21, 1995, No. 243, § 5; Aug. 12, 1998, No. 231, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 71 - Board of Examiners and College of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2256) › Subchapter I - Board of Examiners of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2243) › § 2235 - License application

All interior designers/decorators interested in obtaining a license as such to practice their profession in Puerto Rico shall fill out the form provided for such purpose by the Board.
All interior designers/decorators who are candidates for a license shall meet the following requirements:
(1) To be eighteen (18) years old or older.
(2) To be a bona fide resident of Puerto Rico.
(3) To enjoy a good conduct and moral reputation in the community.
(4)
(a) To be a high school graduate.
(b) To have approved twenty-four (24) college credits in English, Spanish, Mathematics, Humanities, Philosophy, Psychology or Sociology in a school or institution duly certified by the Council on Higher Education.
(c) To have approved sixty (60) credits in specialized interior design and decoration studies in an institution recognized by the Council on Higher Education, or the Puerto Rico General Council on Education.
(d) The Council on Higher Education or the Puerto Rico General Council on Education shall establish the norms and regulations for the accreditation of interior design and decoration schools. The director of an interior design school shall hold a bachelor’s degree in education from an accredited university or a bachelor’s degree in interior design, besides having [successfully completed] the corresponding courses to obtain the title of “interior designer/decorator” and to hold an interior designer/decorator license. Professors of schools of design shall hold a bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
(5) To [pass] the interior designer-decorator examination offered by the Board of Examiners, if it is necessary according to the provisions of this subchapter.
(6) To pay the corresponding fees.
History —June 8, 1973, No. 125, p. 501, § 5; June 30, 1975, No. 88, p. 278; Dec. 21, 1995, No. 243, § 6; Aug. 12, 1998, No. 231, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 71 - Board of Examiners and College of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2256) › Subchapter I - Board of Examiners of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2243) › § 2236 - Examinations; reciprocity

The Board shall be responsible for offering the opportunity for the examination at least twice a year on the most convenient dates; and shall have the discretion to hold a greater number of examinations if deemed necessary, and to set the dates and places for such examinations.
The dates to hold the examinations shall be published twice in a conspicuous notice, thirty (30) days in advance, in two (2) newspapers of general circulation.
The examination shall cover all the subjects pertinent to the interior designer-decorator profession at the time the examination is offered.
The Board of Examiners is hereby authorized to establish, through the conditions and requirements that it may deem necessary, the reciprocity relationship for dispensing with the examinations, directly with the corresponding bodies institutions [sic] of the states of the United States.
History —June 8, 1973, No. 125, p. 501, § 6; Dec. 21, 1995, No. 243, § 7, eff. 6 months after Dec. 21, 1995.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 71 - Board of Examiners and College of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2256) › Subchapter I - Board of Examiners of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2243) › § 2237 - Granting of license through examination procedure

The Board shall grant a license to any interior designer/decorator who passes the examination and meets all other legal requirements.
History —June 8, 1973, No. 125, p. 501, § 7; Aug. 12, 1998, No. 231, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 71 - Board of Examiners and College of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2256) › Subchapter I - Board of Examiners of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2243) › § 2238a - Renewal

Any designer/decorator who holds a license issued by the Board shall have the duty to renew it every three (3) years, on or before the 1st of June. The candidate shall complete the renewal application provided by the Board, and return it no later than June 30 of the year that the license shall be renewed, along with the corresponding fees established by regulations. After the information is verified, the Board of Examiners shall issue a new license that will entitle the applicant to practice his/her profession for the following three (3) years.
History —June 8, 1973, No. 125, p. 501, added as § 8 on Dec. 21, 1995, No. 243, § 9; Aug. 12, 1998, No. 231, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 71 - Board of Examiners and College of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2256) › Subchapter I - Board of Examiners of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2243) › § 2239 - Refusal, suspension or revocation of license

