reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 295k - Prohibition—Political activities

It is prohibited for prosecutors and advocates to participate in political party activities. Violation of this prohibition constitutes a cause for job and pay suspension or removal. No prosecutor or advocate may:
(a) Participate in political campaigns of any kind.
(b) Hold a position in political entities or parties.
(c) Make money contributions, whether directly or indirectly, to political candidates, entities or parties.
(d) Participate in meetings, gatherings, assemblies, conventions, primaries or other functions of a political-partisan nature.
(e) Publicly endorse or oppose candidates to elective offices or government appointments made by the Governor to hold office in the Executive Branch other than prosecutors or political leaders.
(f) Make public expressions, comments or manifestations on matters or acts of a political-partisan nature. This comprises public expressions made to communications media or in concentrations or meetings of a political-partisan nature, but it shall not undermine the right to free expression of prosecutors and advocates on matters of public interest geared toward strengthening and protecting their profession or other matters related to the law or proposals that have a bearing on the discharge of their functions.
(g) Politically attack or engage in controversies with political candidates or leaders, without undermining their right to defend themselves against abusive attacks against their person or their honor.
(h) Foster the interests of any political entity or party whatsoever. Prosecutors and advocates should be and feel free from any and all political influences and not allow room with their conduct for the belief that their political ideas have an influence on their discharge of their public office. Furthermore, it is their duty to see that officials and employees under their direction not tarnish with their political conduct the image of impartiality that should prevail in the justice system.
(i) Publicly announce their intention to run for public office, carry out activities geared toward that purpose, or actually formalizing said intention to run before the competent government entity while discharging the duties inherent to their position.
(j) Request or persuade any person going to the Department as a witness, informant or complainant or to request the services offered to citizens by the Department, so that he/she participates or refrains from participating in political activities in exchange for the benefits or services that correspond.
(k) Use insignias, buttons or emblems allusive to political parties.
(l) Procure the endorsement of any elected official with the purpose of obtaining a renomination or promotion, except for the Governor and the members of the Senate of Puerto Rico in the exercise of its constitutional power of confirmation.
(m) Use their position to further personal political agendas.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 86.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 295l - Procedure

The complaint whereby it is requested that a prosecutor or advocate be admonished, severed, suspended or removed shall be processed pursuant to the procedure adopted through regulations. The complaint shall be presented at the Department, by initiative of the Secretary or by any citizen in the form of a sworn written statement. Once presented, the Secretary shall order an investigation on the alleged facts. Based on the investigation conducted, the Secretary may dismiss the complaint or bring charges, notifying the official in question in writing stating the causes and grounds and giving him/her the opportunity to be heard. In these cases, the Secretary may, while preparing the procedure, relieve the prosecutor or advocate from his/her functions, reassign him/her to other tasks or take any other measure that, pursuant to the circumstances of the case, it is necessary to adopt in benefit of the service.
Once the charges have been proven, the Secretary may admonish the prosecutor or advocate or submit a report to the Governor with the findings, conclusions and recommendations arising from the procedure for the severance, job and pay suspension or removal of said official. Based on said report, the Governor shall determine which action is in order.
The permanent severance from office of a prosecutor or advocate shall not impair his/her vested rights under the Retirement System of the Employees of the Government of the Commonwealth pursuant to the provisions of §§ 761 et seq. of this title.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 87.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 295m - Appeal

The prosecutor or advocate thus affected may present in writing an appeal before the Board of Appeals of the Personnel Administration System within thirty (30) days as of the date of notice of the action taken by the Governor in which he/she decrees the severance, suspension or removal, or as of the date of notice of the Secretary admonishing him/her.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 88.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter IV - Prosecutors and Advocates (§§ 294q — 295n) › § 295n - Judicial review

The Governor, the Secretary, or the prosecutor or advocate affected may request a review of the decision of the Board of Appeals of the Personnel Administration System before the Court of Appeals within thirty (30) days as of the date of notice of the decision.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 89.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter V - Final Provisions (§§ 295o — 295u) › § 295o - Proviso

The provisions of §§ 291—295u of this title do not impair or undermine the authorities and powers conferred onto the Secretary and the Department by other laws and executive orders that are not incompatible with its provisions, nor do they impair the powers inherent to the office of the Secretary. Furthermore, they shall not affect any program, office, bureau or dependency attached by law to the Department, or the functions of the Secretary and the Department as assigned by law in relation to other agencies.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 90.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter V - Final Provisions (§§ 295o — 295u) › § 295p - Rules, regulations, norms and administrative orders

