reglab/statecodes huggingface dataset:
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › II - Department of Agriculture › § I. - Coffee Purchase and Sale Program of the Consumers Service Administration

1. The Coffee Purchase and Sale Program and the Coffee Subsidy under the administration of the Consumers Service Administration are hereby transferred to the Department of Agriculture.
2. To such effect, there are hereby transferred to the Department of Agriculture the responsibilities, the records and properties in connection with the transferred program, as well as the funds kept for such purposes, the unexpended balances of appropriations, items and other funds which are or may be available to be used in connection with this program, as well as the obligations and debentures to which these funds are subject.
3. The rotating fund for the stabilization of prices known as the Farm Products Marketing Fund, created by Act No. 9 of December 9, 1966, §§ 55a—55h of Title 5, shall serve as an instrument to the Department of Agriculture so that it may continue the Coffee Purchase and Sale Program and Coffee Subsidy. The legislative appropriations and other incomes derived from the purchase and sale of coffee as well as the obligations and debentures incurred or which may be incurred for this program shall be kept in a separate account.
4. The previous transfer of activities shall not limit the functions, faculties and powers of the Consumers Service Administration as to the fixing of prices, nor shall it limit its faculties to maintain the Staple Commodities Fund, Trust Fund, § 745 of Title 23, for the protection of staple commodities.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › II - Department of Agriculture › § II. - Effectiveness; transitory measures

The provisions of this reorganization plan shall take effect January 2, 1973. On this plan taking effect the Governor is authorized to adopt transitory measures and to make the necessary decisions for the purposes of implementing its provisions without the interruption of administrative proceedings, works and activities in connection with said transferred functions.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › III - Department of Transportation and Public Works › § I. - Reorganization and renaming of Department of Public Works

The Department of Public Works is hereby reorganized in order to assign thereto the responsibility, as a central organization in charge of the Transportation Program of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Said department is hereby renamed Department of Transportation and Public Works; and the Secretary of Public Works shall be known as the Secretary of Transportation and Public Works.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › III - Department of Transportation and Public Works › § II. - Functions of Department

The Department of Transportation and Public Works, in addition to its already assigned functions, shall be the central organization for the planning, promotion and coordination of the government activity in the field of transportation; it shall formulate the general policy on land, air and maritime transportation of the Commonwealth, and once they have been adopted by the Governor and/or the Legislature it shall have under its charge its implementation; it shall make recommendations to the Governor and to the Legislature as to programs, projects or any other measure in order to satisfy the needs of the country in regard to transportation services and facilities; it shall plan, and promote the development of an efficient and safe integrated transportation system which shall favor the development of the economy, general welfare and safety in its enjoyment; it shall constantly evaluate and study transportation problems and the effectiveness of programs and projects which shall be carried out in order to solve them; it shall have under its charge the administration of government transportation programs.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › III - Department of Transportation and Public Works › § IV. - Ports Authority

The Ports Authority is hereby separated from the Economic Development Administration and is attached to the Department of Transportation and Public Works. There are transferred to the Secretary of Transportation and Public Works the powers, faculties and functions which the Administrator of Economic Development and the members of the Authority may have in regard to the Ports Authority in accordance with the organic act of said Authority and in accordance with other special laws which assign functions thereto.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › III - Department of Transportation and Public Works › § V. - Highway Authority

The Highway Authority is hereby attached to the Department of Transportation and Public Works. The powers and duties of the Authority shall be discharged by the Secretary of Transportation and Public Works. The Board of Directors of the Highway Authority is hereby abolished, without it being understood that the duties and powers are in any other manner restricted.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › III - Department of Transportation and Public Works › § VI. - Covenants, contracts or agreements

The Secretary of Transportation and Public Works is hereby empowered to hold in behalf of the Department or of its attached authorities every kind of covenants, contracts or agreements which might be necessary and convenient for the purpose of attaining the objectives of the Department and its programs; and to accept and receive any donations, federal contributions, appropriation funds, advances or any other type of aid or benefit.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › III - Department of Transportation and Public Works › § VIII. - Effectiveness; transitory measures

