reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 5 - Comptroller (§§ 71 — 100) › § 79 - Attendance of witnesses; enforcement by court

In case of default or refusal to obey a summons issued by the Comptroller or by the official designated by him, any part of the Court of First Instance of Puerto Rico within whose jurisdiction the person guilty of such default or refusal is, resides, does business, or performs his functions, shall, at the request of the Comptroller, issue against such person an order requiring same to appear before the Comptroller or before the officer designated by him, to offer evidence if so directed, or to testify on the matter under investigation. Failure to obey the order of the court shall make such person guilty of contempt.
Any public employee or official summoned to offer evidence or to testify shall be oriented about the provisions and scope of §§ 601 et seq. of Title 1, known as the “Act to Protect the Rights of Public Employees and Officials Who Report, Accuse, or Witness Alleged Acts Which Constitute Corruption”, §§ 194—194b of Title 29, known as the “Act of Retaliations Against an Employee for Offering Testimony and Cause for Action”; and §§ 611 et seq. of Title 1, known as the “Act for the Protection and Compensation of Persons Who Denounce Acts of Corruption Against Public Funds and Property”. This requirement shall not prevent the Office from exercising its investigative powers, nor to allege that a validly offered testimony may not be used in the pertinent forums.
History —July 24, 1952, No. 9, p. 16, § 9; Nov. 10, 2006, No. 242, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 5 - Comptroller (§§ 71 — 100) › § 80 - Self incrimination; immunity from prosecution; Governor not compelled to appear

No person shall be excused from appearing and giving testimony, or producing books, records, correspondence, documents, or other evidence in compliance with a summons issued by the Comptroller or by the official designated by him on the ground that the testimony or evidence required of such person may bring about his prosecution or subject him to punishment or seizure, but no person shall be prosecuted or subject to punishment or seizure by reason of any transaction, matter or thing regarding which he may be compelled, after having claimed his privilege not to testify against himself, to give testimony or present evidence, except that a person so testifying shall not be exempt from prosecution or punishment for perjury in so testifying. The Governor of Puerto Rico may not be compelled to appear personally and give testimony before the Comptroller.
History —July 24, 1952, No. 9, p. 16, § 10, eff. July 25, 1952.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 5 - Comptroller (§§ 71 — 100) › § 81 - Cooperation of governmental agencies

The departments, agencies and instrumentalities of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and the municipalities shall furnish the Comptroller all the documents, records and reports he may request, and shall give access to their archives and documents to all the officials and employees of the Office of the Comptroller.
History —July 24, 1952, No. 9, p. 16, § 11, eff. July 25, 1952.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 5 - Comptroller (§§ 71 — 100) › § 82 - Special reports of irregularities and violations

The Comptroller shall render special reports to the Legislature and the Governor on the accounts, disbursements, and revenues of any agencies, instrumentalities, or political subdivisions in connection with which irregularities or violations of law are disclosed.
History —July 24, 1952, No. 9, p. 16, § 12, eff. July 25, 1952.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 5 - Comptroller (§§ 71 — 100) › § 83 - Publicity of reports

The Comptroller may give publicity to any reports of his Office once he has made such reports known to the Governor and the Legislature.
History —July 24, 1952, No. 9, p. 16, § 13, eff. July 25, 1952.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 5 - Comptroller (§§ 71 — 100) › § 84 - Regulations; legal service

The Comptroller shall have the power to adopt and promulgate any rules and regulations not incompatible with the laws in force and with the Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and necessary for the best performance of his duties, and he shall have his own legal service. Such rules and regulations shall have the force of law upon their promulgation.
History —July 24, 1952, No. 9, p. 16, § 14, eff. July 25, 1952.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 5 - Comptroller (§§ 71 — 100) › § 85 - Official seal

The Comptroller is hereby authorized to adopt an official seal. There shall be a presumption of regularity with respect to all orders, communications, summonses and certifications issued by the Comptroller, which, when marked with the official seal, shall be acknowledged as official documents of the Office of the Comptroller.
History —July 24, 1952, No. 9, p. 16, § 15, eff. July 25, 1952.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 5 - Comptroller (§§ 71 — 100) › § 86 - Delegation of functions

The Comptroller may delegate any of his functions to any official under him whom he may designate, except that he shall not delegate the function of adopting and promulgating rules and regulations.
History —July 24, 1952, No. 9, p. 16, § 16, eff. July 25, 1952.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 5 - Comptroller (§§ 71 — 100) › § 86a - Provision of services to agencies audited; prohibition

