Committees with Jurisdictional Oversight Authority

Membership and jurisdiction available on website.

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“The Committee on Consumer Rights, Banking Services, and Insurance Industry shall have jurisdiction over all matters related to price setting, rents, fees, and quality of products, including everything related to the sale of school textbooks and the payment of tuition and fees for private schools at all levels; aspects related to installment sales, financing, and credit affecting consumers including those with agencies, public corporations, and government instrumentalities that provide direct services to citizens; guarantees about products and services, weights and measures, deceptive practices, advertising, consumer services, and education; analysis and review of all legislation related to consumer affairs; the banking industry, the analysis of all legislation on banking matters, investment and financial lending institutions, both local and federal and international, as well as everything related to insurance, including the Insurance Code, except for matters related to savings and credit cooperatives; and on any matter delegated to it by the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico or its President” (official website, translated by AI).

House Committees for the Development and Oversight of Public Funds #

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From the Capital City, Aguas Buenas, Bayamón, Cataño, and Guaynabo
From the Eastern Region
From the Northeastern Region
From the Northwestern Region
From the Northern Region
From the Western Region
From the Central Southern Region
From the Southeastern Region

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Furthermore, it will be responsible for conducting studies and research to recommend legislation that promotes the full development of women in all areas. Additionally, it will seek to promote the protection and equality of women by reviewing all legislation that affects their rights and will supervise public agencies or private entities whose primary function is the protection of women.

On the other hand, it will be responsible for evaluating all legislation that affects the rights of the elderly to ensure they enjoy an optimal and fulfilling life. To this end, it will review and implement public policy to guarantee the services required by this population, including economic assistance benefits, physical and emotional rehabilitation, nutritional assistance, food provision, housekeeping services, and the facilities at care centers. It will also evaluate all service programs for the elderly offered by Executive Branch agencies and will promote those that benefit this demographic group.

Additionally, it will address matters related to the population with functional diversity, ensuring they have access to essential services that foster the optimal and full development of their abilities. This is fundamental to guaranteeing their inclusion in society and equal opportunities for all individuals.

Similarly, it will be responsible for evaluating and promoting legislation in favor of animal and pet rights. It will review legislation from other states or countries with the goal of promoting the proper care and rights of animal” (official website, translated by AI).

Senate Commission on Internal Affairs #

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Membership, jurisdiction, committee regulations, and legislative measures available on website.

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“The Senate Internal Affairs Commission will conduct studies on the structure, procedures, administration, budget, and operation of the Senate’s parliamentary system, as well as on measures regarding relationships within the Body, the relations between the Senate and the House of Representatives, and with the other branches of government.

It will be involved in the consideration of resolutions and measures to conduct investigations, create special and joint commissions, and address any other legislative matters assigned by the Senate’s regulations or referred by the President. It will resolve conflicts referred to it by the President of the Senate and provide general advice to the President and the Senate on administrative matters” (official website, translated by AI).

Senate Commission on Planning, Permits, Infrastructure and Urban Development #

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Membership, jurisdiction, committee regulations, and legislative measures available on website.

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“The Education, Art, and Culture Commission of the Senate of Puerto Rico will have jurisdiction over Act 85-2018, as amended, known as the ‘Puerto Rico Education Reform Act’; Act No. 1 of January 20, 1966, as amended, known as the ‘University of Puerto Rico Act’; and any other law related to education in Puerto Rico.

Additionally, it will be responsible for formulating public policy on education for the Government of Puerto Rico and its curriculum to ensure a high-quality education that provides equal opportunities for all Puerto Rican youth.

It will also address all matters related to special education programs and services for children and youth in the public education system, including those programs offered through private entities, community organizations, and nonprofit entities under collaboration agreements or contracts with the Puerto Rico Department of Education.

Furthermore, it will oversee regulations, accreditation, and the creation of conditions that inspire and improve teaching professionals; the planning and construction of public works and the acquisition of equipment that fosters better education; the development of supplementary services to enhance and improve instruction; the emphasis on specialized education programs; and the accreditation of private schools and institutions.

The Commission will be involved in the processes of transformation and innovation of the university system, as well as legislation aimed at addressing the accreditation, management, administration, research, and teaching within higher education institutions on the Island, both public and private, including the provision of facilities and equipment, as well as scholarships and financial aid for students.

It will promote the use of information and communication technologies in educational systems, as well as bilingual education. It will have jurisdiction over any changes to the organizational structure of the Department of Education and any of its affiliated agencies or entities related to the educational process.

The Commission will also be responsible for formulating policy to encourage the development and cultivation of the arts, the preservation of values that unite us as a community, as well as those that connect us to the wider world, the dissemination of culture, the continuous and diverse presentation of artistic programs of all kinds, aesthetics, and the preservation of historical sites and areas.

It will have jurisdiction over artistic and cultural exchanges between Puerto Rico and other jurisdictions nationally and worldwide; public art, artistic and cultural events and activities; theater, film, radio, and television. It will maintain supervision and a direct relationship with all governmental agencies, public and private organizations that promote and are related to art and culture” (official website, translated by AI).