(a) The Board may refuse a license, upon notice and hearing, to any person who:
(1) Tries to obtain a license by means of fraud or deceit.
(2) Does not meet the requirements to obtain a license as established by this subchapter.
(3) Has been found by a competent court to have incurred gross negligence, incompetence or reproachable conduct in the practice of the profession, in which case the Board will have the option to temporarily suspend the license of said College member.
(4) Has incurred fraud or deceit in the practice of the profession or has been convicted of a felony or misdemeanor which implies moral turpitude.
(5) Helps, employs, advises or incites, or otherwise facilitates the practice of the profession by any person not authorized under this subchapter to practice in Puerto Rico.
(6) Uses his/her license to practice the profession in Puerto Rico during the term in which said license is canceled or suspended, or during the term in which said licensee has been suspended from its practice by virtue of the provisions of §§ 2245—2255 of this title, or any other law.
(7) Has been found to be in violation of the Professional Code of Ethics of the College or in violation of the act by which said institution was created.
(8) Has been convicted by a competent court for the use of illegal drugs, liquor and other legally prohibited substances; Provided, That the license may be issued as soon as said person proves he/she is qualified.
(9) In the event that the refusal, suspension or revocation of the license is determined, any party affected by such determination shall be entitled to expend all the resources provided in §§ 2101 et seq. of Title 3.
(b) The Board shall hold a hearing for the injured party to show cause as to why his/her license should not be suspended or revoked, in the following cases:
(1) Said party has been declared mentally unfit by a competent court; Provided, That same may be reinstated as soon as the person has again been declared fit.
(2) Said party frequently uses drugs or intoxicating beverages; Provided, That same may be reinstated as soon as said person proves to be fit.
(3) Said party has been convicted of felony or misdemeanor involving moral turpitude.
(4) Said party, in the judgment of the Board, has incurred [in] gross negligence in the practice as interior designer/decorator.
(5) Said party has obtained a license by means of fraud or deceit.
(6) Said party has failed to comply with the continuing education requirements adopted by virtue of this subchapter.
(7) [Said party] has failed to pay the annual College dues established [under] § 2252 of this title.
History —June 8, 1973, No. 125, p. 501, § 9; Dec. 21, 1995, No. 243, § 10; Aug. 12, 1998, No. 231, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 71 - Board of Examiners and College of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2256) › Subchapter I - Board of Examiners of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2243) › § 2240 - Payment of fees

Payments for different concepts as established herein shall be made by means of internal revenue vouchers.
The fees to be paid shall be the following:
(1) For the application for examination and the corresponding license: Twenty-five dollars ($25).
(2) For the application for reexamination application and the corresponding license: Fifteen dollars ($15).
(3) For the application for license without the examination: Ten dollars ($10).
(4) For renewal of the license: Twenty-five dollars ($25).
History —June 8, 1973, No. 125, p. 501, § 10; Dec. 21, 1995, No. 243, § 11, eff. 6 months after Dec. 21, 1995.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 71 - Board of Examiners and College of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2256) › Subchapter I - Board of Examiners of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2243) › § 2240a - Recertification

The Board shall establish, through regulations, the requirements and mechanisms for the recertification of professionals every three (3) years, based on the completion of a continuing education program that shall consist of forty-five (45) credit-hours. It shall be the responsibility of every interior designer/decorator to present before the Board the evidence needed to prove that he/she has completed the required credit-hours; Provided, That failure to comply with this requirement shall impede the renewal of the license as provided in § 2238a of this title, unless just cause is shown.
History —June 8, 1973, No. 125, p. 501, added as § 11 on Dec. 21, 1995, No. 243, § 12; Aug. 12, 1998, No. 231, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 71 - Board of Examiners and College of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2256) › Subchapter I - Board of Examiners of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2243) › § 2240b - License inactivation and reactivation for retired professionals

(a) Any license holder who wishes to inactivate his/her license upon retirement from the practice of his/her profession but wishes to continue enjoying the benefits provided by said status, including College membership, shall file with the Board a sworn application in which he/she shall substantiate his/her retirement from the practice of his/her profession and state his/her desire to remain on the books of the Board as a retired designer/decorator. Upon verification of the contents of the application, the Board shall proceed to inactivate the license and shall then proceed to include him/her in the Register of Retired Professionals prepared to such effect.
(b) The Board shall give notice to the College, within a term of no more than thirty (30) days, of the professionals who have been inactivated, suspended or expelled as College members, by virtue of the causes and through the procedures established by the College, whose license shall be suspended, as the case may be, through a certification of said fact by the College to the Board.
(c) Once the inactive period has elapsed, the license-holder may file a written request for his/her license to be reactivated with the Board.
(d) It shall be illegal for any holder of an inactive license to practice the profession during the term in which the license is inactive, and it shall constitute sufficient cause to cancel the same.
(e) If the expulsion, suspension, or inactivation is due to nonpayment of yearly dues, an official College certification shall suffice for the Board to take the corresponding action with no need to follow the hearing procedure established below for all other cases. If the College officially certifies that the professional in question is reinstated, the Board shall, pursuant to the applicable professional association laws, immediately reactivate said license through the procedure and the payment of the fee established by the Board through its regulations.
History —June 8, 1973, No. 125, p. 501, added as § 12 on Aug. 12, 1998, No. 231, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 71 - Board of Examiners and College of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2256) › Subchapter I - Board of Examiners of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2243) › § 2241 - Appeal; review