No regular or temporary official or employee, or anyone under contract with the Office may render services to any agency of the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico which was audited by the Office, for a period of twelve (12) months following the termination of said employment, either on his own, or through any juridical person, partnership, association or entity of which he is an employee, partner or stockholder.
The prohibition established above shall apply when the person:
(a) Has directly participated in the auditing of the agency or has supervised said audits;
(b) the auditing was conducted during the year prior to the date on which the person ceased in office, or as of the date of termination of any service contract with said Office.
For the purposes of this provision, “agency” shall mean any department, office, board, council, administration, authority, public corporation or a subsidiary thereof, instrumentality, municipality or body of the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Any person who violates the provisions of this section commits a felony and upon conviction shall be sanctioned with imprisonment for a term of one (1) year, or a fine of two thousand dollars ($2,000), or both penalties at the discretion of the court. If there are aggravating circumstances, the court may increase the previously established penalty to a maximum of two (2) years of imprisonment or up to three thousand dollars ($3,000) in fines. If there are extenuating circumstances the penalty may be reduced to a minimum of six (6) months and one (1) day of imprisonment or a fine of one thousand dollars ($1,000). Likewise, the court shall impose the obligation of paying to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico a sum equivalent to three (3) times the value of any financial benefit that he/she would have received or obtained as a result of the violation to the provisions of this section.
In addition, any person convicted for the violation of this section shall be disqualified from filling or performing any public office or employment, subject to the provisions of Section 3.3 of Act No. 5 of October 14, 1975, as amended, known as the “Public Service Personnel Act of Puerto Rico”.
History —July 24, 1952, No. 9, p. 16, added as § 16A on July 21, 1988, No. 119, p. 505.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 5 - Comptroller (§§ 71 — 100) › § 87 - Government of Capital

The term “municipalities”, as used in §§ 71—87 of this title, includes the Government of the Capital.
History —July 24, 1952, No. 9, p. 16, § 19, eff. July 25, 1952.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 5 - Comptroller (§§ 71 — 100) › § 98 - Copies of contracts, briefs and documents—Regulations

The Comptroller of Puerto Rico is hereby empowered to prepare and adopt a regulation for the proper enforcement and implementation of the provisions of this section.
History —Oct. 30, 1975, No. 18, p. 817, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 5 - Comptroller (§§ 71 — 100) › § 99 - Collection for auditing services

(a) The Office of the Comptroller of Puerto Rico is hereby authorized to collect the cost of the services which are rendered through mutual agreement to the federal government or to any department, agency, instrumentality, commission or administrative division of said government, for auditing the federal funds appropriated to the Government of Puerto Rico or to any of its departments, agencies, public corporations or municipalities.
The Office of the Comptroller of Puerto Rico is further authorized to collect the cost of the services which are rendered, through mutual agreement, to the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any of its departments, agencies, public corporations or municipalities, with respect to the auditing of federal funds.
(b) The amounts thus collected shall be deposited in the General Fund of the Treasury of Puerto Rico.
(c) The Comptroller of Puerto Rico, in his annual budgetary petitions, shall request that additional resources deemed necessary to carry out these audits.
History —July 20, 1979, No. 140, p. 330, §§ 1—3; June 1, 1982, No. 29, p. 63.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 5 - Comptroller (§§ 71 — 100) › § 100 - Obstruction of audit—Penalties

Every person, public or private official, who willingly obstructs, delays or hinders an investigation or audit conducted by the Office of the Comptroller of Puerto Rico, or by any officer designated by the latter to carry out the same, shall incur a felony and, upon conviction, shall be sanctioned with imprisonment for a fixed term of one year, or a fixed fine of five thousand dollars ($5,000), or both penalties, at the discretion of the court. Should there be mitigating circumstances the penalty of imprisonment may be reduced to six (6) months and one day, and the fine may be reduced to two thousand dollars ($2,000). Should there be aggravating circumstances, the penalty of imprisonment may be increased to two (2) years, and the fine may be raised to seven thousand dollars ($7,000).
History —Jan. 8, 2004, No. 37, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7 - Committees and Commissions (§§ 111-114 — 140u) › § 127 - Standing Committee on the Comptroller’s Special Reports—Membership

A standing committee of the Legislature is hereby created to be called “Standing Committee on the Comptroller’s Special Reports”, which shall be composed of ten (10) members: five (5) from the Senate, appointed by the President of the Senate, and five (5) from the House of Representatives, appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives. Not more than three (3) members for each House may belong to the same political party. The Committee shall appoint by a majority vote a chairman and a secretary.
History —June 23, 1954, No. 83, p. 420, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7 - Committees and Commissions (§§ 111-114 — 140u) › § 128 - Standing Committee on the Comptroller’s Special Reports—Investigations and hearings