This reorganization plan shall take effect January 2, 1973. On this plan entering into effect the Governor is authorized to adopt transitory measures and to make the necessary decisions for the purposes of implementing its provisions without the interruption of administrative proceedings, works and activities in connection with said transferred functions.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › IV - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 1 — 13) › § 2 - General functions of the Department

The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources constitutes the body within the Executive Branch of the Government responsible for implementing in its operational phase the public policy and the programs related to the management, sustainable environmental development, use, exploitation, protection and conservation of natural, environmental and energy resources of the Island according to the powers, duties and functions conferred to it by the Constitution and the laws in effect in Puerto Rico, and pursuant to the established environmental public policy.
The Department shall be in charge of developing and executing the plans, investigations, programs, services and regulations within its area of responsibility, in a planned, integral and coordinated manner.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › IV - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 1 — 13) › § III. - Components of the Department

The Department of Natural and Environmental is hereby constituted by the following components:
(1) Administration of Natural Resources, created by virtue of § IV of this Plan.
(2) Solid Waste Authority, attached to the Department according to § V of this Plan.
(3) Energy Affairs Administration, created by virtue of § VI of this Plan.
(4) Energy Advisory Committee, attached by virtue of § VII of this Plan.
(5) Natural and Environmental Resources Consulting Committee, created by virtue of § VIII of this Plan, and
(6) Mineral Resources Corporation, created by virtue of Act No. 145 of June 2, 1975.
The components of the Natural and Environmental Resources Department shall continue operating under their respective Organic Acts in the measure that the provisions thereof are not incompatible with what is established in this Reorganization Plan.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › IV - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 1 — 13) › § IV. - Natural Resources Administration

The Natural Resources Administration is hereby created in the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources. All existing programs in the Department of Natural Resources shall become part of the Natural Resources Administration.
History —Amended July 26, 1996, No. 78, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › IV - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 1 — 13) › § 5 - Solid Waste Authority

The Solid Waste Authority is hereby attached to the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources as an operating component. The Authority shall retain its operating and administrative autonomy and its juristic capacity, but shall respond directly to the Secretary and shall be subject to his/her supervision, evaluation and auditing. The Governing Board of the Authority is hereby eliminated and its powers are transferred to the Secretary, who shall exercise them. The Solid Waste Advisory Board is hereby created attached to the Authority.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › IV - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 1 — 13) › § VI. - Energy Affairs Administration

The Energy Affairs Administration is hereby created in the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources.
The duties of the Department of Consumer Affairs originating from § 341d-1 of this title, as amended, which transferred the Energy Office to the Department of Consumer Affairs, and Act No. 128 of June 29, 1977, as amended, which created the Energy Office, are hereby transferred to the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources, as part of the Energy Affairs Administration, together with the available funds and appropriations.
The Secretary is empowered to evaluate, consider, approve or reject any increase in the electric power generating capacity of Puerto Rico in excess of one (1) megawatt, using the public energy policy as its base of reference.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › IV - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 1 — 13) › § VII. - Energy Advisory Committee

The Energy Advisory Committee created by virtue of Act No. 128 of June 29, 1977, as amended is hereby attached to the Office of the Secretary of Natural and Environmental Resources. The Administrator of the Energy Affairs Administration shall be a member of this Committee.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › IV - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 1 — 13) › § 8 - Creation of the Natural and Environmental Resources Consulting Council

A Natural and Environmental Resources Consulting Council is hereby created in the Department. Said Council shall be composed of the Secretary of Natural and Environmental Resources, who shall chair it, and by seven (7) additional members appointed by the Governor. The Council shall be the advisory and consulting body of the Secretary on all matters under the jurisdiction of the Department.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › IV - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 1 — 13) › § IX. - General functions of the Secretary

