Critics Slam González’s Decision on SB 63

A new bill threatens transparency in Puerto Rico, raising alarms about government overreach and erosion of public rights.

Story Overview

Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González signed SB 63, restricting public access to information.
Critics argue it undermines democracy and press freedom, doubling response times for information requests.
The bill allows confidential classifications without judicial oversight, raising privacy concerns.
Widespread opposition from journalism and civil rights groups emphasizes the erosion of constitutional rights.

Governor Signs Controversial Bill

On December 14, 2025, Puerto Rico Governor Jenniffer González signed Senate Bill 63 (SB 63), sparking controversy over its implications for transparency. The bill amends the 2019 Transparency and Expedited Procedure for Access to Public Information Act, doubling the response time for information requests and allowing confidential classifications without judicial review. Critics, including journalism organizations and civil rights groups, argue that this undermines public access to information and erodes democratic principles.

The legislative process was swift, with the Senate approving the bill in mid-October 2025, followed by the House in November. The bill’s passage was marked by a lack of public hearings, raising concerns about the democratic process. Despite receiving numerous letters from press freedom advocates urging a veto, González signed the bill into law, citing the need for administrative efficiency.

Opposition and Concerns

Senate Bill 63 has faced significant opposition from over 14 journalism and civil rights organizations, including the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press (RCFP), International Press Institute (IPI), and Reporters Without Borders (RSF). These groups highlight the bill’s potential to restrict press freedom and public access to information, key components of a functioning democracy. They argue that the bill’s provisions will delay access to critical information, hamper journalistic work, and expose requesters’ data.

Local groups like the ACLU of Puerto Rico have also condemned the bill, emphasizing that it prioritizes administrative control over transparency. The bill’s critics are concerned about the long-term implications, including a potential drop in Puerto Rico’s ranking on global transparency indices and weakened accountability for government actions.

Impact of the Legislation

The immediate effect of SB 63 is the extension of response times for information requests, now up to 2.5 months for larger or older documents. This delay affects journalists, watchdog groups, and citizens seeking government data, potentially hindering investigations and oversight. Critics argue that the legislation sets a concerning precedent for other U.S. territories and raises questions about the commitment to transparency.

Puerto Rico governor signs bill that critics say will restrict access to public information https://t.co/jFOPft2opR pic.twitter.com/xpNzZIkfj8

— Orlando Sentinel (@orlandosentinel) December 14, 2025

The broader implications include increased bureaucracy and costs for taxpayers, alongside a deepening distrust in government. As Puerto Rico faces scrutiny from international press freedom organizations, the bill signals a shift towards prioritizing administrative efficiency over democratic values.