What does Preamble of Puerto Rico Democratic Self Determination Act do?

This bill, formally titled 'To enable the people of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico to determine the political status of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, and for other purposes,' aims to allow the people of Puerto Rico to determine their political status. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on June 10, 2026.

What does FINDINGS. of Puerto Rico Democratic Self Determination Act do?

This section outlines findings related to the status of Puerto Rico. It asserts that the people of Puerto Rico are entitled to a democratic, credible, and inclusive status resolution process. The findings state that a legitimate act of self-determination should allow voters to express preferences across all status options. Congress is identified as having a responsibility to establish a fair process for Puerto Ricans to express their preference regarding their relationship with the United States.

What does DEFINITIONS. of Puerto Rico Democratic Self Determination Act do?

This section defines terms used throughout the Act. The 'United States-Puerto Rico Commonwealth Development Commission' is defined as the commission established under section 201. The 'Elections Commission' refers to the Puerto Rico State Elections Commission (Comision Estatal de Elecciones de Puerto Rico). “Eligible voters” are defined as bona fide residents of Puerto Rico qualified to vote in general elections. The 'initial plebiscite' is the plebiscite required by section 4(a)(1). “Majority” is defined as more than 50 percent. The 'runoff plebiscite' is the plebiscite required by section 4(a)(4).

What does PLEBISCITE. of Puerto Rico Democratic Self Determination Act do?

This section establishes a process for a plebiscite to resolve Puerto Rico's political status. An initial plebiscite will be held on March 14, 2027, offering voters a choice between independence, commonwealth, statehood, and sovereignty in free association with the United States. Approval of a status option requires a majority of valid votes cast. If no option receives a majority in the initial plebiscite, a runoff plebiscite will be held on May 16, 2027, with the top two options. The ballot will include detailed descriptions of each status option, including their implications for citizenship, taxation, and governance. The Elections Commission will implement the plebiscites and report the results to Congress and the President. The United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico has jurisdiction over disputes related to the electoral processes.

What does NONPARTISAN VOTER EDUCATION CAMPAIGN. of Puerto Rico Democratic Self Determination Act do?

The Elections Commission is directed to conduct a nonpartisan voter education campaign. This campaign should utilize traditional paid media and provide voter education materials at all voting locations. The voter education materials must relate to plebiscites authorized under this Act. Materials require approval from the Attorney General, in accordance with section 6. The materials must address international representation, citizenship and immigration, and access and treatment under Federal law and programs for each option.

What does OVERSIGHT. of Puerto Rico Democratic Self Determination Act do?

This section establishes an oversight process for the ballot design and voter education materials related to plebiscites authorized by this Act. The Elections Commission must submit these materials to the Attorney General for review within 60 days of the Act's enactment, with a limit of one submission. The Attorney General has 45 days to review the materials, ensuring consistency with the Act and fair representation of the four defined options. If the Attorney General fails to act within 45 days, the materials are considered approved. The Attorney General can return the materials with comments or reserve the right to request changes if new information arises. The Elections Commission must revise the materials within 45 days if the Attorney General provides instructions. The Elections Commission is required to invite national and international election observers to monitor the initial and runoff plebiscite votes to ensure transparency.

What does FUNDS FOR VOTER EDUCATION; PLEBISCITES. of Puerto Rico Democratic Self Determination Act do?

This section authorizes appropriations for the Elections Commission to conduct a nonpartisan voter education campaign. The Elections Commission is also authorized to conduct an initial plebiscite and, if necessary, a runoff plebiscite under this Act. Funds previously allocated under Public Law 113-76 for a plebiscite on Puerto Rico's status are made available for this Act's purposes.

What does BILINGUAL VOTER EDUCATIONAL MATERIALS AND BALLOTS. of Puerto Rico Democratic Self Determination Act do?

This section requires voter educational materials and ballots used to carry out this Act to be available in both English and Spanish.

What does PUERTO RICO OVERSIGHT, MANAGEMENT, AND ECONOMIC STABILITY ACT. of Puerto Rico Democratic Self Determination Act do?

This section outlines the cessation of the Puerto Rico Oversight, Management, and Economic Stability Act (PROMESA) upon Puerto Rico's admission into the Union. The termination of PROMESA will occur either upon the inauguration of Puerto Rico's government or two years after certification of a majority vote for the Commonwealth option. The Financial Oversight and Management Board for Puerto Rico, established under PROMESA, will be terminated. All duties and responsibilities of the Oversight Board will revert to the government of Puerto Rico. The funds, property, and assets of the Oversight Board will be transferred to Puerto Rico.

What does SEVERABILITY. of Puerto Rico Democratic Self Determination Act do?

This section establishes a severability clause for the Act. If any part of the Act is found invalid by a court, the rest of the Act remains in effect. The application of any invalid provision to other persons or circumstances will also not be affected.

Back to bills

Puerto Rico Democratic Self Determination Act

Last updated: 6/10/2026 · Introduced: 6/10/2026

Author: Pablo Hernández (D-PR)

TL;DR (AI)

The bill establishes a process for Puerto Rico to hold plebiscites to determine its political status, including options for independence, statehood, and commonwealth status.
An initial plebiscite is scheduled for March 14, 2027, with a runoff on May 16, 2027, if no option receives a majority.
The Elections Commission is mandated to conduct a nonpartisan voter education campaign regarding the plebiscites and provide bilingual materials.
The bill creates the United States-Puerto Rico Commonwealth Development Commission to propose reforms if a majority votes for the Commonwealth option.
Upon a successful plebiscite for statehood, Puerto Rico will be admitted as a state within one year, with equal rights as other states.
The bill outlines the transition of Puerto Rico to independence or free association, including the transfer of property and rights from the U.S. to Puerto Rico.
Federal rights and benefits for Puerto Rican residents will continue after independence, with provisions for social security and federal funding decreasing over time.

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