Hearing on Senate Project 186 focuses on making municipal disability liaisons permanent and better trained

At a public hearing of the Commission on Older Adults and Social Welfare, officials and advocates discussed Senate Project 186, a bill to amend Article 16 of Law 238 (2004), the Carta de Derechos de las Personas con Impedimento, to expand and standardize the role of intra-agency and municipal liaisons (referred to in testimony as "enlace 238"). The measure would add technical amendments intended to strengthen continuity of services for people with disabilities and require tighter coordination between municipalities, agencies and the Defensoría de las Personas con Impedimento.

The bill’s proponents said the changes are largely technical but would have practical effects on delivery of services. Juan J. Troche, Defensor de las Personas con Impedimento, told the commission the amendments aim “a ampliar las funciones de los enlaces intraagenciales para ayudar a garantizar la coordinación de los recursos y servicios del estado.” He described the liaison as a named employee in a municipality or agency who serves as the direct contact with the Defensoría, assists with annual reports and strategic plans, and helps respond to day‑to‑day needs such as equipment, mobility assistance and accessibility problems.

Why it matters: Proponents said the current practice—many municipalities name liaisons who are political appointees or temporary staff—creates discontinuity. Troche and other witnesses said that turnover (often after elections or administrative changes) has forced…