House orders probe of education department active‑shooter protocols

The Puerto Rico House of Representatives approved Resolution 48 on March 20, directing the House Education Committee to investigate the Department of Education’s protocols for active‑shooter incidents, school training programs, drill schedules and broader prevention efforts.

Representative Pérez Ortiz urged immediate action, saying the resolution "seeks to evaluate the protocols existing to respond to active‑shooter incidents" and to verify whether plans are executed in practice rather than remaining documents on a shelf. He said the investigation should seek evidence that drills and trainings are taking place and be proportionally urgent.

Several members stressed speed. Representative Torres Cruz asked that the committee move “with celerity,” noting recent social‑media comments about a local school that had generated alarm among parents. Torres Cruz and others described prior incidents and emphasized that the inquiry should not be a mere bureaucratic exercise but should verify operational readiness.

The resolution cites prior legislative work—Representative Pérez Ortiz referenced a 2019 joint resolution that ordered simulacra and drills—and directs the appropriate committee(s) to hold hearings and gather documentation, procedures and evidence of compliance.

The chamber approved Resolution 48 as amended by voice vote. Sponsors said the measure aims to ensure schools, staff and communities have coordinated, practiced responses that protect students and personnel in the event of an armed attacker.

The resolution does not impose operational mandates on school staff but orders a legislative investigation; subsequent committee findings could recommend statutory or funding changes.