By The Star Staff
Sen. William Villafañe Ramos on Wednesday lauded Gov. Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia’s approval of House Bill (HB) 161 recognizing the work done by nonprofit organizations throughout the 78 municipalities of Puerto Rico.
“My thanks to the Governor of Puerto Rico Pedro Pierluisi Urrutia for once again taking a step toward strengthening our communities through the work done by nonprofit organizations to benefit those most in need,” Villafañe Ramos said in a written statement. “This law is a recognition of the crucial role of nonprofit organizations in the Third Sector. Equally, I thank my colleagues in the House and the Senate who backed this bill, recognizing its worth and contribution to our beloved island.”
Villafañe Ramos, the New Progressive Party candidate for resident commissioner, noted that the new Law 161 of 2024, which will be known as the Special Licence for Community Leaders and Volunteers, promotes as public policy, in an effective manner, the continuity of the work and existence of the nonprofit sector by permitting the recruitment and participation of executive branch volunteers.
According to the approved law, the public employees of the executive branch will accumulate a maximum of one year toward a special license for volunteer and community leaders.
To be eligible, the employee must have worked at least 139 hours during the year and be a volunteer or leader of a nonprofit organization or community organization distinct from the one at which he or she works.
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