In addition to the powers and duties inherent to said office and conferred by law, the Secretary of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources shall be responsible for the general direction of the Department and its components, the integral planning of said sector and the coordination and supervision of operation of the dependencies that compose it.
For the effective execution of his/her powers, functions and responsibilities, the Secretary may transfer or delegate the functions of directing or administering the operation of the entities that compose the Department directly on the officials in charge of directing the same, retaining for him/herself the powers and functions regarding norms, public policy, supervision and evaluation.
The Secretary of Natural and Environmental Resources shall collaborate with the Governor of Puerto Rico in his function of directing and supervising the bodies that compose the natural and environmental resources sector. The Secretary shall receive and execute the powers, duties and functions that the Governor entrusts or delegates to him/her and shall act in his representation in the exercise thereof.
The Secretary shall also have the following faculties, functions and powers among others:
(1) Offer continuous advice to the Governor and the Legislature on everything that is related to his/her area of responsibility, in the formulation of public policy for the natural resources, environmental and energy sectors.
(2) Implement public policy in an integral and coordinated manner in what is germane, as well as recommend, develop and implement the public policy on energy for Puerto Rico.
(3) Coordinate, supervise and evaluate the operations of the entire Department and its components.
(4) Study the problems related to the natural, energy and environmental resources sectors.
(5) Develop and implement plans, measures and programs to deal with said problems.
(6) Conduct and foster scientific and technological research on natural, energy and environmental resources, among them, marine resources, alternate sources of energy through the use of renewable resources, solid waste disposal, tropical resources and others.
(7) Evaluate the annual work plans, prepare the budget and supervise the use of fiscal and human resources and equipment.
(8) Administer and exercise normative and regulatory functions for the entire Department and its components.
(9) Administer the personnel system pursuant to Act No. 5 of October 14, 1975, as amended, known as the “Public Service Personnel Act of Puerto Rico”.
(10) Establish and develop the internal organization of the Department, pursuant to §§ 101 et seq. of Title 23.
(11) Establish agreements and pacts with the agencies of the United States Government and request and administer federal funds for Departmental purposes.
(12) Create boards, committees, councils or advisory committees with citizen participation.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › IV - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 1 — 13) › § X. - Personnel administration

The Department of Natural and Environmental Resources shall constitute an Individual Administrator pursuant to the provisions of Act No. 5 of October 14, 1975, as amended, known as the “Public Service Personnel Act”, and Act No. 89 of July 12, 1979, as amended, known as the “Uniform Compensation Act”. The Director of the Central Personnel Administration Office shall approve the Classification and Compensation Plans pursuant to said acts upon certification of availability of funds from the Office of Management and Budget.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › IV - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 1 — 13) › § XI. - Integration of administrative functions

Within the year following the effective date of this Plan, the Secretary of Natural and Environmental Resources shall integrate in one administrative structure all tasks related to the planning, purchasing, auditing, drafting and control of the budget assigned to the area of natural, environmental and energy resources, and if deemed appropriate, all tasks regarding personnel administration. The structure established to such effects shall promote functional economy and operating efficiency of the units that compose the Department.
The Department, and its operating components, are hereby exempted from the provisions of §§ 931 et seq. of this title, known as the “General Services Administration Act”. The Department shall establish its own procurement and auxiliary services system; and shall adopt the needed regulations to govern this function within the rules of sound administration and economy. Furthermore, the regulations adopted shall provide for an efficient and accessible procurement system for the components of the husbandry sector. Said regulations shall be approved within six (6) months following the effectiveness of this act; Provided, That until said regulations are approved, the Department and its components shall continue operations under the laws and regulations in force.
Within the term of fifteen (15) months from the effective date of this Reorganization Plan, the Governor shall present a report before both legislative bodies on its implementation, along with the organization chart of the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources and its component units. The report shall be filed with the Office of Clerk of both bodies and shall be referred to the Joint Legislative Committee on Executive Reorganization Plans, which, within ten (10) days of its filing, shall schedule public hearings to analyze and submit their findings, conclusions and recommendations to both Legislative Bodies. The report shall include a list of the measures established to increase the efficiency and productivity of the organisms which compose the entity, and shall specifically detail the mechanisms adopted or to be adopted. The Legislature reserves the power to amend or reject, whether partially or totally, the reorganization performed or proposed within the terms and through the procedures established in the Executive Reorganization Act of 1993.
History —Amended July 26, 1996, No. 78 § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › IV - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 1 — 13) › § XII. - General provisions

