Governor signs laws regarding port security, civil rights and gender-based violence

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón signed into law several measures modifying government policy in areas such as port security, civil rights, protection for victims of gender-based violence, and legal claims involving minors and incapacitated persons, it was announced on Wednesday.

The new Law 126-2026 repeals the port security model in place since 2008 and establishes a new framework for coordinating the surveillance of port facilities with federal agencies, aiming to eliminate regulatory structures and costs that the government deems unnecessary for maritime commerce. According to the legislation’s preamble, the previous system duplicated functions already performed by federal authorities and generated higher operational costs.

“With this legislation, we are modernizing our port security policy and eliminating costly, inefficient processes that for years have represented an additional burden on commerce and, ultimately, on consumers,” the governor stated in a written release.

Another approved measure, Law 130-2026, amends the Civil Code to clarify that the statute of limitations for a claim remains suspended while a person is a minor or has a judicially declared incapacity, thereby preventing the loss of the right to file a claim due to circumstances beyond their control.

“No minor or incapacitated person should lose the right to file a claim due to circumstances beyond their control or the inaction of their legal representatives,” González Colón said.

Under newly enacted Law 138-2026, every municipality must designate a liaison to assist and provide guidance to women who are victims or survivors of domestic and gender-based violence. The official will offer guidance, facilitate referrals, and assist with the processing of protection orders, among other duties. Municipalities have 90 days to implement the new provision.

“With this law, we are strengthening the support network for victims and survivors of domestic and gender-based violence by bringing services closer to communities and ensuring that every municipality has trained personnel to provide guidance, offer assistance, and channel necessary resources,” González Colón said.