The rules, regulations, norms and administrative orders, the personnel system, and the procedures for biddings and acquisition of goods and services that govern the operation and administration of the Department, the regulations on the essential areas of the principle merit, as well as the duties, responsibilities and compensation of its officials and employees in effect as of the date of effectiveness of this act and which are not in conflict with its provisions, shall remain in effect until amended, repealed or substituted by the Secretary pursuant to the law.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 91.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter V - Final Provisions (§§ 295o — 295u) › § 295q - Arrangements, agreements, contracts and programs

No provision of §§ 291—295u of this title shall be construed to modify, alter or invalidate the arrangements, agreements, claims or contracts executed by the Secretary or authorized officials, as well as the rights or obligations in effect at the time of approval of this act.
No provision of §§ 291—295u of this title shall be interpreted to alter or undermine the authorities and functions of programs, offices, boards, dependencies and divisions created by law or by administrative provision unless otherwise provided in the future.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 92.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter V - Final Provisions (§§ 295o — 295u) › § 295r - Use of property and funds

The real and personal property, as well as the files, records, the remainder of the funds appropriated to the Department in the Puerto Rico Government expense budget in effect, or by any other law or joint resolution, and the donations, agreements or funds originating from any other source shall continue to be used by the Department pursuant to the norms and conditions prevailing at the time this act takes effect.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 93.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter V - Final Provisions (§§ 295o — 295u) › § 295s - Continuity of office

The current General Prosecutor of Puerto Rico and the General Solicitor of Puerto Rico, as well as the current General Special Prosecutors, District Attorneys, Assistant Prosecutors III, Assistant Prosecutors II, Assistant Prosecutors I, Special Family Relations Advocates, Special Advocates for the Protection of Minors, whose positions by virtue of §§ 291—295u of this title are redesignated as Family Advocates and Advocates for Minors’ Affairs, who have been appointed before the date of effectiveness of this act, shall continue in the exercise of their office without the need for a new appointment, until the term for which they were appointed expires. Likewise, the provisions of §§ 291—295u of this title shall not affect the exercise of the functions and powers these officials have or the salary they earn as of the date of effectiveness of this act.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 94.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter V - Final Provisions (§§ 295o — 295u) › § 295t - Vested rights of the personnel

Officials and employees of the Department, including officials and employees of attached programs, are hereby guaranteed their vested rights under the laws, regulations and personnel systems, as well as their compensation and the rights, privileges, obligations and status in respect to any existing pension, retirement or savings and loan fund system to which they are affiliated at the time of approval of this act.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 95.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter V - Final Provisions (§§ 295o — 295u) › § 295u - Pending actions and proceedings

Any civil, criminal or administrative action or proceeding that may be brought or which is pending at the time of approval of this act shall be brought or continued to be processed under the laws in effect and shall not be affected by the provisions of §§ 291—295u of this title.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 205, § 96.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter VI - Institute for the Training and Development of Juridical Thought (§§ 296 — 296h) › § 296 - Definitions

For the purposes of §§ 296—296h of this title, the following terms shall have the meaning stated below:
(a) Department.— Is the Department of Justice, created pursuant to the provisions of Section 6 of Article IV of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. It also includes the programs and entities presently attached by law or which in the future shall become a part of the Department.
(b) Institute.— Means the Institute for the Training and Development of Juridical Thought, created by §§ 296—296h of this title.
(c) Department personnel.— Are the prosecuting attorneys, prosecutors, property registrars, court officials or paralegals, and such other personnel that the Secretary deems may benefit from the professional training program offered by the Institute.
(d) Secretary.— Is the Secretary of Justice appointed pursuant to the provisions of Section 5 of Article IV of the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 206, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter VI - Institute for the Training and Development of Juridical Thought (§§ 296 — 296h) › § 296a - Creation

