House approves law allowing municipalities to extend police jurisdiction into transit facilities through voluntary agreements

The Puerto Rico House of Representatives approved House Bill 371 on May 12, 2025, to allow municipalities to extend their municipal police jurisdiction into public transportation facilities and their zones of influence by agreement with the Autoridad de Transporte Integrado (ATI). The final recorded vote on the item was 51‑0 in favor.

Representative Junior Pérez Ortiz, reporting the committee’s positive recommendation, said the measure is discretionary and framed as collaborative agreements between municipalities and ATI, not a mandate: “Esta legislación autoriza a los municipios ... a extender la jurisdicción de sus policías municipales al interior de las instalaciones de transporte colectivo y a las zonas de influencia definidas, a través de acuerdos colaborativos con la ATI.”

Support and oversight: floor remarks cited Department of Justice review that raised no legal objection; the Federation of Mayors and a municipal police association supported the bill; ATI proposed technical amendments that were incorporated. Backers said the authority will remain responsible for reallocating funds to cover costs when municipalities assume responsibilities within transit facilities.

Local context: Bayamón representatives noted that three urban train stations are within their district and said municipal involvement can improve preventive presence and public confidence. Members with security expertise emphasized the need for proper training when municipal officers operate in transit contexts.

Outcome: House Bill 371 passed the House 51‑0 and will be sent to the Senate for consideration.