Public relations professionals in Puerto Rico have asked the Senate to hold public hearings on Senate Bill 275 before it advances, and not to pass the measure by discharge without the profession formally presenting its arguments and recommendations. The bill would repeal Law 204 of 2008, which regulates the practice of public relations in Puerto Rico.
Muriel Lázaro, past president of the Association of Public Relations Professionals of Puerto Rico (ARPR), said the request is concrete: the profession wants the chance to present its arguments, experience and proposed alternatives before a decision that would transform how the profession is practiced. She said a measure of this importance should not be approved by discharge without hearing those who can contribute knowledge and evidence.
The professionals argue the discussion should not be limited to the existence of a license, but should consider standards of academic preparation, continuing education, ethics, professional competence and responsibility. They note the field covers strategic research and planning, executive advising, crisis management, institutional reputation, audience analysis, public affairs and organizational communication. Over the past months, representatives have proposed amendments specifically to exclude the repeal of Law 204 from the bill, allowing the rest of the occupational licensing reform to proceed.
Lázaro said modernizing should not be synonymous with deregulating and that alternatives exist for the Senate to evaluate.