Project to strengthen protection of older adults in emergency situations is being evaluated.

By THE STAR STAFF

To strengthen the protection of older adults in emergency situations before the judiciary, the House Committee on Older Adults and Social Welfare, chaired by Representative Ricardo Rey “Chino” Ocasio Ramos, evaluated Senate Bill 650.

The measure, authored by Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz, proposes amending Law 121-2019, known as the “Bill of Rights and Public Policy of the Government in Favor of Older Adults,” to streamline judicial processes through which any judge can expeditiously and sensitively address the situations faced by older adults. It also clarifies the jurisdiction of the Municipal and Superior Chambers of the Court of First Instance to grant temporary guardianships, pursuant to Article 140 of the Civil Code.

“This is an urgent and humane mechanism that guarantees access to justice and immediate protection for our seniors. This measure also seeks to empower municipal judges to order the appointment of a temporary guardian when a senior’s situation is deemed at risk, thus protecting them and their assets,” said Representative Ocasio Ramos.

It’s worth noting that AARP, through its state director, José Acarón Rodríguez, requested the presentation of S. 650 as part of the Senior Summit held in May 2025, with the support of several organizations and professionals serving the sector.

“We have maintained close communication with all sectors serving the elderly population in Puerto Rico, in order to not only protect their rights but also promote measures that provide them with better care and quality services, ensuring a better quality of life and well-being. We must protect our seniors, and by working together we can achieve great progress,” the legislator added.

For his part, Acarón stated: “The provision that expands the protection order mechanism to give municipal judges this option creates a new line of defense for the well-being and protection of senior citizens’ assets. That’s why AARP recommends its approval, and we hope this honorable Commission will act to issue a positive report on it.”

Meanwhile, Yolanda Varela Rosa, Attorney General of the Office of the Ombudsman for the Elderly (OPPEA), supported the measure, which prioritizes the needs of this population. “This bill promotes public policy in favor of older adults as outlined in Law 121, by facilitating their access to justice and summary proceedings in which they can obtain legal remedies that address their access to justice and resolve the risk situations they face, while providing them with protection. After submitting our recommendations, we support its approval.”

Finally, the Secretary of Justice, Lourdes Gómez Torres, stated that the Department of Justice believes the purpose of this legislative bill is legitimate and meritorious. “We agree with the Legislative Assembly that, as stated in the Bill’s Statement of Reasons, it is imperative to clarify the jurisdiction of the Municipal Courts in order to expressly empower them to grant, through a summary procedure, temporary guardianships in accordance with the provisions of Article 140 of the Civil Code, thus guaranteeing the effective protection of older adults, their well-being, and full access to justice.”