Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González Colón signed into law House Bill 1164, authored by Representative Fernando Sanabria, to strengthen older adults’ right to receive essential public and private services without discrimination or exclusion because of limited technology skills or lack of internet access and electronic devices. The measure amends several articles of Law 121 of 2019, the Bill of Rights and Government Public Policy in Favor of Older Adults.
It recognizes their right to adequate guidance and assistance when applying for programs, benefits or services through digital platforms, in accessible formats and clear language. Government agencies, their instrumentalities and the towns must provide understandable information and educational materials on their technology platforms and offer alternative methods so essential procedures do not depend only on electronic means, including reasonable in-person assistance when the service allows it.
González Colón also signed a law setting a 90 working-day term for the review, evaluation and approval of agency technology projects funded entirely with federal funds, aimed at reducing delays that could compromise federal allocations. The governor also issued express vetoes of House Bills 181 and 279 and House Joint Resolutions 62 and 63, citing fiscal, operational and regulatory implications.
Bill 181, on access for people with disabilities to sports and recreational facilities, imposes duties without providing resources. Bill 279, on tourniquet availability and training in agencies and public schools, lacks resources and sufficient operational definition. Resolutions 62 (street lighting in Mayagüez) and 63 (San Germán) must be handled under Law 174-2026, the governor said, warning that acting outside it could create non-reimbursable costs and compromise federal funds.