Senate Special Commission for the Eradication of Poverty #

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Membership, jurisdiction, committee regulations, and legislative measures available on website.

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“The Special Commission for the Eradication of Poverty was created under Senate Resolution 135 to process and report on all legislative measures aimed at these purposes, which must include, but are not limited to: (1) promoting education for all population groups; (2) fair taxation; (3) economic development and labor issues; (4) the elimination of employment barriers; and (5) the development of human capital. It will also have the role of advising the Senate to prevent the approval of public policies that foster poverty in Puerto Rico” (official website, translated by AI).

Senate Commission on Ethics #

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Membership, jurisdiction, committee regulations, and legislative measures available on website.

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“The Ethics Commission of the Senate of Puerto Rico shall have jurisdiction over all matters related to Act No. 1-2012, as amended, known as the ‘Organic Law of the Office of Government Ethics of Puerto Rico,’ as well as all matters related to the Ethics Regulations of the Senate of Puerto Rico, which apply to all Senate employees and Senators.

Additionally, it will evaluate all legislative measures aimed at preventing or addressing government fraud, nepotism, and any other unethical practices that may exist in the entities of the Government of Puerto Rico, including its municipalities. This Commission, either on its own initiative or at the request of the President or Secretary of the Senate, will handle any referrals regarding violations of laws, regulations, ordinances, administrative orders, or Senate rules by any of its Senators, employees, or contractors.

Likewise, this Commission will investigate allegations made against officials, employees, and elected members of the Senate of Puerto Rico concerning possible legal violations or actions contrary to the corresponding Code of Ethics. In this way, it will investigate cases of conflicts of interest among members of this Legislative Branch and allegations regarding the illegal use of public funds or the use of state property for personal benefit. In this context, it will establish and enforce behavioral standards applicable to the officials and employees of the Legislature, for which it will encourage citizen participation.

Similarly, it will offer recommendations to ensure sound governance by promoting legislation focused on eradicating government corruption and overseeing the exercise of public power, as mandated by the Constitution.

The Commission will be responsible for evaluating and implementing the Senate’s Code of Ethics, ensuring compliance, and investigating any violations of this regulation or any other unethical or illegal schemes that undermine public order or the rights of citizens.

To these ends, the Commission will be responsible for investigating, recommending legislation based on its reports, summoning witnesses, ordering the production of evidence, and taking any other measures within its scope of action to promote integrity within the Legislative Assembly. The Commission will recommend to the Senate, whenever deemed necessary, that relevant situations be referred to the appropriate agencies for immediate attention, with the aim of minimizing adverse effects on sound public administration or the prescription of civil, criminal, or administrative actions. In short, it will promote effective legislation aimed at establishing preventive mechanisms to ensure honest, integral, and transparent public administration” (official website, translated by AI).

Senate Commission on Government #

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Membership, jurisdiction, committee regulations, and legislative measures available on website.

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“The Government Commission shall have jurisdiction over all matters related to the creation, modification, performance, division, consolidation, integration, and elimination of agencies of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; legislation affecting the Office of the Governor and the governmental offices, departments, and agencies, except those of a tax-related nature or those specifically assigned to other commissions by this Resolution; residency processes; legislation related to personnel laws and government in general; the evaluation and recommendation for the confirmation or rejection of officials whose appointments require confirmation by the House of Representatives; improving the management of government digitization in public administration; achieving an optimal level of efficiency through the maximization of information and communication technologies; facilitating the exchange of information between government entities and the public; promoting access to government information; general legislation impacting the state government that has not been assigned to other commissions; and any other matter delegated to it by the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico or its President” (official website, translated by AI).

Senate Commission on Community Initiatives, Mental Health, and Addiction #

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Membership, jurisdiction, committee regulations, and legislative measures available on website.

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“It will be responsible for studying and conducting research to recommend legislation related to community initiatives aimed at addressing the issue of homelessness and the social phenomenon of vagrancy from a public health perspective. Similarly, it will review initiatives to address addiction issues and evaluate prevention models. The Commission will also address matters related to prevention programs, services, and public health policy for mental health and addiction treatment services.

It will take part in the evaluation and study of nonprofit organizations, also known as the Third Sector, and how they can represent a social action option that complements the public and private sectors, particularly in areas where the participation of these organizations can effectively contribute to community development.

It will ensure the development of public policy so that community development through the Third Sector promotes the creation of self-managed economic microenterprises, community-driven and nongovernmental organizations (NGOs), as well as cultural, religious, recreational, educational, and cooperative groups.” (official website, translated by AI).

Senate Commission on Innovation, Telecommunications, Urban Development, and Infrastructure #

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Membership, jurisdiction, committee regulations, and legislative measures available on website.

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“This commission will address the complex issues of urban development, including studies conducted to formulate plans aimed at the harmonious, rational, and orderly use of land, promoting subdivision, urbanization, design, and construction.

It will annually and systematically evaluate and analyze decisions made, or to be made, by public entities that have a significant impact on considerable sectors of our communities and influence the economic reality of their users. This includes projects for improvements, expansions, new construction or development, as well as compliance and improvement projects required by environmental laws for essential services such as electricity, potable water and sewer systems, mass transportation, and telecommunications, among others. Entities under its scope include the Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority, the Puerto Rico Electric Power Authority, and others.