The Institute for the Training and Development of Juridical Thought is hereby created, attached to the Department, which shall be in charge of establishing a continuing professional education program for the training of Department personnel. The Institute shall foster the development of juridical studies and research addressed to promote the interests of justice, with the purpose of ensuring the highest level of professional training and commitment pursuant to the highest professional proficiency standards.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 206, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter VI - Institute for the Training and Development of Juridical Thought (§§ 296 — 296h) › § 296b - Administrative organization

The Institute shall be under the management of an Executive Director appointed by the Secretary, who shall be responsible to him/her for the effective operation of the entity. In addition, the Secretary shall establish an Advisory Council consisting of designated Department officials that shall assist in the development of and faithful compliance of the objectives that motivate the creation of the Institute.
The Secretary shall determine the administrative structure and assign the equipment and support personnel needed for the optimum performance of the Institute and shall provide for its appropriate location and use.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 206, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter VI - Institute for the Training and Development of Juridical Thought (§§ 296 — 296h) › § 296c - Duties

The duties of the Institute are as follows:
(a) Develop a permanent professional training program that incorporates innovative legal education strategies and methods to the professional endeavors of the Department personnel.
(b) Promote the development of juridical studies and investigations geared to promote the interests of justice.
(c) Maintain the legal knowledge of the Department personnel updated as determined by the Secretary regarding the most recent developments in the field of law so that they may be used in fulfilling their ministerial duties and responsibilities.
(d) Propitiate the direct participation of Department personnel in teaching-learning experiences that will allow them to keep updated in the knowledge and command of the necessary legal skills for their efficient and effective professional performance.
(e) Contribute to the disclosure of the knowledge and legal interest topics for the operation of the Department through a publication or journal of the work and investigations performed by the Institute, and of the use of new technology.
(f) Establish exchange relationships of professors and continued education experiences with other centers and universities in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and abroad through contracts and agreements.
(g) Stimulate discussion and the intense and sedate analysis of matters and problems of social-juridical interest in order to identify causes and offer practical and viable solutions.
(h) Establish interagency agreements for lawyers and other public service personnel to benefit from the programs and offerings that are established by virtue of §§ 296—296h of this title. The Institute may establish charges for these services.
(i) Establish the Legal Education Academy, which shall provide information, education, and training to recently appointed prosecutors, family advocates, and advocates for minor’s affairs.
(j) Offer the programs and services established by virtue of this Act to lawyers and other professionals of the private sector, subject to the fees to be established for such services.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 206, § 5; July 27, 2011, No. 157, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter VI - Institute for the Training and Development of Juridical Thought (§§ 296 — 296h) › § 296d - Executive Director

The Executive Director, as the officer in charge of the planning, organization and execution of the research and training activities developed in the Institute, has the following duties and responsibilities:
(a) Outline the operational structure and propose the regulations for the operation of the Institute.
(b) Determine the existing training needs and program and develop the continuing education curriculum.
(c) Draft and present the operating budget of the Institute for the approval of the Secretary.
(d) Submit the continuing education curriculum of the Institute to the Secretary and, implement it upon his/her approval.
(e) Contract the faculty of the Institute, with the approval of the Secretary.
(f) Award, in conjunction with the Secretary, the diplomas and certificates that shall be issued during the development of the academic activities of the Institute.
(g) Prepare the support material needed for the teaching and research activities of the Institute.
(h) Administer and supervise the correct and reasonable use of the human and fiscal resources of the Institute.
(i) Supervise the personnel assigned to the Institute.
(j) Directly acquire, with the approval of the Secretary, such goods and services needed for the optimum operation of the Institute, pursuant to the regulations adopted by the Secretary for such purposes.
(k) Perform any other related function assigned by the Secretary.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 206, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter VI - Institute for the Training and Development of Juridical Thought (§§ 296 — 296h) › § 296e - Advisory Council

The Advisory Council has the following duties and responsibilities:
(a) Advise the Secretary on continuing education curriculum plans and proposals for the Department personnel.
(b) Evaluate and make recommendations to the Secretary regarding the operational structure and regulations for the Institute proposed by the Executive Director.
(c) Examine the operating budget of the Institute submitted by the Executive Director and make the recommendations it deems pertinent.
(d) Evaluate all sabbatical leave applications of the Department personnel and advise the Secretary with regard thereto, and consider, in conjunction with the Executive Director, their participation in the educational and training activities held by the Institute.
(e) Support the Executive Director in the implementation of the administrative and institutional policy guidelines issued by the Secretary regarding the activities, projects and other matters of the Institute.
(f) Promote the accreditation by the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico of the Institute as a continuing education provider, pursuant to the instructions of the Secretary.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 206, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter VI - Institute for the Training and Development of Juridical Thought (§§ 296 — 296h) › § 296f - Acceptance of donations