Every person whose license has been suspended or revoked by the Board may appeal to the Court of First Instance of Puerto Rico, San Juan Part, by means of a review procedure.
The appellant party may first request, within a term of thirty (30) days of having been notified by the Board of its adverse resolution against him, the reconsideration of the resolution of the Board. Once the reconsideration has been decided, if adverse, he may appeal to the Court of First Instance of Puerto Rico, San Juan Part, within a term of thirty (30) days of having been notified.
History —June 8, 1973, No. 125, p. 501, § 11, renumbered as § 12 on Dec. 21, 1995, No. 243, § 15; renumbered as § 13 on Aug. 12, 1998, No. 231, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 71 - Board of Examiners and College of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2256) › Subchapter I - Board of Examiners of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2243) › § 2242 - Improper use of certain words, terms and phrases

Any person to whom the Board has not issued a license to practice in Puerto Rico or who professes to be, advertises, or otherwise purports to be [an] interior designer/decorator, or who uses words, letters, phrases, abbreviations or insignias indicating or implying that he/she is an interior designer/decorator, or who advertises the practice of interior design or decoration, shall incur a misdemeanor and shall be punished in accordance with § 2243 of this title.
It shall be equally unlawful for any person to employ, or otherwise procure or sponsor, whether him/herself or through employment agents, representatives or solicitors, the employment or services of other persons in the practice of the profession regulated herein, unless these persons are duly authorized under this subchapter and the applicable professional association laws to practice said profession. This provision shall apply equally to the principal and to the employment agent, representative or solicitor.
Any advertisement, circular, notice, letter or edict publicly posted or circulated in which the services of these professionals is procured shall clearly state the license and College membership requirements.
However, nothing contained in this subchapter shall prevent persons who render voluntary services in institutions or organizations from providing any kind of manual or recreational activity, provided they do not imply or replace the practice of interior designer/decorator in Puerto Rico.
History —June 8, 1973, No. 125, p. 501, § 12, renumbered as § 13 by § 15 and amended by § 13 on Dec. 21, 1995, No. 243; renumbered as § 14 by § 11 and amended by § 10 on Aug. 12, 1998, No. 231.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 71 - Board of Examiners and College of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2256) › Subchapter I - Board of Examiners of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2243) › § 2243 - Penalties

(a) Any person who incurs [sic] a violation of any provisions of this subchapter shall incur [sic] a misdemeanor and, upon conviction, shall be punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100), or by imprisonment for a term of not less than one month [nor] more than six (6) months, or by both penalties, [at] the discretion of the court.
(b) In the event any person repeats the offense described in subsection (a) of this section, the fine imposed shall not be less than two hundred dollars ($200), nor more than five hundred dollars ($500), or a term of imprisonment that shall not be less than two (2) months, nor more than six (6) months, or both penalties, [at] the discretion of the court.
History —June 8, 1973, No. 125, p. 501, § 13, renumbered as § 14 by § 15 and amended by § 14 on Dec. 21, 1995, No. 243; renumbered as § 15 on Aug. 12, 1998, No. 231, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 71 - Board of Examiners and College of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2256) › Subchapter II - College of Interior Designers-Decorators (§§ 2244 — 2256) › § 2244 - Definitions

