Puerto Rico Jenniffer González Colón signed two legislative measures into law and issued a veto against Senate Bill 1248, authored by Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz. The vetoed legislation would have exempted war veterans and decorated commanders from paying tolls in one of their vehicles while reducing car registration fees to five dollars. González Colón stated that the proposal would represent an additional cost for the government of Puerto Rico without identifying necessary revenue sources.
Veto Protects Concession Agreements from Revenue Loss
The vetoed measure sought to lower annual vehicle charges to five dollars alongside the toll exemptions for eligible veterans and commanders. González Colón explained in her explicit veto message that toll revenues form part of concession agreements signed with Metropistas. Consequently, any revenue voluntarily eliminated by the government would require full absorption by the Highway and Transportation Authority.
Did You Know? Toll revenues in Puerto Rico are part of concession agreements with Metropistas, meaning any government-mandated toll exemptions must be fully covered by the Highway and Transportation Authority.
The governor noted that the proposal lacked sufficient data to evaluate its fiscal impact. Without designated funds to cover the resulting cost, the administration rejected the measure.
Digital Access to the Sex Offender Registry
In a separate legislative action, González Colón signed Senate Bill 632 into law as Act 214-2026, sponsored by Marissa Jiménez Santoni. The statute amends Article 7 of Act 266-2004, known as the “Ley de Registro de Personas Convictas por Delitos Sexuales y Abuso Contra Menores”, to facilitate access to the registry via quick-response codes and links on government digital pages. Central government buildings, agencies, public corporations, and municipal buildings must now display these digital links for direct public access.
Seguimos impulsando iniciativas que acerquen los servicios y la información del Gobierno a nuestra gente. Esta ley fortalece el acceso a una herramienta importante para la protección de los menores y de nuestras comunidades,
expressed González Colón regarding the new transparency mandate.
Infrastructure Dedication in Isabela
The governor additionally approved Joint Resolution 74-2026, authored by Jeison Rosa Ramos from Senate Joint Resolution 150, designating state road PR-4477 in Isabela as the Elisa Juarbe Beníquez highway. The designation honors the public service, community leadership and contributions of Juarbe Beníquez within District 16 and northwestern Puerto Rico.
Reconocer a quienes han dedicado su vida a servir también es una forma de preservar nuestra historia. Al llevar su nombre, esta carretera será un recordatorio de la huella que Elisa Juarbe Beníquez dejó en Isabela y en la región noroeste,
stated González Colón during the signing.
Frequently Asked Questions
What specific legislation did Governor González Colón veto?
The governor vetoed Senate Bill 1248, authored by Senate President Thomas Rivera Schatz, which proposed toll exemptions and five-dollar vehicle registrations for war veterans and decorated commanders.
What is the purpose of Act 214-2026?
Act 214-2026 converts Senate Bill 632 into law, requiring central government agencies, public corporations, and municipal buildings to display QR codes for direct digital access to the Sex Offender and Child Abuse Convict Registry.
Which roadway was renamed under Joint Resolution 74-2026?
State road PR-4477 located in Isabela was designated as the Elisa Juarbe Beníquez highway to honor her community contributions in the northwestern region.
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