Puerto Rico Governor Signs Transparency Bill Critics Say Restricts Public Information Access
Puerto Rico’s governor signed a controversial transparency bill Sunday, raising alarms among press freedom and civil rights groups that the measure will curb public access to government information. The move comes amid growing concerns over transparency in the U.S. territory’s government and its handling of records requests.
Opponents say the bill weakens transparency protections and undermines democratic accountability, while proponents argue it standardizes procedures and reduces litigation over information requests.
According to AP News, Gov. Jenniffer González signed legislation amending the existing Transparency and Expedited Procedure for Access to Public Information Act, which critics said will make it more difficult for citizens and reporters to obtain government documents. The changes extend timeframes for responding to requests and alter procedural requirements.
Under the new law, government agencies now have 20 business days instead of 10 to release records with fewer than 300 pages or created within the last three years. Agencies can take up to one month, with a possible 20-day extension, to release larger or older sets of documents.
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Critics also point to provisions allowing government bodies to classify information as confidential without prior judicial review, eliminate obligations to provide data in requested formats, and drop certain privacy protections for requesters.
“It is inconceivable that Puerto Rico’s leaders would go out of their way to harm their constituents’ access to information…” said Reporters Without Borders Executive Director Clayton Weimers.
The bill passed with limited public hearings, just one day’s notice before approval in the House, a point civil society groups said demonstrates a lack of public input.
Supporters say the amendments clarify unclear procedures and may reduce lawsuits over access requests, but critics warn the law could erode transparency in a jurisdiction already criticized for opaque governance.
What happens next?
Civil rights and press groups may seek legal challenges or renewed legislative action to restore broader access rights.
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