The following terms or phrases, as used in this subchapter, shall have the meaning expressed below:
(a) Board. — Shall mean the Board of Examiners of Interior Designers-Decorators of Puerto Rico, created by §§ 2231—2243 of this title.
(b) College. — Shall mean the College of Interior Designers-Decorators of Puerto Rico, created by §§ 2244—2255 of this title.
(c) Act. — Shall mean §§ 2244—2255 of this title, which created the College of Interior Designers-Decorators of Puerto Rico.
History —June 3, 1976, No. 131, p. 378, added as § 1 on Aug. 14, 1998, No. 244, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 71 - Board of Examiners and College of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2256) › Subchapter II - College of Interior Designers-Decorators (§§ 2244 — 2256) › § 2245 - Creation

Those persons entitled to exercise the profession of interior designer-decorator in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico are hereby constituted as a juridical entity under the name of: “College of Interior Designers-Decorators of Puerto Rico,” with domicile in the capital.
History —June 3, 1976, No. 131, p. 378, § 1, renumbered as § 2 by § 9 and amended by § 2 on Aug. 14, 1998, No. 244.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 71 - Board of Examiners and College of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2256) › Subchapter II - College of Interior Designers-Decorators (§§ 2244 — 2256) › § 2246 - Powers

The College of Interior Designers-Decorators of Puerto Rico shall have the power:
(a) To subsist in perpetuity under that name.
(b) To sue and be sued as a juridical entity.
(c) To have and use a seal which it may alter at will.
(d) To acquire rights and property, both personal and real, by donation, legacy, assessments among its own members, purchase or otherwise, and to possess, mortgage, lease and dispose of them in any form.
(e) To designate its officials.
(f) To adopt its bylaws which shall be binding on all its members and to amend them in the manner and under the requirements herein prescribed.
(g) To borrow money and give security for the payment thereof.
(h) To adopt and see to the compliance with the canons of professional ethics to govern the conduct of its members.
(i) To receive and investigate the complaints that may be filed with regard to the practice and/or conduct of the members in the exercise of the profession; to hold hearings in which the member thus affected or his/her representative shall be given the opportunity to submit pertinent evidence; to take complaints before the Board of Examiners of Interior Designers-Decorators for the proper action. Nothing provided in this subsection shall be construed as to limit or alter the powers of the Board of Examiners of Interior Designers-Decorators of Puerto Rico.
(j) To protect its members in the practice of the profession and to promote their professional development, and likewise to provide for the creation of insurance systems and special funds and other means of voluntary protection.
(k) To exercise such incidental powers as may be necessary or advisable for the purposes of its creation and operation and which are not in conflict with this subchapter.
History —June 3, 1976, No. 131, p. 378, § 2, renumbered as § 3 by § 9 and amended by § 3 on Aug. 14, 1998, No. 244.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 71 - Board of Examiners and College of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2256) › Subchapter II - College of Interior Designers-Decorators (§§ 2244 — 2256) › § 2247 - Membership required

No person other than the members of the College may exercise the profession of interior designer-decorator in Puerto Rico. The Board of Examiners of Interior Designers-Decorators of Puerto Rico shall not issue or renew any license to practice the profession of interior designer-decorator to any person who is not a member of the College. Provided, That the College shall have to accept any person to whom the Board has issued a license as interior designer-decorator as a member.
History —June 3, 1976, No. 131, p. 378, § 3, renumbered as § 4 by § 9 and amended by § 4 on Aug. 14, 1998, No. 244.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 71 - Board of Examiners and College of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2256) › Subchapter II - College of Interior Designers-Decorators (§§ 2244 — 2256) › § 2248 - Members

All persons to whom the Board has issued or hereafter issues a license as interior designer-decorator according to the provisions of §§ 2231—2243 of this title, shall be members of the College.
History —June 3, 1976, No. 131, p. 378, § 4, renumbered as § 5 by § 9 and amended by § 5 on Aug. 14, 1998, No. 244.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 71 - Board of Examiners and College of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2256) › Subchapter II - College of Interior Designers-Decorators (§§ 2244 — 2256) › § 2249 - Organization

The General Assembly is the supreme organization and shall elect a governing board to govern affairs of the College.
History —June 3, 1976, No. 131, p. 378, § 5, renumbered as § 6 on Aug. 14, 1998, No. 244, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 71 - Board of Examiners and College of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2256) › Subchapter II - College of Interior Designers-Decorators (§§ 2244 — 2256) › § 2250 - Governing Board

