TITLE 48 - US CODE - CHAPTER 4 - PUERTO RICO

TITLE 48 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER I - GENERAL PROVISIONS

48 USC 731 - Territory included under name Puerto Rico

The provisions of this chapter shall apply to the island of Puerto Rico and to the adjacent islands belonging to the United States and waters of those islands; and the name Puerto Rico, as used in this chapter, shall be held to include not only the island of that name, but all the adjacent islands as aforesaid.

48 USC 731a - Change of name; Puerto Rico

From and after May 17, 1932, the island designated Porto Rico in the Act entitled An Act to provide a civil government for Porto Rico, and for other purposes, approved March 2, 1917, as amended, shall be known and designated as Puerto Rico. All laws, regulations, and public documents and records of the United States in which such island is designated or referred to under the name of Porto Rico shall be held to refer to such island under and by the name of Puerto Rico.

48 USC 731b - Organization of a government pursuant to a constitution

Fully recognizing the principle of government by consent, sections 731b to 731e of this title are now adopted in the nature of a compact so that the people of Puerto Rico may organize a government pursuant to a constitution of their own adoption.

48 USC 731c - Submission of sections 731b to 731e of this title to people of Puerto Rico for referendum; convening of constitutional convention; requisites of constitution

Sections 731b to 731e of this title shall be submitted to the qualified voters of Puerto Rico for acceptance or rejection through an island-wide referendum to be held in accordance with the laws of Puerto Rico. Upon the approval of said sections, by a majority of the voters participating in such referendum, the Legislature of Puerto Rico is authorized to call a constitutional convention to draft a constitution for the said island of Puerto Rico. The said constitution shall provide a republican form of government and shall include a bill of rights.

48 USC 731d - Ratification of constitution by Congress

Upon adoption of the constitution by the people of Puerto Rico, the President of the United States is authorized to transmit such constitution to the Congress of the United States if he finds that such constitution conforms with the applicable provisions of sections 731b to 731e of this title and of the Constitution of the United States. Upon approval by the Congress the constitution shall become effective in accordance with its terms.

48 USC 731e - Chapter continued in force and effect

This chapter is continued in force and effect.

48 USC 732 - Repealed. July 3, 1950, ch. 446, 5(2), 64 Stat. 320

Section, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 4, 39 Stat. 953; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, designated San Juan as the capital of Puerto Rico. Section 6 of act Apr. 12, 1900, ch. 191, 31 Stat. 79, formerly cited as a credit to this section, was not repealed by act July 3, 1950.

48 USC 733 - Citizens; former Spanish subjects and children; body politic; name

All inhabitants continuing to reside in Puerto Rico who were Spanish subjects on the 11th day of April 1899, and then resided in Puerto Rico, and their children born subsequent thereto, shall be deemed and held to be citizens of Puerto Rico, and as such entitled to the protection of the United States, except such as shall have elected to preserve their allegiance to the Crown of Spain on or before the 11th day of April 1900, in accordance with the provisions of the treaty of peace between the United States and Spain entered into on the 11th day of April 1899; and they, together with such citizens of the United States as may reside in Puerto Rico, shall constitute a body politic under the name of the People of Puerto Rico, with governmental powers as hereinafter conferred, and with power to sue and be sued as such.

48 USC 733a - Citizens; residence in island of citizens of United States

All citizens of the United States who have resided or who shall after March 4, 1927, reside in the island for one year shall be citizens of Puerto Rico.

48 USC 733a1 - Repealed. June 27, 1952, ch. 477, title IV, 403(a)(14), 66 Stat. 279

Section, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 5b, as added June 25, 1948, ch. 649, 62 Stat. 1015, related to nonapplication of section 804 (c) of Title 8, Aliens and Nationality.

48 USC 733b - Omitted

48 USC 734 - United States laws extended to Puerto Rico; internal revenue receipts covered into treasury

The statutory laws of the United States not locally inapplicable, except as hereinbefore or hereinafter otherwise provided, shall have the same force and effect in Puerto Rico as in the United States, except the internal revenue laws other than those contained in the Philippine Trade Act of 1946 [22 U.S.C. 1251 et seq.] or the Philippine Trade Agreement Revision Act of 1955 [22 U.S.C. 1371 et seq.]: Provided, however, That after May 1, 1946, all taxes collected under the internal revenue laws of the United States on articles produced in Puerto Rico and transported to the United States, or consumed in the island shall be covered into the treasury of Puerto Rico.

48 USC 734a - Extension of industrial alcohol and internal revenue laws to Puerto Rico

Title III of the National Prohibition Act, as amended, and all provisions of the internal revenue laws relating to the enforcement thereof, are extended to and made applicable to Puerto Rico from and after August 27, 1935. The Insular Government shall advance to the Treasury of the United States such funds as may be required from time to time by the Secretary of the Treasury for the purpose of defraying all expenses incurred by the Treasury Department in connection with the enforcement in Puerto Rico of the said Title III and regulations promulgated thereunder. The funds so advanced shall be deposited in a separate trust fund in the Treasury of the United States and shall be available to the Treasury Department for the purposes of this section.