The Secretary is hereby empowered to accept donations or any other type of assistance, in cash or in kind, in order to foster and develop the training and scholarships programs, as well as to train the personnel in the use of new technologies. In the case of money, the donations shall be paid by the donor to the Secretary of the Treasury, who shall issue the corresponding receipt. The amounts thus received shall be used exclusively to comply with and execute the purposes of §§ 296–296h of this title. In turn, the funds generated by the fees imposed on participants of the inter-agency agreements and the private sector shall be solely and exclusively covered into the account of the Institute.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 206, § 8; July 27, 2011, No. 157, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter VI - Institute for the Training and Development of Juridical Thought (§§ 296 — 296h) › § 296g - Acquisition of goods and services

The Institute may acquire or lease goods and services of any kind, and sell or otherwise dispose of the property as deemed necessary, without being subject to the pertinent provisions of §§ 931 et seq. of this title, known as the “General Services Administration Act”. Nevertheless, since the Institute is attached to the Department of Justice, the rules of the Exclusive Register of Bidders shall continue to apply to it.
Regarding other matters, the Executive Director as the purchasing officer of the Institute shall have maximum discretion and the broadest administrative flexibility to fully comply with the duties as provided in this §§ 296—296h of this title and other laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. For such purposes, the Executive Director shall draft regulations according to the purposes of §§ 296—296h of this title, which shall be approved by the Secretary.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 206, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 14 - Department of Justice (2004) › Subchapter VI - Institute for the Training and Development of Juridical Thought (§§ 296 — 296h) › § 296h - Special Fund

A special fund is hereby created in the Treasury of Puerto Rico, into which the resources authorized by §§ 296—296h of this title, shall be covered. The Secretary shall use the resources of this Fund for the purposes authorized in §§ 296—296h of this title.
History —Aug. 9, 2004, No. 206, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 301 - Reorganization of Department

The Secretary of Labor and Human Resources is hereby authorized to reorganize, consolidate, or coordinate, from time to time, the various bureaus, services, divisions and offices of the Department of Labor and Human Resources, and he may abolish them in whole or in part, and create new ones, whenever such changes may be necessary to accomplish any of the following purposes:
(1) To promote the best enforcement of labor protecting laws and the most effective and expedite management of the business of the Department;
(2) to raise the efficiency of the Department to the fullest extent possible;
(3) to reduce expenditures and promote economy to the fullest extent consistent with the efficient operation of the Department, and
(4) to avoid total or partial overlapping of effort.
History —Apr. 24, 1950, No. 86, p. 208, § 1, eff. July 1, 1950.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 302 - Reorganization of Department—Approval of Governor

Any reorganization, consolidation, coordination or suppression carried out by the Secretary of Labor and Human Resources under §§ 301—303 of this title in the various bureaus, services, divisions, and offices of the Department of Labor and Human Resources shall have the prior approval of the Governor of Puerto Rico.
History —Apr. 24, 1950, No. 86, p. 208, § 2, eff. July 1, 1950.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 303 - Reorganization of Department—Application of personnel and reorganization acts

The power vested in the Secretary of Labor and Human Resources by §§ 301—303 of this title may not be used to make changes in the Department which may be in conflict with the provisions of Act No. 345, May 12, 1947, generally known as the “Personnel Act”, or in conflict with the changes made under Act No. 140 of April 28, 1949, known as the “Reorganization Act”.
History —Apr. 24, 1950, No. 86, p. 208, § 3, eff. July 1, 1950.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 304 - Organic Act

Sections 304—322 and 324—328 of this title shall be known and referred to as the “Organic Act of the Department of Labor and Human Resources of Puerto Rico”.
The Department of Labor and Human Resources is reorganized on the basis of the following operational components:
(a) The Right to Employment Administration
(b) The Corps of Volunteers at the Service of Puerto Rico
(c) The Minimum Wage Board
(d) Programs in effect in the Department
(e) The Council for Occupational Development and Human Resources.
History —Apr. 14, 1931, No. 15, p. 168, § 1; Aug. 13, 1998, No. 237, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 305 - Laborers’ interests and welfare as objective of Department

