[{"_1":2,"_97":-5,"_98":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,86],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},"mediaId",6329923,"mediaKeyId","2315342-042f938d70140b03aef79ccf65294450","parentId",2315342,"title","House passes two bills on medical-plan renewals and legislative entities' insurance procurement; both pass with one abstention","audioSeconds",8444,"startMs",3196000,"endMs",11640000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=2315342-042f938d70140b03aef79ccf65294450&start=3196&end=11640","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2315342-042f938d70140b03aef79ccf65294450/thumbnail_3196000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6329923/House-passes-two-bills-on-medical-plan-renewals-and-legislative-entities-insurance-procurement-both-pass-with-one-abstention","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329923-27078e2c6dfb1049042f316deb7aa69c/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174180&Signature=igbxByHkpBmj1l9clzpEGD82vUvA7QqVqIXsp7uiCDzBdYyWmHdLvIsbcweO10Kg-BD-N0iwtHMZmJThWhvEksC3mR57Uf~64kLNCpW8McizqlCR9kfMWKnRMAAEwg1viujbC-75SmBDBgzC-MMVSTfbuejqeAeX~4iDAYnvVgG2tPAZnpm-P17dgq1skJmNpvghr-Sh8i8oC1jtp6fZHlUP1gC6aC306xrR9JUBDmJYGrKJcs~kpsyviff0DawCl137lV8Kbpt3bHC0RpfIuCheFtzQV-8MFxYwTgkLL37ZyYYxErYZl0c7RLgSYqcbpfgZODCLkMNyELA3ev5DNQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Cámara de Representantes PR","date","2025-02-13T00:00:00Z","article","The House approved two calendar items on Feb. 13: Project of the House No. 29 and Project of the House No. 43. Both measures were the subject of committee presentations and floor discussion in the Committee on Banking, Insurance and Commerce; final recorded votes showed both bills passed 46–0 with one abstention.

Representative Jordi Navarro Suárez, speaking for the committee, described Project 43 as a measure intended to permit certain individual medical-plan products to renew enrollment without repeated reapplication under a transitional regulatory approach so that beneficiaries maintain continuity of coverage. He told colleagues the committee record included testimony from the Office of the Commissioner of Insurance and consumer groups that the change would protect access to plans for island residents.

Project 29, as described on the floor, concerns insurance procurement for legislative offices and would allow legislative agencies greater flexibility to obtain property and liability insurance directly rather than through centralized government procurement channels. Supporters said the change was meant to maximize resources for the legislative entities; witnesses from both the Office of the Comptroller and the Office of the Ombudsman for Citizens testified in prior committee sessions that independent procurement authority could reduce costs, according to floor summaries.

Why it matters: Supporters said both bills are aimed at continuity of insurance coverage (Project 43) and cost-effectiveness for legislative entities (Project 29). The committee reported that regulatory and insurance-sector witnesses had recommended the measures.

Key facts
- Project of the House No. 43: described as easing renewals for certain individual medical-plan products; committee testimony cited consumer-protection and cost concerns. Final recorded vote: 46–0 with one abstention.
- Project of the House No. 29: described as clarifying procurement authority for legislative agencies' insurance; final recorded vote: 46–0 with one abstention.