The President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House of Representatives shall, upon receiving the reports of the Comptroller, transmit same to the Committee, which is hereby empowered to receive, study and scrutinize them, as well as to investigate any matter connected therewith. The Committee may hold hearings at any place in Puerto Rico and shall be authorized to take oaths and depositions and to subpoena witnesses and compel the presentment of books, letters, documents, papers, records, and all other objects necessary to a full understanding of the matter under investigation. Any person who refuses or fails to comply or who prevents compliance with an order of the Committee under the provisions of this section, shall be guilty of contempt and shall be prosecuted and punished as determined by law. The Committee shall as soon as possible report to the Houses on the result of the study, scrutiny and investigation made, and on its recommendations.
History —June 23, 1954, No. 83, p. 420, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7 - Committees and Commissions (§§ 111-114 — 140u) › § 129 - Standing Committee on the Comptroller’s Special Reports—Recommendations to Legislature

After studying and scrutinizing a report, the Committee shall submit its recommendations to the Legislature for such action as the latter may deem pertinent.
History —June 23, 1954, No. 83, p. 420, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7 - Committees and Commissions (§§ 111-114 — 140u) › § 130 - Standing Committee on the Comptroller’s Special Reports—Technical and expert assistance; officers and employees

The Office of the Comptroller shall provide the Committee with technical and expert assistance in matters relative to accounts, funds, revenues, disbursements, and property. Whenever it may deem it convenient, the Committee may, with the previous authorization of the presiding officer of the corresponding House, use the officers and employees of the Legislature; it may, also, utilize private advisors and technicians or advisors and technicians of other agencies of the Commonwealth Government, for the fullest clarification of the matters under its scrutiny and consideration.
History —June 23, 1954, No. 83, p. 420, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7 - Committees and Commissions (§§ 111-114 — 140u) › § 131 - Standing Committee on the Comptroller’s Special Reports—Rules of operation; data and information

The Committee is hereby empowered to adopt operation rules, including rules relative to the divulging of its practices, proceedings, and rulings, as well as the evidence obtained, in connection with any matter under its consideration. Said rules shall provide that any member of the Senate or of the House of Representatives shall have the right to obtain the data and information he may be interested in on any report of the Comptroller, or a copy of such report, upon his request.
History —June 23, 1954, No. 83, p. 420, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7 - Committees and Commissions (§§ 111-114 — 140u) › § 132 - Standing Committee on the Comptroller’s Special Reports—Appropriations

The appropriation to meet the expenses of the Committee, including travel expenses and witness fees, shall be included in the general budget.
History —June 23, 1954, No. 83, p. 420, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7 - Committees and Commissions (§§ 111-114 — 140u) › § 133 - Medal of the Legislature—Purpose

A guerdon which shall be called the “Medal of the Legislature of Puerto Rico” is hereby established, in recognition of the services and actions of the employees of the Government of Puerto Rico and private citizens. This guerdon shall consist of a gold medal suspended from a ribbon of an adequate color and material and shall be engraved with an appropriate inscription and quote which shall be selected by the Legislature.
History —July 20, 1979, No. 181, p. 496, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7 - Committees and Commissions (§§ 111-114 — 140u) › § 134 - Medal of the Legislature—Eligibility qualifications

The Medal of the Legislature established herein shall be awarded by the Legislature of Puerto Rico to those citizens or government employees who have been outstanding in implementing government operations, or have made a meritorious contribution in the interest of:
(a) The People of Puerto Rico;
(b) world peace, or
(c) culture or other significant efforts in the public or private service.
History —July 20, 1979, No. 181, p. 496, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7 - Committees and Commissions (§§ 111-114 — 140u) › § 135 - Medal of the Legislature—Posthumous recognition

Said distinction may be awarded to deceased persons in posthumous recognition for the services and actions carried out in benefit of the People of Puerto Rico.
History —July 20, 1979, No. 181, p. 496, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7 - Committees and Commissions (§§ 111-114 — 140u) › § 137 - Medal of the Legislature—Joint Committee; selection procedure

The Joint Committee on the Granting of Medals and Awards of the Legislature shall receive nominations and recommendations regarding the citizens who deserve to receive this distinction. The candidate selected may be chosen from among persons recommended by citizens or public or private entities or from the Committee itself.
History —July 20, 1979, No. 181, p. 496, § 5; May 20, 2005, No. 10, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7 - Committees and Commissions (§§ 111-114 — 140u) › § 140 - Luis Muñoz-Marín Medal—Purpose