Under the provisions of the Organic Act of Puerto Rico the Department of Labor and Human Resources shall patronize, encourage and develop the interests and welfare of the laborers of Puerto Rico, shall make efforts to improve their living and working conditions and shall promote their opportunities to obtain profitable employment.
Besides the functions and responsibilities provided by labor protection laws and other laws in benefit of harmonious labor relations and worker well-being, the Department of Labor and Human Resources shall be the agency of the Executive Branch charged with implementing, developing and coordinating the public policy and programs geared towards the formation and training of the human resources vitally needed to fulfill the needs of the work sector. It shall be the leading body responsible for this government programmatic sector.
History —Apr. 14, 1931, No. 15, p. 168, § 2; Aug. 13, 1998, No. 237, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 307 - Rules and regulations; approval of Governor

The Secretary of Labor and Human Resources shall be empowered to adopt such rules and regulations as may be necessary for the discipline of the Department of Labor and Human Resources, or for the carrying out of the provisions of §§ 304—322 and 324—328 of this title, provided they are not in conflict herewith. After such rules and regulations have been approved by the Governor, and duly promulgated, they shall have the force of law.
The Secretary of Labor and Human Resources is hereby empowered to adopt all regulations, rules and other similar administrative instruments that may be necessary to implement for the internal operations of the Department of Labor and Human Resources proper, and all special, Commonwealth or federal laws, as well as the Executive Order he/she administers, including the operating component parts, according to the provisions of §§ 2101 et seq. of this title, known as the “Uniform Administrative Procedures Act”, except when specifically exempted by law from their specific compliance.
History —Apr. 14, 1931, No. 15, p. 168, § 4; Aug. 13, 1998, No. 237, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 308a - Creation of systems and regulations; exemptions

The Department of Labor and Human Resources and its operational components shall be exempt from the provisions of §§ 931 et seq. of this title, known as the “General Services Administration Act” and shall be governed their own laws and by the regulations established by the Secretary. The Department and its component parts, pursuant to their authority in law, shall establish their own systems and regulations for purchases, supplies and auxiliary services, within sound administrative practices concerning fiscal, economic and efficiency matters.
(1) The Secretary of Labor and Human Resource may make use of specific public goods such as equipment, materials, supplies or other similar goods of the Department and its component parts, declared by him/her or by an authorized official or employee to be surplus property, through the following means:
(a) The transfer or sale, at a reasonable price, to nonprofit private entities which are bona fide institutions, that have a social purpose and are qualified regarding certain of the social programs of the Department, to receive funds from the Government of Puerto Rico.
(b) The transfer or sale, at a reasonable price, to any specific agency, department, instrumentality or entity of the government or the municipalities of Puerto Rico; or to any specific federal or state entity of the government of the United States of America.
(c) The sale, at a reasonable price, at public auction among interested qualified bidders.
Surplus property shall be understood to be all goods, equipment, materials or supplies which shall be finally disposed of for being of no use to the needs of the Department or its operating components because they are obsolete, useless, surplus or disposable, or fall under another similar classification.
The funds obtained from the sale of surplus property shall be covered into a special account in the Department of the Treasury in favor of the Department of Labor and Human Resources.
These funds shall serve to cover in total or in part the expenses incurred in the operation of the program for the sale of surplus property belonging both to the Department and to its operating components.
The Secretary of the Treasury shall make available to the Department of Labor and Human Resources the moneys covered into said special account through orders for the payment of money authorized or signed by the Secretary of Labor and Human Resources.
The funds obtained from the sale of the surplus property of the Department shall not hinder in any manner whatsoever the appropriation of funds in subsequent years for the regular and operating expenses of the Department and its operating components.
(2) When it is impossible to dispose of the surplus property as provided above, the same shall be disposed of in the most convenient and reasonable manner according to the applicable laws and regulations.
History —Apr. 14, 1931, No. 15, p. 168, added as § 5a on Aug. 13, 1998, No. 237, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 309 - False information by employer; penalty

Any employer who knowingly gives false information in connection with information required by the Department of Labor and Human Resources, shall be guilty of a misdemeanor, punishable by a fine of from fifty [dollars] ($50) to five hundred dollars ($500).
History —Apr. 14, 1931, No. 15, p. 168, § 6, eff. 90 days after Apr. 14, 1931.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 310 - Appointment of Department personnel