48 USC 735 - Repealed. July 3, 1950, ch. 446, 5(2), 64 Stat. 320

Section, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 57, 39 Stat. 968; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, continued certain Puerto Rican Laws in force and authorized the legislative authority to modify or repeal laws. Section 15 of act Apr. 12, 1900, ch. 191, 31 Stat. 80, formerly cited as a credit to this section, was not repealed by act July 3, 1950.

48 USC 736 - Puerto Rican law modified

So much of the law which was in force at the time of cession, April 11th, 1899, forbidding the marriage of priests, ministers, or followers of any faith because of vows they may have taken, being paragraph 4, article 83, chapter 3, civil code, and which was continued by the order of the secretary of justice of Puerto Rico, dated March 17, 1899, and promulgated by Major General Guy V. Henry, United States Volunteers, is repealed and annulled, and all persons lawfully married in Puerto Rico shall have all the rights and remedies conferred by law upon parties to either civil or religious marriages. Paragraph 1, article 105, section 4, divorce, civil code, and paragraph 2, section 19, of the order of the minister of justice of Puerto Rico, dated March 17, 1899, and promulgated by Major General Guy V. Henry, United States Volunteers, are so amended as to read: Adultery on the part of either the husband or the wife.

48 USC 737 - Privileges and immunities

The rights, privileges, and immunities of citizens of the United States shall be respected in Puerto Rico to the same extent as though Puerto Rico were a State of the Union and subject to the provisions of paragraph 1 of section 2 of article IV of the Constitution of the United States.

48 USC 738 - Free interchange of merchandise with United States

All merchandise and articles coming into the United States from Puerto Rico and coming into Puerto Rico from the United States shall be entered at the several ports of entry free of duty and in no event shall any tariff duties be collected on said merchandise or articles.

48 USC 739 - Duties on foreign imports; books and pamphlets in English language

The same tariffs, customs, and duties shall be levied, collected, and paid upon all articles imported into Puerto Rico from ports other than those of the United States which are required by law to be collected upon articles imported into the United States from foreign countries. All books and pamphlets printed in the English language shall be admitted into Puerto Rico free of duty when imported from the United States.

48 USC 740 - Duties and taxes to constitute fund for benefit of Puerto Rico; ports of entry

The duties and taxes collected in Puerto Rico in pursuance of the provisions of this Act, less the cost of collecting the same, and the gross amount of all collections of duties and taxes in the United States upon articles of merchandise coming from Puerto Rico, shall be paid into the treasury of Puerto Rico to be expended as required by law for the government and benefit thereof, and the Secretary of the Treasury shall designate the several ports and subports of entry in Puerto Rico and shall make such rules and regulations and appoint such agents as may be necessary to collect the duties and taxes authorized to be levied, collected, and paid in Puerto Rico by the provisions of this Act, and he shall fix the compensation and provide for the payment thereof of all such officers, agents, and assistants as he may find it necessary to employ to carry out the provisions of law.

48 USC 741 - Export duties, taxes, etc.; bonds to anticipate revenues

No export duties shall be levied or collected on exports from Puerto Rico, but taxes and assessments on property, income taxes, internal revenue, and license fees, and royalties for franchises, privileges, and concessions may be imposed for the purposes of the insular and municipal governments, respectively, as may be provided and defined by the Legislature of Puerto Rico; and when necessary to anticipate taxes and revenues, bonds and other obligations may be issued by Puerto Rico or any municipal government therein as may be provided by law, and to protect the public credit.

48 USC 741a - Internal-revenue taxes; levy and collection; discrimination

The internal-revenue taxes levied by the Legislature of Puerto Rico in pursuance of the authority granted by this chapter on articles, goods, wares, or merchandise may be levied and collected as such legislature may direct, on the articles subject to said tax, as soon as the same are manufactured, sold, used, or brought into the island: Provided, That no discrimination be made between the articles imported from the United States or foreign countries and similar articles produced or manufactured in Puerto Rico. The officials of the Customs and Postal Services of the United States are directed to assist the appropriate officials of the Puerto Rican government in the collection of these taxes.

48 USC 742 - Acknowledgment of deeds

Deeds and other instruments affecting land situate in the District of Columbia, or any other territory or possession of the United States, may be acknowledged in Puerto Rico before any notary public appointed therein by proper authority, or any officer therein who has ex officio the powers of a notary public. The certificate by such notary shall be accompanied by the certificate of the executive secretary of Puerto Rico to the effect that the notary taking such acknowledgment is in fact such notarial officer.

48 USC 743 - Repealed. July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XI, 1113, 58 Stat. 714

Section, acts Apr. 12, 1900, ch. 191, 10, 31 Stat. 80; Aug. 14, 1912, ch. 288, 37 Stat. 309; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, provided for quarantine stations in Puerto Rico. See section 267 of Title 42, The Public Health and Welfare.