An annual award in the Legislature is hereby established, which shall be denominated the “Luis Muñoz-Marín Medal” to recognize the service and achievements of civic or nonprofit institutions or private citizens directed to implementing social justice programs and activities. This award shall consist of a gold medal suspended from a band with the colors representing both legislative bodies, of the adequate material, and shall contain an inscription and the proper quote to be selected by the Legislature.
History —Apr. 6, 2001, No. 6, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7 - Committees and Commissions (§§ 111-114 — 140u) › § 140a - Luis Muñoz-Marín Medal—Eligibility

The Luis Muñoz-Marín Medal established herein shall be granted by the Legislature of Puerto Rico during the month of February of each year to civic institutions or to private citizens that have been outstanding in the implementation of social justice programs or activities or that have made a meritorious contribution in benefit of communities or persons of social disadvantage.
History —Apr. 6, 2001, No. 6, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7 - Committees and Commissions (§§ 111-114 — 140u) › § 140b - Luis Muñoz-Marín Medal—Posthumous recognition

The Luis Muñoz-Marín Medal may be granted to deceased persons in a posthumous recognition for their services and achievements in accordance with § 140a of this title.
History —Apr. 6, 2001, No. 6, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7 - Committees and Commissions (§§ 111-114 — 140u) › § 140d - Luis Muñoz-Marín Medal—Special Committee: award selection process

The Joint Committee on Internships, Medals and Awards of the Legislature shall receive nominations and recommendations on the citizens or institutions which deserve to receive this distinction. The selected candidate shall be chosen from among the persons recommended by citizens, public or private entities or by the Joint Committee itself.
History —Apr. 6, 2001, No. 6, § 5, renumbered as § 4 and amended on Jan. 20, 2006, No. 15, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7 - Committees and Commissions (§§ 111-114 — 140u) › § 140g - Young Entrepreneurs Legislative Award—Short title

Sections 140g—140 l of this title shall be known as the “Young Entrepreneurs of Puerto Rico Legislative Award Act”.
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 299, § 1, eff. Mar. 30, 2004.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7 - Committees and Commissions (§§ 111-114 — 140u) › § 140h - Young Entrepreneurs Legislative Award—Purpose

An award denominated as the “Young Entrepreneurs of Puerto Rico Legislative Award”, is hereby established by the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to be granted annually to a businessperson or entrepreneur younger than thirty (30) years of age who is outstanding for his/her exceptional contribution to the diversification, expansion, or development of business, or manufacturing or services industry in Puerto Rico.
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 299, § 2, eff. Mar. 30, 2004.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7 - Committees and Commissions (§§ 111-114 — 140u) › § 140i - Young Entrepreneurs Legislative Award—Enterprise, definition

For the purposes of §§ 140g—140 l of this title, the term “enterprise” includes:
(1) A corporation;
(2) a partnership;
(3) a professional association;
(4) an individual business;
(5) any business entity similar to the above, or
(6) a joint program formed by the combination of any of the businesses listed in the above subsections of this section.
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 299, § 3, eff. Mar. 30, 2004.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7 - Committees and Commissions (§§ 111-114 — 140u) › § 140j - Young Entrepreneurs Legislative Award—Badge and document

The Award shall consist of a unique badge bearing the official seal and colors of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and a quotation allusive to the leadership of the young entrepreneurs of the country engaged in the development of free enterprise. The award-winner shall also be given an original document signed by the chairperson of one Legislative Body, consigning the actions, achievements, and qualities of the young entrepreneur to whom the Award is granted. The Joint Committee on the Granting of Medals and Awards of the Legislature shall determine the text and form of said document for each year that the award is granted.
The first Joint Committee constituted for the evaluation and adjudication of the Legislative Award to the Young Entrepreneurs of Puerto Rico, shall adopt the design, material, and the inscription on the special award to be granted pursuant to §§ 140g—140 l of this title. The design thus adopted shall continue to be used subsequently every year that said award is granted.
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 299, § 4; May 19, 2005, No. 9, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7 - Committees and Commissions (§§ 111-114 — 140u) › § 140k - Young Entrepreneurs Legislative Award—Joint Committee; creation and composition

The Joint Committee on the Granting of Medals and Awards of the Legislature shall adopt the rules needed to govern, among others, the minimum content of the form to nominate the candidates for the Award, the procedure for the consideration and evaluation of the nominations submitted to the consideration of the Committee and any other matter that it deems necessary to comply with its functions. Likewise, the Committee shall publish a notice in a newspaper of general circulation at least seven (7) months before the fourth Sunday of June of each year, stating the date that the Committee shall begin to receive nominations, and the deadline to submit them to the Joint Committee, and stating the times and place[s] that the nomination forms may be obtained; which shall be held on the fourth Sunday of June of each year.
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 299, § 5; May 19, 2005, No. 9, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7 - Committees and Commissions (§§ 111-114 — 140u) › § 140l - Young Entrepreneurs Legislative Award—Joint Committee; nomination and eligibility