Similarly, it will analyze the research, conceptualization, financing, programming, design, construction, and use of road and public transportation systems; parking and transit facilities; road system safety; bridges and access roads; transportation studies; new methods of state and local transportation; state public works and roadways; and stormwater or air transportation facilities. It will also work to integrate all infrastructure sectors, physical developments, and aesthetic improvements that enhance the quality of life in urban areas.

The commission will address all matters related to laws and regulations that affect infrastructure development, housing construction, and building projects in Puerto Rico. Its objective in this regard will be to seek harmony between development and the protection of the environment and natural resources. Additionally, it aims to reduce excessive regulations and legislation in the areas of development and construction.

Furthermore, it will oversee legislation related to the public policy of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico regarding the development of telecommunications, innovation in technology, and the significance of scientific activity and the commercialization of inventions” (official website, translated by AI).

Senate Commission on the Judiciary #

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Membership, jurisdiction, committee regulations, and legislative measures available on website.

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“The Judiciary Commission of the Senate of Puerto Rico will have jurisdiction to analyze all legislation of a criminal nature, including special criminal laws, as well as the Puerto Rico Penal Code, the Rules of Criminal Procedure, and the Rules of Evidence. It will conduct a legal study of the Rules of Criminal Procedure and the Rules of Civil Procedure and will recommend to its peers the necessary legislation to amend these.

It will review and analyze the public policy of the Department of Justice and the services it provides, including issues such as antitrust matters, confiscations, and the protection of crime victims. Additionally, it will address matters related to the Property Registry and its functioning. Lastly, it will conduct a study of the Constitution of Puerto Rico to propose amendments to it, if necessary.” (official website, translated by AI).

Senate Commission on Youth, Recreation, and Sports #

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Membership, jurisdiction, committee regulations, and legislative measures available on website.

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“The Commission on Youth, Recreation, and Sports will have jurisdiction over all matters aimed at promoting the rights and benefits of Puerto Rican youth, as well as all matters related to Recreation and Sports in Puerto Rico. In this context, it must conduct a detailed analysis of Act 8-2004, as amended, known as the ‘Organic Law of the Department of Recreation and Sports of Puerto Rico,’ and all legislation that impacts Puerto Rican sports.

It will analyze public policy related to recreation and sports in Puerto Rico to propose necessary changes aimed at protecting athletes and fostering their full development. The Commission will promote sports as an essential aspect of a healthy life and encourage community development through sports and recreation in Puerto Rico, while fostering the active and consistent participation of athletes in local, national, and international events.

It will address physical education programs in public schools and the development of high-performance athletes. It will study measures and programs for planning and constructing sports or recreational facilities and ensure their optimal preservation.

Finally, it will be responsible for all matters related to the public policy established for the development and well-being of youth. It will conduct a study of all youth service programs currently available in Puerto Rico’s government agencies. Additionally, it will oversee all legislation related to the youth demographic in Puerto Rico, including programs, services, and facilities” (official website, translated by AI).

Senate Commission on Appointments #

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Membership, jurisdiction, committee regulations, and legislative measures available on website.

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“Responsible for evaluating and recommending to the Senate the confirmation or rejection of officials who, by constitutional or legal mandate, require the confirmation of the Senate of Puerto Rico.

The Appointments Commission will have a Technical Appointments Evaluation Office, appointed by the President of the Senate. This Office will assist the Chair of the Commission in their responsibilities and will maintain a record of all nominated candidates, including personal information, academic qualifications, experience, financial and situational status, and any other relevant data that facilitate the evaluation of the nominee or that are obtained during public hearings. The Chair of the Commission with primary jurisdiction over the nominee’s area of work may participate in the public hearings, with the right to speak but without voting rights.

The Appointments Commission will submit the corresponding report to the Secretary and present it, signed by its Chair, to the Senate of Puerto Rico” (official website, translated by AI).

Senate Commission on Strategic Projects and Energy #

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The Commission will be responsible for introducing and evaluating legislation concerning government agencies dedicated to maintaining public order and serving as the first line of response in emergencies, such as the Puerto Rico Police Department, the Fire Department, the Emergency Medical Corps, the National Guard, the 9-1-1 Emergency System, the Bureau of Special Investigations, and the Institute of Forensic Sciences.

It will evaluate all public policy on Public Safety for the Government of Puerto Rico and recommend necessary changes. Similarly, it will have jurisdiction over all matters concerning emergency management and disaster administration. The Commission will evaluate and draft legislation aimed at the proper administration of the correctional system, the safety and access to adequate healthcare for inmates, as well as their right to effective rehabilitation. It will also have jurisdiction over the Parole Board.

The Commission will address all veterans’ affairs related to the Office of the Veterans Advocate, including the operation of the Veterans Home and any other law, program, or service structure for veterans administered by the Government of Puerto Rico. Additionally, it will analyze the rights veterans receive, such as pensions, educational benefits, access to medical services, physical rehabilitation, home loan programs, tax exemptions for employment, among others” (official website, translated by AI).

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Updated on January 28, 2025