Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Higher Education topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
House amends scholarship fund law, assigns University of Puerto Rico responsibility for distribution
Summary
The Puerto Rico House approved an amendment to Law 4-2022 to clarify which entity distributes scholarship funds; the measure assigns the University of Puerto Rico a lead role and passed unanimously in recorded vote.
The Puerto Rico House of Representatives on March 20 approved an amendment to Law 4-2022, known as the Scholarship Fund to mitigate tuition increases under the Fiscal Plan, that clarifies which entity is responsible for distributing scholarship funds. The measure, House Bill 20 as amended, passed in a recorded vote 48-0.
Supporters told the chamber the change aims to streamline administration and increase transparency by having the University of Puerto Rico (UPR) assume direct responsibility for distribution and eligibility determinations. Tatiana Pérez Ramírez, president of the House Education Committee, said the UPR "is the best entity that knows and can manage the situation of its students," and described the amendment as intended to simplify processes and ensure funds reach students with demonstrated academic progress and economic need.
The amendment modifies Articles 2.01 and 4.01 of Law 4-2022 and adds drafting changes to the bill's title and text that were read in the chamber before the vote. Pérez Ramírez said the bill retains reporting requirements so UPR must submit periodic reports to the relevant agencies to provide oversight of the program.
House members said the change will preserve cooperation among government agencies—such as the Government Development Bank, the Fiscal Agency (AFAF) and the Department of Treasury—while designating the university to lead student-facing distribution and eligibility verification. The bill sponsor and committee proponents argued the university’s existing processes and student records make it better suited to ensure funds reach qualifying students.
The bill was placed on the final voting calendar and approved by the full House on a roll-call vote of 48 in favor, none opposed. The measure now proceeds toward the governor for signature or further action.
The record shows the bill was considered with floor amendments to clarify responsibilities and title language before passage.