None of the provisions of this Plan shall modify, alter or invalidate any agreement, pact, claim or contract that the officials or employees responsible for the bodies or programs that through this Plan are attached to the Department, have granted and are in force when the same takes effect. Any claim filed by or against said officials or employees, that is pending resolution when this Plan becomes effective shall subsist until its final outcome.
All regulations that govern the operation of the bodies or programs that are reorganized under this Plan or that are in force when this Plan takes effect, shall continue in effect until they are altered, modified, amended, repealed or substituted.
All regular career employees of the agencies affected by this Plan are guaranteed their jobs, rights, privileges and respective status with regard to any pension, retirement, saving and loans fund system of which they had availed themselves upon the effectiveness of this Plan.
Any act or part thereof in effect and which is in contravention to the provisions of this Reorganization Plan, is hereby repealed.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › IV - Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (§§ 1 — 13) › § 13 - Effectiveness

This Reorganization Plan shall take effect immediately after its approval. The Governor is hereby authorized to adopt the transitional measures needed so that the provisions of this Plan are implemented without interrupting the public services and other administrative processes of the bodies that are part of the Department. The actions that are necessary to comply with the purposes of this Plan shall be initiated within a period of time which shall not exceed thirty (30) calendar days after the approval of the Plan, in coordination and with the advice of the Office of Management and Budget.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › Appendix V - Safety and Public Protection Commission › § VI. - Personnel administration

The agencies which compose the Safety and Public Protection Commission can maintain, if the Commissioner deems it convenient, the condition of Individual Administrators for the purposes 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 Retribution Act of Puerto Rico”. The Director of the Central Personnel Administration Office shall approve the classification and retribution plans pursuant to said acts, and Act No. 89 of July 12, 1979, once there is a certification on the availability of funds from the Office of Management and Budget.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › Appendix V - Safety and Public Protection Commission › § VII. - Integration of administrative functions

Within the year following his/her designation, the Commissioner shall integrate the tasks related to the planning, purchase, audits, preparation and control of the budget designated to the area of public safety and protection and, if he/she deems it convenient, the work related to the personnel. The structure to be established to such effects shall promote the operational economy and efficiency of the agencies that compose the Commission.
The Commission and the agencies that compose it are exempted from compliance with the provisions of §§ 931 et seq. of this title, the General Services Administration Organic Act, regarding the procurement process, subject to the development and implementation of the corresponding regulations and procedures.
Within the term of fifteen (15) months as of the effectiveness of the Reorganization Plan, the Governor shall submit to both Legislative Bodies a report on the implementation of this Reorganization Plan, together with an outline of the organization of the Safety and Public Protection Commission and its component units.
The report shall be filed at the Office of the Secretary of both the House and the Senate and shall be referred to the Joint Legislative Committee on Executive Reorganization Plans, which shall, within the ten (10) days following the submission of the report, call to public hearings for the purpose of analyzing and submitting to the Legislative Bodies its findings, conclusions and recommendations. The report shall include a list of the measures established to increase the efficiency and the productivity of the bodies that compose the entity and shall specify in a detailed manner the mechanisms adopted or to be adopted.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › Appendix V - Safety and Public Protection Commission › § VIII. - General provisions

None of the provisions of this Reorganization Plan modifies, alters or invalidates agreements, pacts or contracts that the pertinent employees and officials of the agencies of the Public Service Commission have executed and that are in effect when the Plan becomes effective. Any claim filed by such employees and officials or against them, pending resolution when this plan takes effect, shall subsist until its conclusion.
All the regulations that govern the operation of the bodies of the Safety and Public Protection Commission and that are in effect when this Plan becomes effective, shall continue to be in effect [to the extent] that their provisions are not incompatible with what is established in this Reorganization Plan.
All regular career employees of the agencies affected by this Plan are guaranteed their jobs, rights, privileges and their respective status concerning any pension, retirement or savings and loan funds system to which they belonged at the time this Plan takes effect.
Any law or provision of law in conflict with what is provided herein is hereby repealed.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › Appendix VI - Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation › § IX. - Integration of administrative functions