The Secretary of Labor and Human Resources is hereby expressly authorized to appoint all such personnel as may be necessary the better to organize and operate the Department.
History —Apr. 14, 1931, No. 15, p. 168, § 7, eff. 90 days after Apr. 14, 1931.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 311 - Administrative jurisdiction

There shall be under the administrative jurisdiction of the Department of Labor and Human Resources of Puerto Rico all the bodies, boards or commissions that have been, or may be hereafter, legally constituted for developing and preserving the welfare of the laborers of Puerto Rico, for improving their living and working conditions, for furnishing and amplifying their opportunities for employment, for protecting the life, health and safety of workmen and employees, and for intervening in the solution of industrial and agricultural conflicts, all in accordance with the provisions of Act No. 5138, approved by the Congress of the United States in February 1931.
The Secretary of Labor and Human Resources shall be a member ex officio of all these bodies, boards or commissions, and may delegate this power in the Assistant Secretary of Labor and Human Resources.
History —Apr. 14, 1931, No. 15, p. 168, § 8; May 13, 1943, No. 144, p. 444, § 1, eff. 90 days after May 13, 1943.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 311a - Individual administrators

The Department of Labor and Human Resources and its operating components which are integrated and attached under the provisions of Reorganization Plan No. 2 of May 4, 1994, excluding the Occupational and Human Resources Development Council, shall enjoy the status as individual administrations pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 5 of October 14, 1975 known as the “Puerto Rico Public Service Personnel Act” and Act No. 89 of July 12, 1979, known as the “Uniform Compensation Act.”
History —Apr. 14, 1931, No. 15, p. 168, added as § 8a on Aug. 13, 1998, No. 237, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 312 - Organization of Department

The Department of Labor and Human Resources shall consist of the following services, bureaus and divisions:
(a) Office of the Secretary
(b) Administrative Office
(c) Industrial Supervision Service
(d) Division of Hygiene and Industrial Safety
(e) Bureau of Labor Statistics
(f) Women’s Bureau
(g) Child Bureau
(h) Employment and Migration Bureau
(i) Legal Division
(j) Mediation and Conciliation Service
(k) Bureau of Publications and Worker’s Education
(l) Board of Examiners of Social Workers
(m) Industrial Commission
(n) Labor Relations Board
(o) [Redesignated.]
(p) [Abolished.]
(q) [Suppressed.]
History —Apr. 14, 1931, No. 15, p. 168, § 11; May 13, 1943, No. 144, p. 444, § 1; Dec. 5, 1947, No. 25, p. 386, § 1; July 27, 1998, No. 180, § 14.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 312a - Administrative structure of Department

In addition to the organization of the Department of Labor and Human Resources which remains in effect, and the operating components established in § 301 of this title, the Department proper shall have the following administrative structure:
(1) Commonwealth Board for the Development of a Transition System from School to Employment.
(2) Labor Development Bureau.
(3) Community Information and Relations Office.
(4) Internal Auditing Office.
(5) Office of the Advocate for Labor.
(6) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Personnel Administration.
(7) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Technological Information Systems.
(8) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Management Services, which shall be in charge of the following units:
(a) Budget and Systems Office.
(b) Finance Office.
(c) Administrative Services Office.
(9) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Direct Services and Standards, which shall be in charge of the following units:
(a) Bureau of Labor Standards.
(b) Bureau of Labor Statistics.
(c) Bureau of Services to Labor Unions.
(d) Labor Mediation and Arbitration Bureau.
(e) Employment Nondiscrimination Section.
(10) Bureau of Legal Affairs.
(11) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Workplace Safety and Hygiene, which shall be in charge of the following units:
(a) Workplace Safety and Hygiene Bureau.
(b) Elevator and Boiler Registration and Inspection Section.
(c) Education and Promotion Division.
(12) Office of the Secretary for Planning, Research and Development.
(13) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources, which shall be in charge of the following units:
(a) Employment Security Bureau, to include:
(1) Unemployment Insurance Bureau.
(2) Studies and Statistics Bureau.
(3) Employment Service Bureau.
(b) Benefits for Chauffeurs and Non-occupationally Disabled Persons Bureau.
(14) Regional Coordinators.
History —Apr. 14, 1931, No. 15, p. 168, added as § 11a on Aug. 13, 1998, No. 237, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 313 - Assistant Secretary of Labor and Human Resources

