Puerto Rican professional associations against license recognition bill
A coalition of over a dozen professional associations in Puerto Rico—including the Realtors, Engineers and Surveyors, Architects, Appraisers, Electricians, Public Relations experts, and Mortgage Brokers—has urged Governor Jenniffer González Colón to veto Senate Bill 6. The legislation would allow automatic provisional recognition of occupational licenses issued in other U.S. jurisdictions without requiring full validation based on local standards. Critics warn that bypassing local licensing requirements could threaten consumer protections, weaken regulatory oversight, and place Puerto Rican professionals at an unfair competitive disadvantage. They emphasize that many professions need in-depth knowledge of Puerto Rico’s unique legal and technical frameworks and argue that fragmented implementation plans further heighten public safety and professional equity concerns. The groups recommended returning the bill to the Legislature for more comprehensive consultation and consideration.