Within the year following his/her designation, the Secretary shall integrate within one (1) sole administrative structure, the work related to the planning, purchase, auditing, preparation and control of the budget destined to the adults and youth correction and rehabilitation areas, and the work related to personnel administration. The structure established to such effects shall promote function[al] economy and operational efficiency of the units that compose the Department.
The Department and the bodies that compose it are hereby exempted from compliance with the provisions of §§ 931 et seq. of this title, Organic Act of the General Services Administration with respect to the purchases and supplies process subject to the development and implementation of the corresponding regulations and procedures.
Within the term of fifteen (15) months counting from the effective date of this Reorganization Plan, the Governor shall submit to both Legislative Bodies a report on the implementation thereof, together with an outline of the organization of the Department and component bodies.
The report shall be filed at the Office of the Secretary of the House and of the Senate and shall be referred to the Joint Committee on Executive Reorganization Plans which shall, with[in] ten (10) days after the filing of the report, call to public Plans hearing [sic] to analyze and submit to both Legislative Bodies their findings, conclusions and recommendations. The report shall include a list of the measures established to increase the efficiency and productivity of the bodies that make up the entity and shall detail, in a specific manner, the mechanisms adopted or [to] be adopted.
The Legislature reserves the power to amend or refuse, partially or totally, the reorganization carried out or proposed within the terms and through the procedures set forth in the Executive Reorganization Plan of 1993.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › VIII - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§ 7A) › § I. - Reorganization of the Department

The Department of Labor and Human Resources is reorganized on the basis of the following operational components:
(a) The Right to Employment Administration.
(b) Corps of Volunteers at the Service of Puerto Rico.
(c) Programs in effect in the Department.
(d) The Council for Occupational Development and Human Resources.
(e) Vocational Rehabilitation Administration.
History —Amended July 27, 1998, No. 180 § 15; June 10, 2000, No. 97, § 14.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › VIII - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§ 7A) › § II. - Functions of the Department

The Department of Labor and Human Resources in addition to the functions and responsabilities it is charged with by the labor protective laws, and other laws enacted for the benefit of peaceful labor relations and the welfare of the workers, shall be the Executive Branch agency in charge of implementing, developing and coordinating the public policy and programs addressed to the preparation and training of those human resources which are indispensable to fill the needs of the labor sector. It shall be the leading body responsible for this programatic sector of that government [sic].
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › VIII - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§ 7A) › § III. - Faculties and functions of the Secretary

The Secretary of Labor and Human Resources shall have the following powers, faculties and functions, in addition to those conferred upon him/her by other laws, without this being construed as a limitation:
(1) [To advise the Governor and the Legislature in all matters under the responsibility of the Department.]
(2) To implement and execute the public policy of the Department and its operational components, as well as that of the programs related to job preparation and training of the labor force, in an integrated and coordinated manner.
(3) To plan, in an integrated manner, the programs and services of the Department and its components and define and implement policies, plans, strategies and priorities pursuant to the needs of that sector.
(4) To direct, coordinate and supervise the administrations of the programs and functions of the Department and its components.
(5) To evaluate and audit the operations of the components of the Department, render reports to the Governor and adopt the necessary measures to ensure the efficiency of the body.
(6) To prepare and present to the Governor a yearly request for the budget of each of the components of the Department.
(7) To make recommendations for the consideration of the Governor and the Legislature, those changes in the organization of the Department which entail modifying, abolishing or transferring the functions of programs and agencies under its jurisdiction.
(8) Approve the regulations to be adopted by the components of the Department as well as any amendment or repeal thereof. The directors of the componenets of the Department shall draft and submit for the approval of the Secretary, the needed regulations, including any amendments or their repeal, and develop and implement rules, norms and procedures of general applications in the Department. The regulations in effect on the date of approval of the Plan shall remain in effect until the Secretary amends or repeals them.
(9) To promote, through the mechanisms he/she may deem necessary, the participation of all citizens, as well as that of the business, private and labor sector, in those activities under the jurisdiction of the Department.
(10) To delegate on Department officials or employees including those bodies which constitute administrative components thereof, any powers, faculties, duties or functions conferred upon him/her, except for the nondelegable faculty of adopting or approving as well [as] any other faculty which is nondelegable legal mandate [sic].
(11) To create the boards and advisory and consulting committees that are necessary for the proper operation of the Department and its components, or that may be required by federal legislation.
History —Amended July 27, 1998, No. 180, § 16.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › VIII - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§ 7A) › § IV. - The Right to Employment Administration