Any natural person or public or private entity may nominate any person deemed to deserve the Award, following the procedure established in the regulations of the Joint Committee established in § 140k of this title. Eligible to receive the Award established in §§ 140g—140 l of this title shall be any person who:
(a) Is engaged in business, manufacture or services industry and who is not older than thirty (30) years of age;
(b) has shown his/her support and respect for the generally recognized principles of business ethics, and
(c) has contributed exceptionally to the development of business or the manufacturing or service industry, and to the creation of jobs, through his/her enterprise. The nominations of the candidates for the Award shall be submitted to the Joint Committee at least six (6) months before the celebration of Youth Day, as designated in § 5027 of Title 1. All nominations for the Award shall include a summary of the performance and achievements of the nominated young entrepreneur and must be verifiable. Said nomination shall also meet all the requirements and specifications determined in its regulations by the Joint Committee on the Granting of Medals and Awards of the Legislature. The decision of the Joint Committee on the person who, in their most objective judgment, is worthy of the Award instituted in §§ 140g—140 l of this title, shall be adopted with the vote of at least two-thirds (2 / 3) of the members thereof.
History —Dec. 25, 2002, No. 299, § 6; May 19, 2005, No. 9, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7 - Committees and Commissions (§§ 111-114 — 140u) › § 140p - Rafael Hernández Colón Youth Medal

(a) An award denominated as the “Rafael Hernández Colón Youth Medal” is hereby established to recognize an outstanding youth that through his/her leadership has made an exemplary contribution to our society.
(b) For purposes of this section, the following terms and phrases shall have the meaning stated below:
(1) Young person.— Refers to all persons between the ages of thirteen (13) and twenty-nine (29), both inclusive.
(2) Youth.— Refers to the entirety of the demographic group constituted by persons between the ages of thirteen (13) and twenty-nine (29), both inclusive.
(3) Young people.— Shall have the same meaning as the term “Youth”.
(4) Award.— Refers to the “Rafael Hernández Colón Medal to Youth”.
(c) Said recognition shall be awarded annually during the month of June (the Puerto Rican Youth Month) to a youth between 14 [and] 30 years of age, who has excelled for his/her leadership and is an example to the Puerto Rican society.
This award may be conferred to deceased persons for having excelled in their lifetime. In this case, the award shall be conferred to their relatives.
(d) The award shall consist of a bronze medal engraved with the face of Rafael Hernández Colón, and inscribed: “Rafael Hernández Colón Youth Medal”. The reverse shall bear the name of the youth being recognized and the year of the award. The medal shall hang from a red (Senate) and green (House of Representatives), symbolic of the Legislative Bodies.
(e) The Joint Committee on the Granting of Medals and Awards of the Legislature shall receive nominations for candidates, recommended by private citizens, agencies or organizations, schools and universities, which shall submit evidence of the actions that make the candidate eligible for the award, for a better evaluation of the nominations.
History —Apr. 10, 2003, No. 105, §§ 1—9; May 9, 2004, No. 113, §§ 1, 2; May 16, 2005, No. 8, §§ 1—4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7 - Committees and Commissions (§§ 111-114 — 140u) › § 140q - Miguel Méndez Legislative Oratory Award

(a) To establish an award to be known as the “Miguel Angel García Méndez Legislative Oratory Award”, to reward the winners of an annual oratory competition sponsored by the Legislature with the participation of the students of public and private educational institutions of Puerto Rico at the intermediate, superior, university undergraduate and law school levels. This award shall consist of a silver medal hanging from a length of ribbon of a suitable color and material to be established through regulations, as provided below. The medal shall bear an inscription and a suitable quotation to be selected by the Legislature.
(b) The “Miguel Angel García Méndez Legislative Oratory Award”, herein established, shall be bestowed by the Legislature upon the winners of an annual oratory competition sponsored by the Legislature of Puerto Rico with the participation of the students of public and private educational institutions of the Island at the intermediate, superior, university undergraduate and law school levels.
(c) The Joint Committee on the Granting of Medals and Awards of the Legislature shall receive nominations and recommendations concerning the students deserving of that distinction. The candidates selected in the sponsored contest may be chosen from among students recommended by any person or public or private entity or selected by the Committee itself.
(d) The Joint Committee on the Granting of Medals and Awards of the Legislature shall establish the criteria and parameters for holding the competition and the adjudication of the awards in the promulgated regulations, which shall contain specific provisions on the enforcement of this section, and shall advise the Legislature as to the inscription and quotation the medal shall bear.
History —June 11, 2004, No. 141, §§ 1—6; June 16, 2005, No. 19, §§ 1—4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7 - Committees and Commissions (§§ 111-114 — 140u) › § 140t - Annual Legislative Award for Cooperative Activism

