Puerto Rico bill would pull 78 municipalities into PRITS tech rules

A Puerto Rico House committee is weighing legislation that would bring the island's 78 municipalities under the technology governance framework of the Puerto Rico Innovation and Technology Service. Supporters say the change could tighten cybersecurity, standardize data sharing and speed up digital government services.

House Bill 1246, filed by House Speaker Carlos “Johnny” Méndez-Núñez, would align municipal tech systems with those the central government already uses. The measure argues that municipalities have operated outside the broader framework, creating fragmented systems that limit information sharing and slow Puerto Rico's digital transformation.

The Puerto Rico Mayors Federation endorsed the proposal during a public hearing before the House Municipal Affairs Committee, chaired by Rep. Luis “Junior” Pérez-Ortiz.

Ricardo Rolón, legal adviser to the federation, said the bill would promote “greater technological coordination, system interoperability and strengthening of government cybersecurity.” He said municipalities face daily challenges around information protection, operational continuity, platform modernization and secure data sharing.

“In a time where cyber threats are increasingly frequent and sophisticated, it is essential to promote collaboration mechanisms that allow strengthening the municipal technological infrastructure,” Rolón said.

The federation also backed amendments clarifying that municipal consultations with PRITS on technology services or equipment purchases would remain voluntary. Under that approach, municipalities could seek technical recommendations without needing prior approval from PRITS to exercise their administrative authority.