The Right to Employment Administration is hereby transferred and attached to the Department of Labor and Human Resources, as an operational component, under the general direction, supervision, coordination and evaluation of the Secretary.
All powers and faculties of the Administration conferred by law upon the Governor of Puerto Rico are hereby transferred to the Secretary of Labor and Human Resources, so that they may be exercised by him/her. The Governor shall appoint the Administrator with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Administrator shall answer directly to the Secretary concerning all matters of the Administration and shall be subject to the established public policy and to the directives and norms promulgated by the Secretary.
The Secretary shall approve the internal organization of the Administration, determine the programmatic priorities and establish the liaison and coordination mechanisms that shall exist between the Administration and the rest of the programs that compose the Department.
The Right to Employment Administration shall continue to be an operational arm for the development of training and employment strategies in Puerto Rico.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › VIII - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§ 7A) › § V. - Corps of Volunteers at the Service of Puerto Rico

The Corps of Volunteers at the Service of Puerto Rico, created by § 1411 et seq. of Title 18 is hereby transferred and attached to the Department of Labor and Human Resources as an operational component, under the general direction, supervision, coordination and evaluation of the Secretary.
The Governor shall appoint the Executive Director of the Corps of Volunteers at the Service of Puerto Rico with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Executive Director shall answer directly to the Secretary concerning all matters of the Program and shall be subject to the established public policy and to the directives and norms promulgated by the Secretary. The Governor shall set the salary of the Executive Director. The Secretary shall approve the internal organization of the Corps of Volunteers, determine the programmatic priorities and establish the liaison and coordination mechanisms that shall exist between the Program and all other programmatic components of the Department.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › VIII - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§ 7A) › § VI. - Minimum Wage Board

The Minimum Wage Board is maintained within the Department of Labor and Human Resources as an operational component, under the general direction, supervision, coordination and evaluation of the Secretary. The Governor shall appoint the members of the Board and its Chairperson with the advice and consent of the Senate. The Chairperson of the Board shall answer directly to the Secretary and his/her salary shall be equal to the basic salary of the Undersecretary of the Department.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › VIII - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§ 7A) › § VII. - Council for Occupational Development and Human Resources

The Technological Occupational Education Council, created by §§ 1581 et seq. of Title 18, is hereby renamed and transformed as the Council for Occupational Development and Human Resources and is attached to Department of Labor and Human Resources.
It is provided that the Secretary of Social Services shall be part of said Council which shall be presided [over] by the Secretary of Labor and Human Resources. The Governor shall appoint an Executive Director, with the advice and consent of the Senate, who shall direct the administrative and operational activities of the Council. The Governor shall set the salary of the Executive Director.
The Secretary of Labor shall supervise, evaluate and approve all administrative matters, the internal organization, programmatic priorities and the coordination between the Council and the other components of the Department. All faculties and operational functions that were transferred to the Council shall be returned to the Department of Education, the Department of Labor and Human Resources and the Right to Employment Administration. The Council shall retain all advisory and coordination functions as well as those for the establishment of public policy and for regulating and supervising the occupational development and human resources system. The Apprenticeship Council of the Department of Labor and Human Resources shall continue in effect.
The Secretary of Labor and Human Resources shall be responsible for taking any steps needed to transfer the functions, resources, personnel and assignments of all operational phases of the Technological Occupational Education Council to the corresponding agencies. For this purpose it shall have a period of six (6) months from the date of approval of this Plan. The President of the Council shall provide the Secretary with the assistance needed to expedite said process.
The provisions of §§ 1581 et seq. of Title 18, which are in conflict with the provisions set forth herein are hereby repealed.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › VIII - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§ 7A) › § 7A - Vocational Rehabilitation Administration