Outcome and next steps
Both measures passed final legislative passage and will follow the standard process for transmission to the other legislative chamber and, if approved there, to the governor. Committee reports on each measure were entered into the record and referenced on the floor.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Hemiciclo ","oneSentenceSummary","The House approved Project of the House No. 29 and Project of the House No. 43 on Feb. 13 after committee discussion. The measures passed the final recorded vote by 46–0 with one abstention (for each bill). Sponsors said the bills are intended to stabilize coverage options and allow certain legislative entities to procure insurance directly.","taxTitle","House of Representatives, House, Committees, Legislative, Puerto Rico","taxId",77854,"location","","headline","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":46,"_47":80,"_49":81,"_51":82,"_53":83,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":84,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":85,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6329927,"House approves transfer of Luis Muñoz Rivera Park to San Juan; committee given 30 days to evaluate",7076,4564000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2315342-042f938d70140b03aef79ccf65294450&start=4564&end=11640","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2315342-042f938d70140b03aef79ccf65294450/thumbnail_4564000.jpg","/articles/6329927/House-approves-transfer-of-Luis-Muñoz-Rivera-Park-to-San-Juan-committee-given-30-days-to-evaluate","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329927-8ec31769aa0d603e914840c0ac0fbb68/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174180&Signature=QpeP3L1E48dS0Vug7esmToXJQrzlEDWWVyDP5isyyEtTstw-OACfaGgwT8MBT44ENub8xkzSIjRUUIQOQWJxcBRctTygQjVJ4I--odYoFnDNN5ssIM06bswK0qwfeENWTw3hY75JBUSwhB1IezBcS6B4lEAos84DXBIUXcUiqSdh0~NUhV9gBAh0no9PTJIqilexiwsewBj--EpZMQi7WKWQHJpKIRcbDgFytLpIKrbTjk~ubVCWoPnbuKUtDE7OjHTCa2ibWKZe96Hazcv-QSoq7zurXcT5D53y1N1B3Ckr4Hc7C0xBnZ16zIIwrHTBWEFtGqnYunOCx8wSlQzo0A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House of Representatives voted to approve Joint Resolution No. 35 on Feb. 13, a measure to direct the evaluation and potential transfer of Luis Muñoz Rivera Park in Puerta de Tierra to the Municipality of San Juan. Supporters said municipal administration will speed repairs and day-to-day maintenance of the historic park; opponents raised questions about existing projects and whether state-held funds or contracts would be affected.

Representative Víctor Parés Otero, who presented the resolution, said the goal is to place the park under San Juan’s care so the capital’s mayor and municipal staff can restore and maintain the area more effectively. \"Esta resolución... tiene el fin de lograr que el municipio de San Juan pueda recibir la administración, la titularidad del histórico parque Luis Muñoz Rivera,\" Parés Otero said on the floor.

Representative Jordi Navarro Suárez and others argued that municipal control would enable coordinated work with nearby facilities and that the mayor’s office has planned investments ready to implement upon transfer. Representative Márquez Lebrón noted the resolution included a fast timetable: the committee charged with evaluating transfers under the cited law must complete review within 30 days, after which the transfer can proceed under the resolution’s terms if the committee does not act.

Why it matters: If implemented, the transfer would move management responsibility for one of San Juan’s principal public spaces from the commonwealth-level parks program to the municipal government, changing who carries out maintenance, programming and capital improvements.

Key facts and process
- The resolution directs the committee created under existing law to evaluate the proposed transfer, including any conditions suspensive to transfer of title.
- Representative remarks on the floor referenced prior announcements of investments by the Commonwealth-level Department of Natural and Environmental Resources; proponents said those public notices had not produced completed contracts or expenditures that would block a transfer.
- The measure was approved on the final recorded vote with a 44–3 tally.

Outcome and next steps
The resolution passed final passage 44-3. The committee designated by the resolution must evaluate the property and report; sponsors said the municipality and the mayor of San Juan have plans ready to implement pending completion of the committee review and any required executive actions for final title transfer.","The House approved Joint Resolution of the House No. 35 on Feb. 13 to begin the process of transferring administration of Luis Muñoz Rivera Park to the municipality of San Juan. Sponsors said the move will allow quicker repairs and improved maintenance; the measure passed on the final recorded vote 44-3.",{"_33":87,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":88,"_41":89,"_43":90,"_45":46,"_47":91,"_49":92,"_51":93,"_53":94,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":95,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":96,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":72,"_74":72},6329932,"House approves concurrent resolution urging U.S. president, Congress to act on Nov. 5 plebiscite; measure passes 33-14",6478,5162000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=2315342-042f938d70140b03aef79ccf65294450&start=5162&end=11640","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/2315342-042f938d70140b03aef79ccf65294450/thumbnail_5162000.jpg","/articles/6329932/House-approves-concurrent-resolution-urging-US-president-Congress-to-act-on-Nov-5-plebiscite-measure-passes-33-14","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6329932-862795c7527edd36fc3ac47b7aee3d9e/orig.mp4?Expires=1771174180&Signature=QEDdi03bBZXlV4re3h2ZHoBBFTyIDtGG6pcJcnqCs1Henhho11qP5Vma8-AES0idnKJFQdQa6okxCLuLz4u1~Mfr4pEeqt-6w7~mzxuTy6PWrfdvhKGusci8dKN3Da6Tgd5S3U79C2tEpf3Fb4HEDBKcK9k5~e30QcxYQJpFVcFwK1NTdg0YUckDYXcnf0dRFRIVxOcoQlNHbFU5tY2KSf93caZDZhrVF0ESzQRJCDJ5tkJgAP9hBpN1OWSqtj84RhNwQsub8Q9gKhtTA1j2m8xfu7YBXtK8qvxY-aplj-T9AvP7LyNAaSShsR16xEednuEYrQ8iWegWDdAaUmjy~g__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The House of Representatives voted 33-14 on Feb. 13 to approve Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 1, a measure asking the president of the United States and the U.S. Congress to act on the results of Puerto Rico’s Nov. 5, 2024 plebiscite, in which the certified tally showed a majority favoring admission as a U.S. state.

