Puerto Rico bill seeks greater transparency at Dept. of Consumer Affairs
New Progressive Party Sen. Roxanna Soto-Aguilú has introduced Senate Bill 884, legislation aimed at increasing transparency and accountability at Puerto Rico’s Department of Consumer Affairs (DACO, in Spanish) by requiring more detailed annual public reporting.
The measure would amend Article 21 of Act No. 5 of April 23, 1973, the agency’s organic law, to expand the information that DACO must submit each year to the governor and the Legislative Assembly.
While current law requires a general report on the agency’s work, it does not mandate detailed disclosures on complaints, enforcement actions or funds recovered through embargoes and collection orders.
“This measure seeks to ensure that the people of Puerto Rico clearly understand how their consumer protection agency is operating and delivering results,” the bill states. “Transparency is not optional — it is a fundamental obligation of public service.”
In the bill’s explanatory statement, Soto-Aguilú highlighted DACO’s enforcement authority, noting the agency’s role in mediating consumer complaints and sanctioning unlawful business practices.
“DACO not only mediates disputes, but also has the power to issue embargoes and collection orders to make its determinations effective,” the statement reads. “Those tools are essential to recovering money for consumers and ensuring compliance with the law.”
The senator said the lack of detailed public data limits oversight and weakens public confidence.
“When reports lack specificity, it becomes difficult to evaluate efficiency, identify recurring violations or measure the real economic impact of the agency’s interventions,” Soto-Aguilú said.
Under Senate Bill 884, DACO would be required to provide a detailed breakdown of complaints received, resolved, pending or dismissed, categorized by type of alleged violation and economic sector.
The bill also would require disclosure of the number and status of liens issued during the fiscal year, as well as a full accounting of funds collected, distributed to consumers, deposited into special funds or still pending recovery.
Soto-Aguilú said the proposal is consistent with constitutional principles and existing transparency laws governing public agencies.
“The Constitution is clear: government must serve the people and be accountable to them,” she said. “This legislation reinforces that mandate and strengthens legislative and public oversight.”
The measure would not impose a significant administrative burden, the senator said, because DACO already maintains internal records on complaints and enforcement actions.
The bill also requires that the annual report be made public and posted on DACO’s website within 30 days of submission.
“Access to information builds confidence and helps policymakers identify systemic problems, such as repeated fraud in specific sectors,” Soto-Aguilú said.
She framed the proposal as a consumer protection measure amid economic pressure on households.
“In a challenging economic environment, Puerto Rican consumers deserve a government that is transparent, efficient and fully accountable,” Soto-Aguilú said. “This bill moves us in that direction.”