The Secretary shall appoint the Administrator, upon consulting with the Governor, whose salary or remuneration shall be established according to the customary norms of the Government of Puerto Rico for positions of a like or similar nature. The Administrator shall answer directly to the Secretary.
The Administration shall be in charge of the Physical and Vocational Rehabilitation Program.
The Administration shall develop its programs and provide its services in a comprehensive manner and under the direction of the Secretary, it shall coordinate its operations and services with the other components of the Department, the local rehabilitation centers, and through the Integral Services Centers, guaranteeing access to all the areas served up to the approval of this act, and with the possibility of expanding them. They shall also, harmonize and adjust their programs to the public policy established in this Plan, prepare the working plans as directed by the Secretary, which shall be approved by the latter; provide advice and guidance to the Integral Services Centers. They shall decentralize their operations and administrative processes in order to expedite the services to the consumers.
In addition to developing their functions and programs pursuant to applicable federal legislation, the Administration shall continue the public policy and the norms established by the Secretary.
This Administration shall have the mission of promoting the selection and transfer of powers to the persons with physical or mental disabilities through the provision of physical and vocational rehabilitation services that are consistent with their strengths, resources, priorities, interests, abilities, and capacities, to help them achieve remunerated employment, improve their quality of life, their capacity for self-sufficiency, and their self-esteem.
History —Added as § 9 on June 10, 2000, No. 97, § 15.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › VIII - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§ 7A) › § VIII. - Personnel administration

The Department of Labor and Human Resources and the components hereby integrated and attached to it excluding the Council for Occupational Development and Human Resources, shall hold the status of individual administrators 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”. The Secretary may integrate all the functions of the various personnel offices of each component into a single one, and adopt a classification and retribution master plan and a model set of regulations that shall apply to all of the above. Said documents shall be approved by the Secretary within a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the approval of the Reorganization Plan. For the final approval of these Plans, or amendments thereto, the Secretary shall obtain the prior approval of the Central Personnel Administration Office and the approval of the Office of Management and Budget, in order to insure their fiscal feasibility.
The Council for Occupational Development and Human Resources shall be exempt from the provisions of the Puerto Rico Public Service Personnel Act, Act No. 5 of October 14, 1975. As such, it shall establish its own personnel system based on the merit principle, following the public policy established in said act. This document shall be approved by the Secretary within a period of one hundred eighty (180) days following the approval of this Reorganization Plan. Furthermore, within a period of twelve (12) months following the approval of this Plan, it shall establish its classification and uniform remuneration plans, which must obtain the approval of the Office of Management and Budget in order to insure their fiscal feasibility.
The laws, agreements or contracts which provide for any Program and/or Bureau of the Department of Labor and Human Resources to be totally or partially paid for by other agencies or public instrumentalities, shall remain in full force.
History —Renumbered as § X on June 10, 2000, No. 97, § 16.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › VIII - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§ 7A) › § IX. - General services

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 by their own laws and by the regulations established by the Secretary. The Department and its components, pursuant to its legal authority, shall establish their own systems and regulations regarding purchasing, supplies and auxiliary services within the sound norms expounded for fiscal administration, economy and efficiency.
History —Renumbered as § XI on June 10, 2000, No. 97, § 16.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › VIII - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§ 7A) › § X. - Faculty to obtain contributions and enter into agreements

The Secretary of Labor and Human Resources is authorized to solicit and obtain, for the purposes of the Department, contributions in cash, goods or services of the United States Government, from the federated states, the Government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or any of its agencies, public corporations or political subdivisions, as well as from the municipalities.
The Secretary and the Department shall constitute the official and agency designated to administer any federal program related to those functions assigned to the Department by this Plan. In this capacity, the Secretary shall arrange for and transact all covenants and agreements needed to enable the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to receive all federal funds and benefits to carry out said programs, as well as arrange for and transact all agreements with the corresponding government bodies of the federated states and the federal government duly authorized to do so, regarding the exchange of information, studies and research related to the programs being carried out; provided said agreements lie within the framework of their functions and of the laws of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
History —Renumbered as § XII on June 10, 2000, No. 97, § 16.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › VIII - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§ 7A) › § XI. - General provisions