The Governing Board shall be composed of not less than fifteen (15) members and shall be elected annually in a regular general assembly. The bylaws shall provide for the composition of the Governing Board and the manner to fill vacancies. Provided, That the College may be organized in chapters when so directed by the bylaws.
History —June 3, 1976, No. 131, p. 378, § 6, renumbered as § 7 on Aug. 14, 1998, No. 244, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 71 - Board of Examiners and College of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2256) › Subchapter II - College of Interior Designers-Decorators (§§ 2244 — 2256) › § 2251 - Regulation

The bylaws shall provide for whatever has not been provided in this subchapter and is necessary for the faithful compliance with the purposes for which the College is established, including, among other things, everything relative to the procedure for admission; functions; duties and proceedings of all its organizations and officers; calls, dates, quorum, form and requirements of the General Assemblies and meetings of the Governing Board; elections of directors and officers, standing committees; term of all offices, creation of vacancies and manner of filling them; budgets, investment of funds and disposal of property of the College.
History —June 3, 1976, No. 131, p. 378, § 7, renumbered as § 8 on Aug. 14, 1998, No. 244, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 71 - Board of Examiners and College of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2256) › Subchapter II - College of Interior Designers-Decorators (§§ 2244 — 2256) › § 2252 - Dues

The College is hereby authorized to [set] the annual dues to be paid by its members, which shall be approved by a majority of the quorum prescribed by the bylaws for a general assembly.
History —June 3, 1976, No. 131, p. 378, § 8, renumbered as § 9 on Aug. 14, 1998, No. 244, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 71 - Board of Examiners and College of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2256) › Subchapter II - College of Interior Designers-Decorators (§§ 2244 — 2256) › § 2253 - Suspension for nonpayment of dues

Any member who fails to pay his dues may be suspended as such and the Board of Examiners shall be notified so that it complies with the requisites of § 2247 of this title, but said member may be reinstated through payment of the dues owed. Provided, That the College may not suspend a member without authorization of the Board of Examiners in accordance with the hearing proceeding administered by it.
History —June 3, 1976, No. 131, p. 378, § 9, renumbered as § 10 on Aug. 14, 1998, No. 244, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 71 - Board of Examiners and College of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2256) › Subchapter II - College of Interior Designers-Decorators (§§ 2244 — 2256) › § 2254 - Penalties

Any person who violates any of the provisions of this subchapter shall be guilty of a misdemeanor and upon conviction punished by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) or more than five hundred dollars ($500), or by imprisonment in jail for a minimum term of three (3) months, or a maximum term of one year, or by both penalties, [at] the discretion of the court.
History —June 3, 1976, No. 131, p. 378, § 10, renumbered as § 11 on Aug. 14, 1998, No. 244, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 71 - Board of Examiners and College of Interior Designer-Decorators (§§ 2231 — 2256) › Subchapter II - College of Interior Designers-Decorators (§§ 2244 — 2256) › § 2255 - Duties

The College of Interior Designers-Decorators of Puerto Rico shall have the following duties:
(a) To contribute towards the advancement and development of interior design and decoration.
(b) To uphold and maintain the dignity of the profession and of its members.
(c) To defend the rights and immunities of licensed interior designers-decorators.
(d) To establish relations or affiliation with analogous associations in the United States or other countries within specific rules of solidarity and courtesy.
(e) To determine measures of mutual protection and strengthen the bonds of friendship and companionship among the members of the College.
(f) To cooperate with the federal, Commonwealth and municipal governments and their agencies and instrumentalities in all matters of mutual interest and benefit to the general welfare.
(g) To promote and maintain a high and strict professional morale among the members of the College.
History —June 3, 1976, No. 131, p. 378, § 11, renumbered as § 12 by § 9 and amended by § 6 on Aug. 14, 1998, No. 244.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 75 - Board of Examiners of Professional Real Estate Appraisers (§§ 2301 — 2322) › § 2301 - Definitions

