US EditionPuerto Rico governor signs bill that critics say will restrict access to public information
The new law doubles response deadlines, sets penalties up to $18,000 for noncompliance, and changes appeal and confidentiality rules amid criticism it restricts public access.
- Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González signed a bill criticized for restricting access to public information, which may harm democracy in the territory.
- The new law extends the timeline for government agencies to release documents, allowing up to 20 business days for smaller requests.
- The ACLU of Puerto Rico stated that the bill does not serve the public interest and enables officials to hinder transparency.
- A coalition of journalism organizations expressed concerns that the bill infringes on the public's right to know and complicates information requests.
21 Articles
21 Articles
Puerto Rico law alters government transparency framework
Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González Colón on Sunday signed into law Senate Bill 63 (SB 63), a law that modifies public records request procedures in the US territory. SB 63 amends the territory’s 2019 Transparency and Expedited Procedure for Access to Public Information Act, which is similar to the US Freedom of Information Act. Under the new law, government response deadlines for record requests are twice as long, increasing from 10 to 20 …
Associated Press News
Puerto Rico governor signs bill that critics say will restrict access to public information
Puerto Rico Gov. Jenniffer González has signed a polemic bill that critics say is a blow to democracy and will make it more difficult to access public information in a U.S. territory long known for its lack of government transparency.
Open the article to view the coverage from Es Noticia PR
Senate Bill 63 (PS 63), which was run over by the New Progressive Majority in the Senate and the House of Representatives and adds new limitations to Law 141 on “Transparency and Expedite Procedure for Access to Public Information” (Law 141-2019), was signed on Sunday by Gov. Jenniffer González Colón. PS 63, presented by Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz, was approved despite the unanimous public rejection of more than twenty community organ…
Coverage Details
Bias Distribution
- 59% of the sources are Center
Factuality
To view factuality data please Upgrade to Premium