None of the provision of this Plan shall be understood to modify, alter or invalidate any agreement, covenant, claim or contract which the officials or employees responsible for the bodies or programs, which are made part of the Department through this Plan have granted and are in effect when said Plan becomes effective. Any claim made by or against said officials or employees which is still pending resolution when this Plan is put into effect, shall remain in force until its final resolution.
All regulations governing the operation of the bodies or programs which, through this Plan, have been integrated into the Department and which are still in force when the aforementioned Plan becomes effective, shall continue to be in effect until they are altered, modified, amended, repealed or substituted.
All career service employees of the agencies affected by this reorganization are guaranteed employment and all vested rights under the personnel laws and regulations, as well as the rights, privileges, obligations and status with regard to any existing pension or retirement system or systems or savings and loan funds to which they were affiliated when this Plan was approved.
Employees and officials appointed for a fixed term through a method different from the one provided in this Plan, shall continue to hold their positions until said appointments expire.
Any law or part thereof which is contrary to the provisions of this Reorganization Plan, is hereby repealed.
History —Renumbered as § XIII on June 10, 2000, No. 97, § 16.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › VIII - Department of Labor and Human Resources (§ 7A) › § XIII. - Effectiveness

This Reorganization Plan shall take effect immediately after its approval, May 4, 1994. The steps needed to comply with the purposes of this Plan must be taken within a term that shall not exceed thirty (30) calendar days after the approval thereof, in coordination with and the advice of the Office of Management and Budget.
History —Renumbered as § XV on June 10, 2000, No. 97, § 16.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › X - Department of Economic Development and Commerce › § I. - Creation of the Department

The Department of Economic Development and Commerce is hereby created, hereinafter, “the Department”, and the Office of Secretary of Economic Development and Commerce, to direct it. The Secretary shall be appointed by the Governor with the advice and consent of the Senate, who shall serve at the volition of the Governor and shall earn the salary assigned to a Secretary of the Government, which can be raised up to a third more.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › X - Department of Economic Development and Commerce › § II. - General functions of the Department

The Department shall be responsible for implementing and supervising the execution of Puerto Rico’s public policy on economic development in the various entrepreneurial sectors of industry, commerce, tourism, services, credit unions and others. As such it shall constitute the government body in charge of planning, promotion, organization and coordination under an integrated view of the government activity related to the stated sectors. It shall also propitiate the development of a stable self-sustaining private economy with a view to the future, taking into consideration the globalizing of the economy and the constitution of regional economic alliances.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › X - Department of Economic Development and Commerce › § IV. - Components of the Department

The Department shall be constituted by the following operating components:
(a) The Tourism Company
(1) The Hotel Development Corporation
(b) The Commercial Development Administration
(c) The Economic Development Administration
(1) The Industrial Development Company
(d) The Cinematographic Industry Development Corporation
(e) The Cooperative Development Administration
(f) The Land Administration
(g) The Horse Racing Industry and Sport Administration.
History —Amended July 25, 1997, No. 46, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › X - Department of Economic Development and Commerce › § V. - Tourism Company

The Tourism Company is hereby attached to the Department. The Company shall operate under §§ 671—672d of Title 23. The Governor shall appoint the Executive Director of the Tourism Company with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall fix his/her salary. The Secretary of Economic Development and Commerce shall be the Chairman of the Company except when the Secretary is also the Executive Director of the Tourism Company. The Executive Director shall answer to the Board.
History —Amended Aug. 4, 1994, No. 51, § 1.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › X - Department of Economic Development and Commerce › § VI. - Commercial Development Administration

The Department of Commerce is hereby renamed the Commercial Development Administration and is attached to the Department. The Commercial Development Administration shall operate under Act No. 132 of July 19, 1960.
The Commercial Development Administration shall be responsible for promoting the establishment and development of small and medium-sized businesses, and providing the latter with the necessary support to facilitate their operations.
The Administrator shall answer directly to the Secretary of the Department and shall render any reports that are required. The Governor shall appoint the Administrator with the advice and consent of the Senate, and shall fix his/her salary.
History —Amended Aug. 4, 1994, No. 51, § 2.
2023 Laws of Puerto Rico › TITLE THREE - Executive Appendix (§§ 1 — 7A) › X - Department of Economic Development and Commerce › § VII. - Economic Development Administration

The Economic Development Administration is hereby attached to the Department, and shall operate under Act No. 423 of May 14, 1950. The Administrator shall answer directly to the Secretary and shall render the reports that are required of him/her. The Governor shall appoint the Administrator with the advice and consent of the Senate and shall fix his/her salary.
The Industrial Development Company, attached to the Economic Development Administration, shall operate under §§ 271—303 of Title 23.