Hearing on bill to create civil liability for sexual harassment in sport: DRD supports intent, urges clearer definitions and limits

A House of Representatives public hearing on Proyecto de la Cámara 8‑15 examined proposed amendments that would add civil remedies for sexual harassment and related conduct in Puerto Rican sport. The bill would create individual civil liability, make sports entities liable where they knew or should have known of misconduct and failed to act, and extend liability in some cases to third parties such as spectators. The measure proposes damages equal to double the amount of proven damages or a minimum of $10,000, at the court's discretion.

Why it matters: The bill would introduce explicit civil consequences for harassment in athletic contexts and could change legal exposure for clubs, federations and venues while creating a private remedy for victims who currently rely mainly on administrative or criminal processes.

Department position and recommended changes

María Isabel Velázquez García, who presented for the Department of Recreation and Sports (DRD), said the agency "avala la intención y el propósito de la medida" but urged drafting changes to make the measure workable. DRD officials told the committee the department already distributes a prevention-and-response guide (issued in 2020), offers training to coaches and parents, and requires accredited entities to present protocols as part of…