(a) The “Annual Legislative Award for Cooperative Activism” is hereby created to be awarded to a person who excels in his/her extraordinary contribution or service in favor of the cooperative model.
(b) A nine (9)-judge panel is hereby constituted, which shall be composed of the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate, who shall be co-chairmen thereof, by the chairpersons of the committees with jurisdiction over cooperative matters in the House of Representatives and the Senate of Puerto Rico, the minority floor leaders in both committees, and the Commissioner of the Puerto Rico Cooperative Development Commission.
(c) The panel created by virtue of subsection (b) of this section shall be empowered to annually select the person who excels the most in the cooperative field. To such purposes, its internal bylaws shall be established through regulations, which shall include among others the procedure to submit the Award candidates’ nominations and the term or deadline to submit the same.
(d) The panel shall receive nominations and recommendations on the candidates deserving such distinction whether by initiative of the public or the cooperative sector.
(e) The person nominated shall meet the following requirements:
(1) Having made an extraordinary effort or contribution through his/her work or community services to achieve a broad development of the cooperative movement in Puerto Rico.
(2) Having worked in a cooperative-based company for at least two (2) years before the deadline fixed by the panel to submit nominations.
(f) The Award shall consist of a financial bonus in the amount of one thousand five hundred dollars ($1,500) and a certificate of acknowledgment signed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the President of the Senate of Puerto Rico. The Award shall be granted in a ceremony to be held in the premises of the Legislature of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, during the “Cooperative Dialogue Day in the Legislature of Puerto Rico” that is held annually, pursuant to § 5083 of Title 1.
(g) Both legislative chambers shall separate on equal parts the funds required for the implementation of this section from their respective General Budgets of Annual Expenses.
(h) The Award received by the distinguished persons shall be exempted from income taxes.
History —Feb. 18, 2008, No. 14, §§ 1—8; Sept. 27, 2009, No. 106, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7 - Committees and Commissions (§§ 111-114 — 140u) › § 140u - Juan José “Chejuan” García Reeducation and Citizen Betterment Award

(a) The “Juan José ‘Chejuan’ García Reeducation and Citizen Betterment Award” is hereby established in the Legislature of Puerto Rico, to be conferred to natural or juridical persons who have excelled in their support, dedication, and fervor to fight the social evil of controlled and illegal substances.
(b) The Joint Committee on the Granting of Medals and Awards of the Legislature shall receive nominations of the natural or juridical persons recommended, which shall include proof of the actions that make said person deserving of the Award, in order to better evaluate such nominations.
(c) The Award shall be granted during the month of October of each year.
(d) It shall be the duty of the Joint Committee on the Granting of Medals and Awards of the Legislature to establish the date, time and place for the granting of the Award.
(e) The necessary funds shall be consigned in the Joint Resolution of the General Budget of Expenses of the Government of Puerto Rico under the item of Joint Activities of the Legislature of Puerto Rico.
History —July 29, 2008, No. 134, §§ 1—5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7A - Permanent Joint Commission for Reform and Joint Commission of Civil Code of 1930 (§§ 141 — 141k) › § 141 - Creation

A permanent joint Legislative Committee is hereby created, which shall be denominated as the “Standing Joint Committee for the Review and Reform of the Puerto Rico Civil Code”.
History —Aug. 16, 1997, No. 85, § 1; Sept. 2, 2000, No. 327, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7A - Permanent Joint Commission for Reform and Joint Commission of Civil Code of 1930 (§§ 141 — 141k) › § 141a - Composition

The Permanent Joint Committee for the Review and Reform of the Puerto Rico Civil Code, hereinafter “the Committee”, shall be composed of seven (7) Senators designated by the President of the Senate, one of whom shall be the Chairperson of the Civil Judiciary Committee of the Senate, and seven (7) representatives appointed by the Speaker of the House, one of whom shall be the Chairperson of the Civil Judiciary Committee of the House.
Any vacancy that arises in the Committee will not affect its duties and powers and shall be filled by a legislator of the Legislative Body causing said vacancy, who shall be appointed in the same manner as the replaced member.
Minorities shall be represented in this Committee.
The Committee shall be co-chaired by the Chairpersons of the Senate Judiciary Committee and the Civil Judiciary Committee of the House of Representatives.
History —Aug. 16, 1997, No. 85, § 2; Sept. 2, 2000, No. 327, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7A - Permanent Joint Commission for Reform and Joint Commission of Civil Code of 1930 (§§ 141 — 141k) › § 141b - Purpose

