Governor signs numerous bills into law, reserves decision on others

Among the measures signed into law by Gov. Jenniffer González Colón was Senate Bill 504, which amends Puerto Rico’s Civil Code to clarify that a human being in gestation, or nasciturus, is considered a natural person from any stage of conception within the mother’s womb.

By THE STAR STAFF

Gov. Jenniffer González Colón announced Sunday afternoon that she has signed several legislative measures into law, including bills that impact civil rights, public-private partnerships and traffic regulations.

Among the approved measures is Senate Bill (SB) 504, which amends Puerto Rico’s Civil Code to clarify that a human being in gestation, or nasciturus, is considered a natural person from any stage of conception within the mother’s womb. The bill was authored by Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz of the New Progressive Party (NPP) and co-sponsored by Sens. Joanne Rodríguez Veve (Independent), Brenda Pérez (NPP-Arecibo), and Wilmer Reyes (NPP-Guayama).

The governor also signed SB 649, which expands the scope of the Public-Private Partnerships Act to address the needs of Puerto Rico’s elderly population. The law allows for the construction, maintenance and operation of housing for older adults, as well as substitute homes, group homes and long-term care centers through partnership contracts. It also authorizes the reuse of government buildings and unused schools for those purposes. This measure was introduced by Rivera Schatz and Sen. Wanda Soto (NPP-Humacao), with co-sponsorship from Sen. Gregorio Matías (NPP).

Another significant measure, SB 694, amends the Puerto Rico Vehicle and Traffic Act to ensure that no driver or authorized owner is held responsible for administrative or traffic fines incurred before they became the registered owner of a vehicle. The law prohibits liens or encumbrances on vehicles for violations attributed to previous owners, resolving a longstanding issue for thousands of used car buyers. The bill was authored by Sen. Héctor González López NPP-Arecibo) and co-sponsored by several senators from both the NPP and Popular Democratic Party.

In addition, González Colón signed Joint Senate Resolution 73, which directs the Department of Transportation and Public Works, the Ports Authority, and the Highways Authority to submit a detailed report on signage, markers and lighting conditions on roads near Ramey Base, Rafael Hernández Airport, and the University of Puerto Rico campus in Aguadilla. The resolution also requires a short- and medium-term work plan to address deficiencies and support future infrastructure development in the area. The measure was introduced by Sen. Karen Román (NPP-Aguadilla).

The governor withheld her signature on several bills, citing fiscal impact concerns, administrative deficiencies, and potential conflicts with business freedom. Those include SB 163, which sought to create the “Law of Integration of Respect for Life in Puerto Rico;” SB 346, requiring businesses to display signage about discounts for veterans; SB 351, allowing the seizure of unclaimed boats; SB 456, establishing procedures for municipal tax collection on abandoned properties; and SB 515, which aimed to classify employee assistance program professionals as first responders.

The governor indicated that some of the unsigned measures could be revised to meet their objectives without imposing undue costs or administrative burdens.