Puerto Rico agencies back protection orders for people with disabilities but warn of implementation gaps

Puerto Rico officials and disability advocates told a Senate commission hearing that Proyecto del Senado 521, which would amend Law 238 of 2004 (the "Carta de Derechos de las Personas con Impedimentos"), would fill a gap by allowing people with disabilities to seek protective orders and by proposing new criminal penalties for maltreatment and neglect.

The Department of Justice, the Office of Administration of the Courts, the Defensora de las Personas con Impedimento and nonprofit service providers said the bill could expand access to immediate civil protections but flagged open questions about definitions, interagency coordination, accessibility of forms and the budget and staff needed to implement the changes.

Why it matters: The measure would create an explicit procedure for people with disabilities to request orders of protection and would add several conduct types as potential crimes or aggravating factors. Supporters said the change could help victims who currently fall outside existing remedies, while agencies warned that unclear statutory language and insufficient resources could leave implementation incomplete.

Support, with caveats

Annette Este9vez Serrano, acting secretary of justice, characterized the bill as "una medida consona con la poledtica pfablica vigente" but urged amendments before final passage to clarify definitions and align penalties with the penal code. Este9vez Serrano also recommended interagency consultations with the Defensoreda, Department of Family, Department of Health, Rehabilitation Administration,…