Governor enacts several new laws

By The Star Staff

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón signed several pieces of legislation into law Sunday.

House Bill (HB) 506 (Act 72-2025), an administration measure, amends the Internal Revenue Code to establish a collaborative agreement between the island Treasury Department and municipalities. The law seeks to standardize the collection of the sales and use tax, and allow taxpayers to file and pay through the Unified Internal Revenue System, commonly known as SURI. The main objective is to improve municipal tax collection, facilitate compliance, reduce costs and strengthen municipal self-sufficiency.

The governor also signed Senate Bill 277 (Law 73-2025), filed by Sens. Juan Oscar Morales, Jeison Rosa and Jamie Barlucea, amending the Law on Savings and Credit Cooperative Societies. Cooperatives are now authorized to join a federal housing loan bank and collaboration with COSSEC is allowed in cases of syndication or dissolution. The legislation seeks to protect cash-strapped cooperatives and facilitate their recovery through access to better credit terms.

Meanwhile, HB 136 (Act 74-2025), filed by Rep. Ángel Morey Noble, repeals Act 63 of 1986, which prohibited the sale of imported items with phrases such as “Souvenir de Puerto Rico.” The law was unnecessary given that there is already legislation in force that establishes similar prohibitions: the Law of the Artisanal Development Program (Law 166-1995), which regulates this matter more effectively, according to the bill.

House Joint Resolution 92 (HJR 29-2025), introduced by Reps. Swanny Vargas, Jerry Nieves, Edgar Robles and Joel Franqui, names the Punta Maracayo Resort Hotel in Hatillo after Juan Luis Cuevas Castro. The measure pays tribute to the former mayor and educator, who is recognized for his service to the community and his active role in sports and civic organizations.