The Committee shall perform a total review and a reform of the Puerto Rico Civil Code, 1930 edition, as amended, in order to update it, and also giving special attention to reconcile all its parts, to bring about a modern, concordant and harmonious document. As part of this complete review, the Committee shall draft a Civil Code Bill for the consideration of the Legislature if it deems it to be necessary and convenient, as well as the corresponding legislative measures.
History —Aug. 16, 1997, No. 85, § 3; Sept. 2, 2000, No. 327, § 3.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7A - Permanent Joint Commission for Reform and Joint Commission of Civil Code of 1930 (§§ 141 — 141k) › § 141c - Executive Director

The Committee shall be directed by an Executive Director appointed in common accord by the Co-Chairpersons. Likewise, the salary or remuneration of the Director shall be fixed according to the norms established with the agreement of the Committee Co-Chairpersons. The Executive Director shall exercise the administrative duties of the office under the supervision and direction of the Co-Chairpersons, and receive administrative support services from them and from the members of the Committee, as well as the services of the Office of Legislative Services, the Legislative Library and other branches of the Legislature.
The Executive Director shall determine the internal affairs of the Committee and take the necessary measures for its proper performance and operation, as well as to conduct the administrative and managerial functions needed to implement it and any other local laws and regulations. In addition, he/she shall perform any other duties that are delegated by the Co-Chairpersons and the Committee.
History —Aug. 16, 1997, No. 85, § 4; Sept. 2, 2000, No. 327, § 4.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7A - Permanent Joint Commission for Reform and Joint Commission of Civil Code of 1930 (§§ 141 — 141k) › § 141d - Powers

In order to achieve its purposes and objectives, the Committee is hereby empowered to contract, direct and conduct all the studies it may deem necessary and convenient. It shall also hire and contract the necessary personnel to carry out its charge, which shall be under the direction of the Executive Director. The personnel thus hired and contracted shall be appointed without being subject to the provisions of Act No. 5 of October 14, 1975, known as the “Puerto Rico Public Service Personnel Act”. The public agencies and instrumentalities are hereby authorized to make available their personnel, equipment, materials and other resources to the Committee. Persons who are ceded temporarily by any of the agencies of the Commonwealth Government to work in the Committee, shall retain all vested rights acquired under the Puerto Rico Public Service Personnel Act, as well as the rights, privileges, obligations and status with respect to any existing pension, retirement or savings fund system they may be affiliated to. The employees of the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico who work for the Committee shall not receive any compensation other than their regular salaries.
History —Aug. 16, 1997, No. 85, § 5; Sept. 2, 2000, No. 327, § 5.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7A - Permanent Joint Commission for Reform and Joint Commission of Civil Code of 1930 (§§ 141 — 141k) › § 141e - Cooperation with government agencies

The Committee may execute agreements or contracts with persons or public or private entities to conduct such works and studies addressed to achieve the purposes of this chapter. Specifically, the Committee may request the cooperation and advice of the Puerto Rican Academy of Jurisprudence and Legislation, the Department of Justice, the Schools of Law and their respective juridical institutes and any other institution. The departments, agencies and public corporations of the Government of Puerto Rico shall provide the Committee with all the necessary information that is required to perform the task entrusted to it.
The Executive Director is hereby authorized, after being authorized by the Co-Chairpersons, to accept and receive donations or any other type of help, in money, goods or services, from persons or private or government entities, and to administer them pursuant to its terms and the applicable legislation. The donations and other assistance shall be exclusively used to comply with and achieve the purposes of this chapter. In addition, he/she may collect the corresponding royalties for publications, documents or studies owned by the Committee.
History —Aug. 16, 1997, No. 85, § 6; Sept. 2, 2000, No. 327, § 6.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7A - Permanent Joint Commission for Reform and Joint Commission of Civil Code of 1930 (§§ 141 — 141k) › § 141f - Regulations; adoption

The Committee is hereby empowered to adopt the rules and regulations needed to fulfill the purposes of this chapter, and for its internal operations. It shall meet as many times as it is summoned by its co-chairpersons, or by an absolute majority of the members, through a written notice signed by them. However, the Committee shall meet at least once a month.
History —Aug. 16, 1997, No. 85, § 7; Sept. 2, 2000, No. 327, § 7.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7A - Permanent Joint Commission for Reform and Joint Commission of Civil Code of 1930 (§§ 141 — 141k) › § 141g - Expenses for members

