House transportation panel approves elevator‑safety, motor‑vehicle and licensing measures

The Transportation, Infrastructure and Public Works Committee of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives approved a package of measures during a public final‑consideration session on June 21, 2024.

Señora presidenta opened the session at 2:14 p.m. and described the principal measures under consideration, including Proyecto de la Cámara 346 to create a law establishing safety standards for elevators and related equipment, a bill to create incentives for accelerated payment of traffic fines under Ley 22 de 2000, amendments to create a Junta Examinadora de Técnicos Automotrices under Ley Núm. 40 (25 de mayo de 1972), and additional technical changes to motor‑vehicle fee and surcharge rules.

Juan José Soto Muñiz, director of the committee, confirmed that the committee had the required quorum for final votes and that the circulated texts and proposed amendments had been provided to members. After a roll‑call affirmation in which members indicated “a favor,” “abstenida/abstenido” or “en contra,” the secretary reported that all listed measures had received the votes necessary for approval. The chair asked the director to prepare certification acts and the approved texts for her signature, in accordance with House rules.

What the measures do: Proyecto de la Cámara 346 would regulate the vertical‑transport industry by setting uniform safety and licensing standards for contractors, inspectors and mechanics and by creating a reviewing board for elevator and related‑equipment safety with delegated functions to the Department of Labor and Human Resources. The motor‑vehicle measure would create an incentive structure to promote accelerated payment of fines recorded against vehicle registrations and licenses under Ley 22 de 2000, including a proposed 30% discount on principal debt and reductions or waivers for accrued interest and penalties in specific circumstances; it would also authorize Hacienda and the Department of Transportation and Public Works to adopt regulations for administration. Proyecto de la Cámara 1990 would amend Ley Núm. 40 to add specialties and classifications and modify licensing rules for automotive technicians.

The committee voted to approve the circulated texts (listed during the session as Proyecto de la Cámara 346; sustitutivo al Proyecto de la Cámara 1738; Proyecto del Senado 631; Proyecto de la Cámara 1990; Proyecto de la Cámara 1954; Proyecto de la Cámara 1955; Proyecto de la Cámara 2109; Resolución Conjunta de la Cámara 578; and Resolución Conjunta de la Cámara 659). The secretary announced that the measures had the votes required for approval and the chair directed staff to prepare the certification documents as required by the House Rules for signature and subsequent processing.

Next steps: The committee will transmit certified texts and the committee reports so the measures can be entered into the House calendar and continue through the legislative process.