Puerto Rico Democratic Self Determination Act

Bill Number

H.R. 9246

Origin Chamber

House

Congress

119th Congress, Session 2

Policy Area

Government Operations and Politics

Status

Introduced

Latest Action

2026-06-10: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.

Last Updated

2026-06-30T21:38:52Z

AI-Generated Summary

Puerto Rico Democratic Self Determination Act (H.R. 9246)

Purpose This legislation establishes a democratic process for the residents of Puerto Rico to choose their political status through a plebiscite. It offers four clear options and outlines transition steps for whichever option receives majority support. The goal is to provide a fair, inclusive vote that gives Congress clear direction on Puerto Rico's future relationship with the United States.

Key Provisions

• Plebiscite Process: An initial vote is scheduled for March 14, 2027, with options listed as Independence, Commonwealth (Estado Libre Asociado), Statehood, and Sovereignty in Free Association with the United States. A runoff vote on May 16, 2027, occurs if no option wins a majority. Ballots include detailed descriptions of each option covering citizenship, taxes, governance, and international relations.
• Voter Education and Oversight: The Puerto Rico Elections Commission runs a nonpartisan education campaign. Materials and ballots must be in English and Spanish. The U.S. Attorney General reviews ballot design and materials for fairness. National and international observers are invited.
• Funding: Authorizes necessary funds for education and voting; existing plebiscite funds can be used.
• Transition Frameworks: Four separate titles detail next steps based on the winning option:
• Independence (Title I): Forms a constitutional convention, elects officers, transfers federal functions, ends U.S. sovereignty, and adjusts citizenship and benefits with a 10-year block grant phase-out.
• Commonwealth (Title II): Creates a U.S.-Puerto Rico Commonwealth Development Commission to propose reforms, subject to voter and congressional approval.
• Statehood (Title III): Presidential proclamation admits Puerto Rico as a state within one year, with rules for elections, property, and continuity of laws.
• Sovereignty in Free Association (Title IV): Similar to independence but includes negotiation of bilateral Articles of Free Association, which can be terminated by either party.
• Other Rules: Ends the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) upon status change. Includes provisions for property transfer, court cases, Social Security, and immigration. Severability clause protects the rest of the law if any part is struck down.

Significant Changes to Existing Law

• Creates the first congressionally mandated, multi-option plebiscite with defined transition plans for all four status choices.
• Modifies federal tax, immigration, and citizenship rules depending on the outcome (for example, birthright citizenship ends under independence or free association after a transition period).
• Terminates the federal Financial Oversight and Management Board under PROMESA for the new status.
• Requires presidential review of federal laws affecting Puerto Rico and recommendations to Congress for updates.

Potential Impacts

• Government Agencies: Federal agencies like the IRS, DHS, and HHS would adjust programs, taxes, and oversight. Statehood would expand federal tax collection and representation; independence or free association would shift responsibilities to Puerto Rico with block grants for 10 years.
• Citizens: Residents could gain full state voting rights or lose U.S. citizenship pathways, depending on the result. Federal benefits like Social Security continue for vested individuals but shift to a new system under non-state options.
• International Relations: Independence or free association could lead to new treaties on trade, defense, and diplomacy.

Main Stakeholders Affected

• Eligible voters and residents of Puerto Rico.
• Puerto Rico's elected officials and political parties.
• U.S. Congress, the President, and federal agencies.
• The Elections Commission of Puerto Rico.
• Individuals and businesses relying on federal programs or tax rules.

Notable Legal, Constitutional, or Political Implications

• Supports self-determination by allowing voters to select among all major status options, potentially resolving long-standing debates.
• Raises constitutional questions about state admission (requiring congressional action) versus recognition of sovereignty.
• Provides detailed continuity rules for laws, courts, property, and contracts to minimize disruption.
• Includes election oversight and observer provisions to enhance credibility, though final implementation of some options remains subject to U.S. constitutional processes.

This summary was generated by AI and may contain inaccuracies. Refer to the official source document for the authoritative text.

Sponsor

Rescom. Hernández, Pablo Jose [D-PR-At Large]

Cosponsors (9)

Rep. Bell, Wesley [D-MO-1], Rep. Hoyle, Val T. [D-OR-4], Rep. Tran, Derek [D-CA-45], Rep. Larson, John B. [D-CT-1], Rep. Ross, Deborah K. [D-NC-2], Rep. Johnson, Julie [D-TX-32], Rep. Thompson, Bennie G. [D-MS-2], Rep. Sherman, Brad [D-CA-32], Rep. Mejia, Analilia [D-NJ-11]

Recent Actions

• 2026-06-10: Referred to the House Committee on Natural Resources.
• 2026-06-10: Introduced in House
• 2026-06-10: Introduced in House

Bill Versions

• Puerto Rico Democratic Self Determination Act — issued 2026-06-10 — PDF (63 pages)