Supporters said the vote sends a formal, legislative certification of the plebiscite result to federal authorities and framed it as a democratic mandate. Representative José Aponte Hernández, who opened debate for the measure, said the plebiscite and prior statutes created a clear policy basis for the request, and that the island’s electorate has repeatedly asked for equal duties and rights as U.S. citizens. \"la mayoría absoluta de los electores de Puerto Rico ha reclamado la igualdad de deberes derechos como ciudadanos americanos con la estadidad,\" Aponte said during his remarks.

Opponents criticized the process used to call the plebiscite and argued the resolution lacked inclusiveness. Representative Torres Cruz said the plebiscite had been conducted under an executive order rather than a legislative statute and described that procedural route as legally and politically deficient. Representative Lebrón Robles urged attention to ballots cast in blank and to voters whose intentions she said the resolution did not address: \"Si vamos a respetar la voluntad del votante, tenemos que tomar en consideración aquellos otros votantes cuya intención no ha sido respetada,\" she said.

Why it matters: The resolution formalizes the Legislature’s request that Washington act on a certified plebiscite result. Backers say it strengthens Puerto Rico’s claim when presented to the U.S. president and Congress; opponents say the path to a binding federal response requires broader, consensus-based local procedures and that a U.S. president or Congress is not bound to act on a territorial plebiscite.

Key facts and process notes
- The vote: 33 in favor, 14 opposed; no recorded abstentions in the final tally.
- The plebiscite: The House debate cited the official certification that the Nov. 5, 2024 plebiscite returned a majority for statehood (the transcript cites a certified figure of 58.6 percent and 620,782 votes).
- Legal references cited on the floor included Ley 165 del 2020 and Ley 51 del 2020 (both referenced by proponents when discussing the plebiscite’s authorization and policy framework).
- The body set debate time rules before starting: the majority and minority delegations were allocated fixed minutes to present and question witnesses.

What proponents said
Proponents framed the resolution as reflecting a clear electoral mandate that should be conveyed to the U.S. president and Congress with the Legislature’s certification. Representative José Aponte Hernández, in opening remarks, argued the plebiscite and previously enacted statutes formed a binding policy basis for carrying the request to Washington.

What opponents said
Opponents said the plebiscite procedure — which they described as implemented under an executive order — lacked necessary legislative backing and inclusivity. They also flagged that significant numbers of ballots were left blank and said any sovereign-level change requires a more comprehensive, consensus-based local process before being presented to the U.S. Congress.

Outcome and next steps
The resolution was approved on the recorded vote. Sponsors intend to transmit the certified result and the Legislature’s resolution to the president and Congress; the resolution itself does not change Puerto Rico’s legal status and does not by itself compel federal action.

Votes at a glance
- Senate Concurrent Resolution No. 1 (requesting president and Congress respond to the Nov. 5, 2024 plebiscite): approved 33–14 (recorded vote).","The Puerto Rico House of Representatives on Feb. 13 approved a concurrent resolution asking the U.S. president and Congress to respond to the Nov. 5, 2024 plebiscite that a majority of voters backed statehood. The measure passed on a recorded vote of 33-14 after more than an hour of debate over process, legal standing and voter intent.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

House passes two bills on medical-plan renewals and legislative entities' insurance procurement; both pass with one abstention

House approves transfer of Luis Muñoz Rivera Park to San Juan; committee given 30 days to evaluate

House approves concurrent resolution urging U.S. president, Congress to act on Nov. 5 plebiscite; measure passes 33-14