For the purposes of this chapter, the following terms shall have the meaning stated below, unless otherwise clearly indicated from the context:
(a) Professional real estate appraiser. — The person who after proper investigation and study determines the value of real properties by using locally applicable theories, proceedings and approaches recognized by commentators, authorities and jurisprudence dealing with the subject, and locally applicable.
(b) Board. — The Board of Examiners of Professional Real Estate Appraisers of Puerto Rico.
(c) License of Puerto Rico or License. — The official authorization issued by the Board to practice the profession of professional real estate appraisers in Puerto Rico to those persons that meet the qualifications provided in § 2308 of this title.
(d) Certification. — The official authorization issued by the Board to practice the profession of real estate appraisers in Puerto Rico, pursuant to Title XI of Public Law No. 101-73, “Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989” in all types of real estate transactions in which the federal government has an interest, to those persons who have met the qualifications provided in § 2309a of this title.
(e) Licensed appraiser. — The person who holds a license duly issued by the Board who is authorized to practice as such pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
(f) Certified appraiser. — The person who holds a federal authorization duly issued by the Board, who is authorized to practice as such pursuant to the provisions of this chapter.
(g) Professional real estate appraiser supervisor. — The same person defined as “professional real estate appraiser” who, in addition to his/her functions and duties, has the function to supervise an assistant.
(h) Credit hour. — Fifty (50) minutes of class from each sixty (60) minutes in class where the minimum time of each educational session is fifteen (15) hours and the person approves the course by passing an exam pertinent to said session.
History —July 31, 1974, No. 277, Part 2, p. 326, § 1; Aug. 14, 1991, No. 62, § 1; Dec. 26, 1997, No. 194, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 75 - Board of Examiners of Professional Real Estate Appraisers (§§ 2301 — 2322) › § 2302 - Creation

A Board of Examiners of Professional Real Estate Appraisers is hereby created in and for the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, which shall be composed of five (5) members appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate.
With the exception of the representative of the public interest, every member of the Board shall have approved the course on Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) within a period not to exceed four (4) years prior to his/her incumbency.
Four (4) of the members shall be duly authorized professional appraisers. They shall represent the appraisers and there shall be among them to the extent possible, representatives of the licensed and the certified appraisers. One (1) of the members shall represent the public interest and shall not be an appraiser. No member of the Board shall have pecuniary interest in a school or college that offers professional courses or studies on real estate appraising or continued education.
The Board shall have the powers and duties herein specified as well as all those powers necessary and pertinent to fulfill the provisions of this chapter. The Board shall be attached to the Department of State of Puerto Rico and shall be subject to the provisions of Act No. 320 of April 13, 1946, as amended.
History —July 31, 1974, No. 277, Part 2, p. 326, § 2; Aug. 14, 1991, No. 62, § 2; Dec. 26, 1997, No. 194, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 75 - Board of Examiners of Professional Real Estate Appraisers (§§ 2301 — 2322) › § 2303 - Qualifications of members

The four (4) appraiser members of the Board shall be of recognized moral integrity, of legal age, be duly licensed real estate appraisers of which three (3) as a minimum must have their certifications in effect, of recognized professional competence and residents of Puerto Rico while members of the Board.
History —July 31, 1974, No. 277, Part 2, p. 326, § 3; Dec. 26, 1997, No. 194, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 75 - Board of Examiners of Professional Real Estate Appraisers (§§ 2301 — 2322) › § 2304 - Election of Chairperson, term of appointment and vacancies

The Board shall elect from among its members a chairperson and four (4) associate members, who shall hold office for four (4) years and until their successors are appointed and take office. The first five (5) members shall be appointed, one (1) for a term of one (1) year, one (1) for two (2) years, one (1) for three (3) years, and two (2) for four (4) years, respectively. If prior to the expiration of the term of any such member a vacancy occurs, the person appointed to fill the same shall hold office for the remainder of the unexpired term and until his successor is appointed. The person appointed to fill the vacancy shall be a representative of professional appraisers of the same level or type of appraiser as the member who caused the vacancy. In the case the vacancy is that of the representative of the public interest, the person designated for the office shall represent the public interest. The Governor may, for good cause, remove any member of the Board, upon previous preferment of charges, service of notice and opportunity to be heard.
History —July 31, 1974, No. 277, Part 2, p. 326, § 4; Aug. 14, 1991, No. 62, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 75 - Board of Examiners of Professional Real Estate Appraisers (§§ 2301 — 2322) › § 2305 - Compensation, per diems and expenses