The Secretary of Labor and Human Resources is empowered to appoint an Assistant Secretary of Labor and Human Resources, who shall be under his immediate direction and shall assist him in the performance of his duties, and substitute for him in cases of absence, sickness or resignation. The Assistant Secretary of Labor and Human Resources shall have all such other duties and obligations as may be assigned to him by the Secretary.
History —Apr. 14, 1931, No. 15, p. 168, § 13; May 13, 1943, No. 144, p. 444, § 1, eff. 90 days after May 13, 1943.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 314 - Administrative office; sections; duties

The Chief Administrative Official shall be the secretary and chief clerk of the Department. In the Administrative Office there shall be organized the sections of personnel, payments and accounts, and property.
The Personnel Office shall have charge of everything relative to appointments, leaves of absence and records of the personnel working in the Department and shall also prepare the pay rolls. The Section of Payments and Accounts shall be in charge of the purchases, and of the preparation and handling of accounts, and shall make all the disbursements of the Department. The Property Section shall have charge of the custody of the property and shall keep the inventories thereof up to date, in accordance with the regulations of the Secretary of the Treasury of Puerto Rico.
History —Apr. 14, 1931, No. 15, p. 168, § 14; May 13, 1943, No. 144, p. 444, § 1, eff. 90 days after May 13, 1943.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 315 - Service of Industrial Supervision

The following sections shall be organized within the Service of Industrial Supervision:
(a) Supervision of Men’s Work.
(b) Supervision of Women’s Work.
(c) Supervision of Industrial [Home-based work].
The Service of Industrial Supervision shall have charge of:
The supervision of the enforcement of the laws protecting labor.
The inspection of commercial and industrial establishments, agricultural plantations, properties, farms, factories, shops, mills, offices, public-service enterprises, and other establishments or places where any kind of work is done.
The investigation of the living and working conditions of workmen and employees.
History —Apr. 14, 1931, No. 15, p. 168, § 15; May 13, 1943, No. 144, p. 444, § 1, eff. 90 days after May 13, 1943.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 316 - Division of Hygiene and Industrial Safety

The Division of Hygiene and Industrial Safety shall have charge of the supervision and oversight of measures of safety and industrial hygiene applicable to any industry, business or occupation, and shall be charged with enforcing all the regulations that the Secretary of Labor and Human Resources may promulgate under Act No. 112 of 1939.
History —Apr. 14, 1931, No. 15, p. 168, added as § 15a on May 13, 1943, No. 144, p. 444, § 3, eff. 90 days after May 13, 1943.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 317 - Bureau of Labor Statistics

The Bureau of Labor Statistics shall have charge of the compilation, analysis and interpretation of the statistical data regarding labor in the various industries, businesses and occupations. It shall prepare and keep up to date indexes of prices and of the cost of living; it shall make an analysis of day’s wages and shall establish the relation of these to the cost of living; and shall make surveys of an economic-social nature in regard to the living and working conditions of industrial and agricultural workmen.
History —Apr. 14, 1931, No. 15, p. 168, added as § 15b on May 13, 1943, No. 144, p. 444, § 3, eff. 90 days after May 13, 1943.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 318 - Child Bureau

The Child Bureau shall have in its charge the supervision of the enforcement of laws protecting the child, and shall further measures directed towards guaranteeing the welfare of the child, to promote its educational opportunities, and to take steps towards providing him with facilities of employment compatible with his mental and physical development, in those occupations permitted by law. It can act as an agency of the Government of Puerto Rico for the implantation and development of programs for the social security, benefit, aid and protection of the child, whether such programs be paid from federal or Commonwealth funds.
History —Apr. 14, 1931, No. 15, p. 168, § 16; May 13, 1943, No. 144, p. 444, § 1, eff. 90 days after May 13, 1943.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 319a - Puerto Rico Labor Development Bureau

