Puerto Rico hearing advances discussion on unified ID for older adults and people with disabilities

Representatives, agency officials and advocates met Oct. 20 at a public hearing of the Commission on Older Adults and Social Welfare of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico to review Proyecto de la Cámara 872, a measure that would create a uniform supplemental-rights identification for older adults and people with disabilities by adding a distinctive symbol to driver’s licenses and identification cards.

The bill, Proyecto de la Cámara 872, would amend existing statutes and consolidate identification for benefits currently administered through different laws, including references in testimony to Ley Núm. 108 (12 de julio de 1985) and Ley Núm. 107 (1998) and provisions cited from the law identified in testimony as “Ley Núm. 297 (2018).”

Why it matters: Supporters said a single, recognizably marked credential would reduce bureaucratic steps for people who now must obtain separate cards from different agencies to access discounts, priority lines and other benefits. Opponents and some agency witnesses urged the committee to quantify fiscal impacts on event producers and transit providers and to strengthen privacy and medical-certification safeguards.

Department positions and technical details

Maribel Rivera Colón, director auxiliar de servicios al conductor at the Department of Transportation and Public Works (DTOP), told the commission DTOP supports the initiative and recommended approval, while noting operational details. Rivera Colón said the design and rollout of a new symbol will take time and asked that the…