The members of the Committee shall receive the per diems and travel expenses provided by law to the Legislature when they attend the meetings of the Committee or conduct any official business of the Committee, as a group or individually. The Co-Chairpersons of the Committee shall issue the pertinent certification in each case.
The persons that form the working groups to perform the reviewing task may receive a per diem when they attend sessions or meetings of the Committee, within the available resources and subject to the regulations adopted to such effect and to the regulations that are applicable. They shall also be entitled to be paid for travel expenses and be reimbursed for the necessary expenses they incur in the performance of their official business, subject to applicable regulations.
History —Aug. 16, 1997, No. 85, § 8; Sept. 2, 2000, No. 327, § 8.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7A - Permanent Joint Commission for Reform and Joint Commission of Civil Code of 1930 (§§ 141 — 141k) › § 141h - Subcommittees

When the Committee, deems it necessary and convenient, [it] may agree that special subcommittees, whose members shall be designated by the Co-Chairpersons of the Committee or officials, employees or advisers of the Committee may travel outside of Puerto Rico to study the legal systems and legislation in effect in other jurisdictions, as well as the experience they have derived, and the new doctrinal trends.
History —Aug. 16, 1997, No. 85, § 9; Sept. 2, 2000, No. 327, § 9.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7A - Permanent Joint Commission for Reform and Joint Commission of Civil Code of 1930 (§§ 141 — 141k) › § 141i - Service by members

At the discretion of the Co-Chairpersons, all officials and employees of the Senate and the House of Representatives shall render all necessary services to the Committee, without earning any additional compensation, therefore, except the compensatory time accrued. The designation of the officials and employees whose services are required by the Committee shall be made in consultation with the President of the Senate and the Speaker of the House.
History —Aug. 16, 1997, No. 85, § 10; Sept. 2, 2000, No. 327, § 10.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7A - Permanent Joint Commission for Reform and Joint Commission of Civil Code of 1930 (§§ 141 — 141k) › § 141j - Public hearings

The Committee is hereby empowered to hold public hearings in any place in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, receive oral or written testimony from interested persons and summon those persons who in its judgment should depose on the matter being studied by this Committee, according to the applicable provisions of law, and the regulations in effect.
History —Aug. 16, 1997, No. 85, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 7A - Permanent Joint Commission for Reform and Joint Commission of Civil Code of 1930 (§§ 141 — 141k) › § 141k - Reports

The Committee shall render an annual report to the President and the Speaker of the corresponding Legislative Bodies, on its operation and performance, as well as the progress achieved in the performance of the task entrusted to it no later than the 31st of January.
History —Aug. 16, 1997, No. 85, § 12; Sept. 2, 2000, No. 327, § 11.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 9 - Attendance and Examination of Witnesses (§§ 151 — 155) › § 151 - [Issuance] and form of the summons

(a) Every summons that requires a witness to appear before the Legislature, the House of Representatives, the Senate, or a committee or subcommittee of any of said bodies, or a joint committee or subcommittee of both bodies, with the purpose of testifying or producing, or presenting documents or objects, or both, may be issued by the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House, the committee or subcommittee before which the witness is summoned to appear, and to said effect it shall be sufficient that:
(1) It is specified in it whether the act is to take place before the Legislature, the House of Representatives, the Senate, a joint committee or subcommittee of both bodies, a committee or subcommittee of the House or the Senate.
(2) It is addressed to the witness.
(3) It is required for said witness to appear on the specific day, hour, and place, and, if necessary, that the documents or objects of interest are required.
(4) It bears the signature of the President of the Senate, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, or of the chairperson of a committee or subcommittee.
(b) The Chairperson of any committee or subcommittee of the Senate or House of Representatives, or of a joint a committee or subcommittee of both bodies, may issue a summons requiring a witness to appear before an investigating official to testify or to produce or present documents or objects, or both, provided that the following requirements are met:
(1) That the investigation being conducted and under which the summons is made, has been ordered through a resolution of the body, or through a concurrent resolution of both bodies, and that the resolution specifies that the Committee may issue a summons for a witness to appear to testify or to present documents or objects, or both, before an investigating official.
(2) The summons meets all the requirements mentioned in this section.
History —Political Code, 1902, § 31; June 23, 1955, No. 100, p. 526, § 1; July 23, 1987, No. 5, p. 605, § 1; Jan. 20, 2000, No. 38, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE TWO - Legislature (§§ 1 — 1015) › Chapter 9 - Attendance and Examination of Witnesses (§§ 151 — 155) › § 152 - Form, service, and fees

The manner [in which] the summons is served shall be prescribed by the presidents of the respective Houses of the Legislature through their regulations.
The summons may be remitted by regular mail, via telefacsimile, electronic mail, or handed in person to the witness or his authorized representative, by the Sergeant at Arms of the corresponding Body, or by personnel contracted for these purposes.
History —Political Code, 1902, § 32; Jan. 20, 2000, No. 38, § 2; Sept. 27, 2009, No. 104, § 1.