Each member of the Board, regardless of whether he/she is a public employee or official, shall receive fifty dollars ($50) for each day or fraction thereof that he/she attends meetings of the Board up to a limit of one thousand dollars ($1,000), and shall be entitled to reimbursement of per diems and mileage expenses incurred in official and necessary functions of his/her office, subject to compliance of the applicable regulations of the Department of the Treasury. As of January 1, 1999, the members of the Board shall receive per diems equal to the minimum per diems established for the members of the Legislature up to a maximum of three thousand dollars ($3,000) per year, except for the Chairman of the Board who shall receive per diems equal to one hundred and thirty-three percent (133%) of the per diems received by the other members of the Board.
History —July 31, 1974, No. 277, Part 2, p. 326, § 5; June 29, 1995, No. 66, § 1; Jan. 4, 2000, No. 7, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 75 - Board of Examiners of Professional Real Estate Appraisers (§§ 2301 — 2322) › § 2306 - Meetings

The Board shall hold at least four (4) meetings annually for the consideration and resolution of its affairs, and it may meet as many times as necessary for the prompt transaction of its business and duties, subject to the provisions of § 2305 of this title relative to per diems. Three (3) members of the Board shall constitute a quorum. The vacancy or absence of two (2) of its members shall not affect the right of the remaining members to exercise all the powers of the Board. The decisions of the Board shall be taken by the affirmative vote of at least three (3) of its members.
History —July 31, 1974, No. 277, Part 2, p. 326, § 6, retroactive to July 1, 1974.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 75 - Board of Examiners of Professional Real Estate Appraisers (§§ 2301 — 2322) › § 2307 - Duties and faculties

The Board shall have the following duties and faculties:
(a) It shall authorize the practice of professional real estate appraiser by granting the corresponding licenses of professional real estate appraiser and shall also grant the certifications pursuant to Title XI of Public Law No. 101-73, Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989.
(b) It shall adopt regulations pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 112 of June 30, 1957, as amended, which shall contain the provisions needed to comply with its duties and the rules of procedure that it deems convenient for handling its affairs.
(c) It shall keep a minute book of all its proceedings, it shall enter upon adequate books its resolutions and actions, and it shall adopt an official seal to authenticate its documents.
(d) It shall keep a professional register which shall contain a true and exact list of the licenses and certifications granted and include any information determined by the Board through regulations.
(e) It shall adopt, promulgate and modify from time to time a professional code of ethics and implement the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) adopted by the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation.
(f) It may take oaths, hear testimonies and receive evidence with regard to matters of its jurisdiction.
(g) It may issue summonses requiring the appearance of witnesses and the production of data and reports the Board may deem necessary. If a summons issued by the Board is not duly complied with, it may appear before any part of the Court of First Instance of Puerto Rico and request that the court issue a subpoena.
(h) It shall submit to the Governor of Puerto Rico, through the Secretary of State, an annual report of its work, indicating the number of licenses or certifications denied, issued, suspended, revoked, renewed, and the renewals denied, respectively.
(i) It shall remit to the Appraisal Subcommittee of the Federal Financial Institution Examination Council a list of the professional real estate appraisers who have been issued a license or certification and who have met the requirements in effect, as provided by the Appraisal Qualifications Board of the Appraisal Foundation.
History —July 31, 1974, No. 277, Part 2, p. 326, § 7; Aug. 14, 1991, No. 62, § 4; Dec. 26, 1997, No. 194, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 75 - Board of Examiners of Professional Real Estate Appraisers (§§ 2301 — 2322) › § 2308 - Qualifications for license

