Gov. Pedro R. Pierluisi signed the replacement into law this Saturday House bills 1081 and 1100, which encourages through direct assistance to small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to contribute to the growth and development of the local economy.

The measure, which would amend the Puerto Rico Incentives Code and other laws to, among other things, define microenterprises as those SMEs that generate less than $500,000 in gross revenue per year and have seven or fewer employees, is part of one of six laws signed by the head of the executive power.

The signed bill replaces the reference to the Trade and Export Company with the Department of Economic Development and Trade (DDEC) and expands the range of small and medium-sized enterprises that can access incentives under the law. In addition, it updates the partial wage reimbursement proposed by the law to the applicable minimum wage and clarifies the funding sources for such partial wage reimbursement. The measure, which is consistent with the current administration’s government plan, was unanimously supported.

Regarding security, the governor signed Senate Bill 282 which covers, among the exceptions to obtaining a private investigator’s license, all agents who belonged to the Bureau of Special Investigations (NIE), municipal police, and other local, municipal, or federal investigative agencies, provided they have served for at least eight years.

On another matter, after obtaining the approval of the College of Engineers and Surveyors of Puerto Rico (CIAPR) and the Departments of State (DE) and Justice (DJ), the governor gave way House Bill 689 which amends the Condominium Law of Puerto Rico to include surveying professionals. It is therefore recognized that surveyors have the authority to measure and describe lots on their registration plans and are included in the primary function of segregation, among other tasks.

On the other hand, and in the process of continuing to accelerate the reconstruction of Puerto Rico, Pierluisi put his signature on Project of house 1464 Administration, which, as an exception, allows the configuration of the Board of Geological Examiners of Puerto Rico. The project was approved by the University of Puerto Rico (UPR), DE and the Department of Natural and Environmental Resources (DRNA).

Another measure approved by the governor is Joint resolution of the chamber 258 which directs the Department of Recreation and Sports (DRD) and DNER together with the Municipality of Toa Baja to conduct a feasibility study for the development of the “Playa Sin Barreras” project in the resort of Punta Salinas. This measure was unanimously approved and supported by the DRD as well as the Disability Ombudsman.

After all, this is the law Project of the house 1625 which amends Law 5-2016 to increase the number of students who can receive the Don Luis Vigoreo Scholarship.