The Popular Democratic Party (PPD) delegation in the Puerto Rico Senate announced Monday the filing of two bills aimed at older adults. Senate Bill 1494 would amend the Puerto Rico Innovation and Technology Service (PRITS) law and the Electronic Government Law to guarantee citizens can receive public services regardless of internet access, electronic devices, or technical knowledge.
Authored by Senator Ada Álvarez Conde, it would create the Alliance for Digital Equity of Puerto Rico, attached to PRITS, to coordinate among agencies, nonprofits, telecom industry representatives and municipal entities. Alternate PPD spokesperson Marially González Huertas said the bill would also establish a Uniform Protocol of Alternative Services requiring in-person and telephone assistance, minimum standards on wait times and citizen treatment, and use of existing facilities such as Integrated Services Centers, public libraries, senior centers and municipal offices.
The alliance would be chaired by PRITS’s executive director and include the Advocate for Older Persons, representatives of the departments of State and the Office of Management and Budget, AARP Puerto Rico if available, the telecom industry and mayors’ associations. PRITS would identify federal funds, reserve a budget line, collect annual data and report to the Legislature; the law would take effect immediately, with 180 days to adopt the protocol.
Senate Bill 1543 would amend Article 7.035 of Law 107-2020 to bar the Municipal Revenue Collection Center (CRIM) from revoking or denying a home’s residential tax exemption because the owner lives in a long-term care facility. Delegation spokesperson Luis Javier Hernández Ortiz cited Institute of Statistics data showing the aging index rose 41% between 2020 and 2025, with 237 people 65 or older for every 100 under 15.
Bill 1494 was referred to the Science, Technology and Artificial Intelligence Committee; no committee assignment was given for Bill 1543.