The Board shall issue a license to practice the profession of professional real estate appraiser to any person who meets the following qualifications:
(a) Have a bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by the Council on Higher Education or from an institution recognized by the Board of Examiners of Professional Real Estate Appraisers within which at least five courses (15 credit hours) were approved in subjects related to real estate appraisal. Furthermore, he/she shall have approved the number of class hours with an exam required by the Appraiser Qualifications Board for the federal certification and the fifteen (15) hours of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) offered by an institution recognized by the Board. The Board shall determine through regulations the subjects it deems to be related to real estate appraisal.
(b) Have a bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by the Council on Higher Education and have approved at least five courses (15 credit hours) on subjects related to real estate appraisal. Furthermore, he/she shall have approved the number of class hours with an exam required by the Appraiser Qualifications Board for the federal certification and the fifteen (15) hours of the Uniform Standards of professional Appraisal Practice (USPAP) offered by an institution recognized by the Board. The Board shall determine through regulations the subjects it deems to be related to real estate appraisal.
(c) Such person shall have a Bachelor’s degree from an institution accredited by the Council on Higher Education, and has passed a course on real estate appraisal offered by a university or college duly accredited by the Council on Higher Education or an institution accredited by the Board of Examiners of Professional Real Estate Appraisers. Among the courses approved, there shall be required at least four courses (12 credits) on subjects related with real estate appraisals.
(d) Such person has passed the examination or examinations offered by the Board.
(e) Such person has paid the examination and license fees provided in this chapter.
(f) Such person has observed a good moral conduct.
The professional real estate appraisers who hold a license but not a certification may appraise any type of property in which there is no federal interest. In the case of properties with federal interest, he/she shall meet the qualifications in effect regarding exams, experience and education of the Appraiser Qualifications Board.
History —July 31, 1974, No. 277, Part 2, p. 326, § 8; Aug. 14, 1991, No. 62, § 5; Dec. 26, 1997, No. 194, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 75 - Board of Examiners of Professional Real Estate Appraisers (§§ 2301 — 2322) › § 2309 - Holding of license

Reckoning from one (1) year after approval of this act, no person may practice the profession of real estate appraiser in Puerto Rico without having obtained a license issued by the Board except government appraisers while holding office in different organizations of the municipal, Commonwealth and federal governments. The Board shall exempt from examination any person of good conduct, in the enjoyment of his civil rights, of age, and who has been, further, engaged in the practice of real estate appraiser in Puerto Rico for at least one (1) year prior to the date of July 31, 1974, and files his application not later than July 31 of 1977. Said persons shall be entitled to the corresponding license issued by the Board, upon application to that effect, production of credible proof and payment of the proper fees. As part of the evidence required, the applicant shall submit to the Board two (2) written reports of real estate appraisal made by him, for study and consideration by the Board.
History —July 31, 1974, No. 277, Part 2, p. 326, § 9; June 3, 1976, No. 145, p. 435; June 20, 1977, No. 76, p. 156.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 75 - Board of Examiners of Professional Real Estate Appraisers (§§ 2301 — 2322) › § 2309a - Qualifications for certification

The Board shall issue a federal, general or residential certification to practice as a certified appraiser to any person who:
(a) Has complied with the qualifications for the corresponding certifications of Title XI of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act of 1989 and the federal rules adopted thereunder, as implemented by the Board of Examiners of Professional Real Estate Appraisers. These requirements shall be incorporated through regulations approved by the Board.
(b) Holds a professional real estate appraiser license issued by the Board pursuant to § 2308 of this title.
The holder of a certification shall be authorized to carry out those appraisals according to the criteria in effect of the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) for general and residential certification, respectively.
History —July 31, 1974, No. 277, Part 2, p. 358, added as § 9-A on Aug. 14, 1991, No. 62, § 6; Dec. 26, 1997, No. 194, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWENTY - Examining Boards and Professional Colleges (§§ 1 — 6033) › Chapter 75 - Board of Examiners of Professional Real Estate Appraisers (§§ 2301 — 2322) › § 2309b - Renewal

The licenses or certifications issued by the Board shall be renewed every four (4) years, from their date of issue.
The licenses issued by the Board prior to the effectiveness of this act must be likewise renewed every four (4) years. The Board shall determine through regulations the mechanisms to be established to carry out renewals in sequence.
In order for the renewal to be authorized, the licensed or certified appraiser shall satisfy the requirement of continued education in any of the following manners:
(a) He/she must meet the requirements in effect provided by the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB).
(b) The Board shall further establish through regulations and in accordance with the guidelines established by the Appraiser Qualifications Board of the Appraisal Foundation the qualifications of the continued education programs that the licensed and certified appraiser must satisfy.
(c) It shall be understood as continued education credits the participation in other activities such as appraisal processes and programs, development of programs, writing of a textbook or similar activities that are determined to be equal to obtaining continued education.
History —July 31, 1974, No. 277, Part 2, p. 358, added as § 9-B on Aug. 14, 1991, No. 62, § 7; Dec. 26, 1997, No. 194, § 7.