Overview
The 17th Legislative Assembly of Puerto Rico is the current meeting of the Commonwealth's bicameral legislature, composed of the Senate and the House of Representatives. Its term began on 2 January 2021, following the general elections held on 3 November 2020, and will conclude on 2 January 2025, in accordance with the four‑year legislative cycle established by the Constitution of Puerto Rico.
Composition
| Chamber | Total seats | District seats | At‑large seats |
|---|---|---|---|
| Senate | 27 | 16 | 11 |
| House of Representatives | 51 | 40 | 11 |
The seats are filled through a mixed electoral system: 16 (Senate) and 40 (House) members are elected from single‑member districts, while the remaining members are elected on an island‑wide at‑large basis.
In the 2020 general election, the Popular Democratic Party (PPD) obtained a plurality of seats in both chambers, while the New Progressive Party (PNP) remained the second‑largest party. Independent and minor‑party legislators also won several at‑large seats, resulting in a legislature without a single party holding an absolute majority.
Leadership
- Senate President: José Luis Dalmau (PPD)
- President pro tempore (Senate): Marially Bande (PNP)
- Speaker of the House of Representatives: Rafael “Rafa” Hernández (PPD)
- Speaker pro tempore (House): Gabriel Rosa (PNP)
These officers were elected by their respective chambers at the convening of the 17th Assembly and are responsible for presiding over sessions, managing legislative agendas, and representing their chambers in intergovernmental affairs.
Regular Sessions
The Assembly convenes in regular annual sessions, each beginning in early January and adjourning in late June or early July. The schedule for the 17th Assembly is as follows:
- First Regular Session: 11 January 2021 – 27 June 2021
- Second Regular Session: 11 January 2022 – 27 June 2022
- Third Regular Session: 10 January 2023 – 26 June 2023
- Fourth Regular Session: 9 January 2024 – 25 June 2024
Special sessions may be called by the Governor of Puerto Rico or by a majority of members in either chamber, as provided by Article III of the Puerto Rican Constitution.
Legislative Activity
During its term, the 17th Assembly has addressed a range of policy areas, including:
- Fiscal and budgetary matters: Adoption of the annual fiscal plans for FY 2022 through FY 2025, including measures to address the Commonwealth’s debt restructuring and fiscal oversight requirements imposed by the Oversight Board established under the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA).
- Economic development: Enactment of incentives aimed at attracting private investment in renewable energy, tourism, and technology sectors.
- Health and public safety: Passage of legislation to strengthen the health care system’s response to the COVID‑19 pandemic, including vaccine distribution logistics and funding for public health infrastructure.
- Education: Revision of the charter school framework and increased funding for public schools to support remote‑learning capabilities.
Bills must obtain a majority vote in both chambers and be signed by the Governor to become law; otherwise, the Governor may veto the measure, after which the Assembly may override the veto with a two‑thirds majority in each chamber.
References
- Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, Article III.
- Official website of the Senate of Puerto Rico (senado.pr.gov).
- Official website of the House of Representatives of Puerto Rico (camaraderepresentantes.pr.gov).
- “Resultados de las Elecciones Generales 2020,” Puerto Rico State Commission on Elections (CEE).
All information reflects publicly available, verifiable sources as of the end of 2023.