The Puerto Rico Labor Development Bureau, under the direction and supervision of the Secretary of Labor and Human Resources, shall be in charge of the administration and use of the Work Opportunities Development Fund, consistent with the applicable directive norms of the Legislation and its regulations.
Pursuant to Act No. 59 of August 9, 1991 and §§ 701 et seq. of Title 29, known as the “Employment Security Act”, in order to set aside a special contribution of up to one percent (1%) for the creation of the Special fund, for the creation of employment opportunities for unemployed workers, an increase in employment stability and employee productivity and any like pertinent matter shall be fostered by the means authorized by law.
History —Apr. 14, 1931, No. 15, p. 168, added as § 17a on Aug. 13, 1998, No. 237, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 321 - Legal Division

The Legal Division shall be in charge of the following functions:
(1) To render opinions in regard to labor legislation.
(2) To take steps towards the amicable settlement of the claims for wages and other compensation, rights, or benefits which belong to workmen or employees in accordance with the laws of Puerto Rico, including claims in connection with sharecropping contracts, and to take to court those claims that cannot be decided through conciliation.
(3) To advise workmen and employees in regard to the rights which laws, collective agreements, and individual labor contracts establish in their favor.
(4) To formulate charges and file complaints and suits to make effective the legislation protecting labor, and to appear before the courts of justice in proceedings to guarantee the right of laborers.
(5) To cooperate with, and to advise, labor organizations in the drafting of individual and collective labor agreements, statements of demands, briefs, and other documents and papers for claiming rights and assuring protection to workmen.
In every civil or criminal case where the attorneys of the Legal Division appear before the courts of justice in representation of the Secretary, of officials of the Department, or of workmen or employees, no fee shall be cancelled for such appearance, nor shall the forensic tax be paid.
History —Apr. 14, 1931, No. 15, p. 168, § 20; May 13, 1943, No. 144, p. 444, § 1, eff. 90 days after May 13, 1943.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 322 - Bureau of Publications and Education of Laborers

The Bureau of Publications and Education of Laborers shall have charge of the dissemination of the labor laws, of systems and methods of organization of the rights and duties of the workman in connection with the enforcement of agreements and laws for the protection of labor; it shall make known the measures that contribute to the economic and social improvement of laborers, through lectures, publications, radio broadcasts, circulating libraries, or other suitable means. The Bureau shall cooperate in the development of cultural activities of other dependencies and offices of the government directed towards the same end.
History —Apr. 14, 1931, No. 15, p. 168, added as § 22a on May 13, 1943, No. 144, p. 444, § 3, eff. 90 days after May 13, 1943.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 323 - Apprenticeship Division

An Apprenticeship Division is hereby created in the Department of Labor and Human Resources.
History —May 15, 1947, No. 483, p. 1092, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 324 - Office located in San Juan

The Department of Labor and Human Resources shall have an office in the city of San Juan, where all its documents and files shall be kept; and for this purpose, the Secretary of Transportation and Public Works is hereby directed to provide said department with ample and adequate quarters belonging to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, in the city of San Juan.
History —Apr. 14, 1931, No. 15, p. 168, § 23, eff. 90 days after Apr. 14, 1931.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 325 - Seal of Department

The Department of Labor and Human Resources shall have an official seal to be designed by the Secretary of Labor and Human Resources.
History —Apr. 14, 1931, No. 15, p. 168, § 24, eff. 90 days after Apr. 14, 1931.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 326 - Copies of laws and reports for Department

Within the thirty days following the date on which this section takes effect, the Secretary of State of Puerto Rico shall furnish to the Department of Labor and Human Resources, free of charge, a collection of the volumes of the laws of the Legislature, as well as a sufficient number of the volumes of the Revised Statutes, of the reports of the Governor of Puerto Rico and of all official publications of the Commonwealth Government; and he shall continue to furnish an equal number of copies of said laws, reports and publications, hereinabove mentioned, as they are published.
History —Apr. 14, 1931, No. 15, p. 168, § 25, eff. 90 days after Apr. 14, 1931.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive (§§ 1 — 9311) › Chapter 15 - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§§ 301 — 328) › § 327 - Copies of Supreme Court decisions for Department

Within the period of time mentioned in § 326 of this title, the Secretary of the Supreme Court of Puerto Rico shall furnish, free of charge, a collection of the volumes of the decisions of said Supreme Court heretofore or hereafter published.
History —Apr. 14, 1931, No. 15, p. 168, § 26, eff. 90 days after Apr. 14, 1931.