48 USC 744 - Coasting trade laws

The coasting trade between Puerto Rico and the United States shall be regulated in accordance with the provisions of law applicable to such trade between any two great coasting districts of the United States.

48 USC 745 - Tax exempt bonds

All bonds issued by the Government of Puerto Rico, or by its authority, shall be exempt from taxation by the Government of the United States, or by the Government of Puerto Rico or of any political or municipal subdivision thereof, or by any State, Territory, or possession, or by any county, municipality, or other municipal subdivision of any State, Territory, or possession of the United States, or by the District of Columbia.

48 USC 745a - Public improvement bonds sold to United States or agency thereof excluded from public indebtedness

Bonds or other obligations of Puerto Rico or any municipal government therein, payable solely from revenues derived from any public improvement or undertaking (which revenues may include transfers by agreement or otherwise from the regular funds of the issuer in respect of the use by it of the facilities afforded by such improvement or undertaking), and issued and sold to the United States of America or any agency or instrumentality thereof, shall not be considered public indebtedness of the issuer within the meaning of section 745 of this title.

48 USC 745b - Refunding bonds excluded temporarily in computing indebtedness

Any bonds or other obligations of Puerto Rico issued after August 3, 1935, for the purpose of retiring previously outstanding bonds or obligations shall not be included in computing the public indebtedness of Puerto Rico under section 745 of this title, until six months after their issue.

48 USC 746 - Public lands and buildings; reservations; rights prior to July 1, 1902

All public lands and buildings, not including harbor areas and navigable streams and bodies of water and the submerged lands underlying the same, owned by the United States in the island of Puerto Rico and not reserved by the President of the United States prior to July 1, 1903, pursuant to authority vested in him by law, are granted to the government of Puerto Rico, to be held or disposed of for the use and benefit of the people of said island. Said grant is upon the express condition that the government of Puerto Rico, by proper authority, release to the United States any interest or claim it may have in or upon the lands or buildings reserved by the President as mentioned herein. Nothing herein contained shall be so construed as to affect any legal or equitable rights acquired by the government of Puerto Rico or by any other party, under any contract, lease, or license made by the United States authorities prior to the 1st day of May 1900.

48 USC 747 - Public property transferred; control defined

All property which may have been acquired in Puerto Rico by the United States under the cession of Spain in the treaty of peace entered into on the 10th day of December 1898, in any public bridges, road houses, water powers, highways, unnavigable streams and the beds thereof, subterranean waters, mines or minerals under the surface of private lands, all property which at the time of the cession belonged, under the laws of Spain then in force, to the various harbor works boards of Puerto Rico, all the harbor shores, docks, slips, reclaimed lands, and all public lands and buildings not reserved by the United States for public purposes prior to March 2, 1917, is placed under the control of the government of Puerto Rico, to be administered for the benefit of the people of Puerto Rico; and the Legislature of Puerto Rico shall have authority, subject to the limitations imposed upon all its acts, to legislate with respect to all matters, as it may deem advisable. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, as used in this section control includes all right, title, and interest in and to and jurisdiction and authority over the aforesaid property and includes proprietary rights of ownership, and the rights of management, administration, leasing, use, and development of such property.

48 USC 748 - Conveyance by President to people of lands, buildings, etc.

The President may, from time to time, in his discretion, convey to the people of Puerto Rico, such lands, buildings, or interests in lands, or other property now owned by the United States, and within the territorial limits of Puerto Rico as in his opinion are no longer needed for purposes of the United States. And he may from time to time accept by legislative grant from Puerto Rico any lands, buildings, or other interests or property which may be needed for public purposes by the United States.

48 USC 749 - Harbors and navigable waters transferred; definitions

The harbor areas and navigable streams and bodies of water and submerged lands underlying the same in and around the island of Puerto Rico and the adjacent islands and waters, owned by the United States on March 2, 1917, and not reserved by the United States for public purposes, are placed under the control of the government of Puerto Rico, to be administered in the same manner and subject to the same limitations as the property enumerated in sections 747 and 748 of this title. All laws of the United States for the protection and improvement of the navigable waters of the United States and the preservation of the interests of navigation and commerce, except so far as the same may be locally inapplicable, shall apply to said island and waters and to its adjacent islands and waters. Nothing in this chapter contained shall be construed so as to affect or impair in any manner the terms or conditions of any authorizations, permits, or other powers lawfully granted or exercised or in respect of said waters and submerged lands in and surrounding said island and its adjacent islands by the Secretary of the Army or other authorized officer or agent of the United States prior to March 2, 1917. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, as used in this section (1) submerged lands underlying navigable bodies of water include lands permanently or periodically covered by tidal waters up to but not above the line of mean high tide, all lands underlying the navigable bodies of water in and around the island of Puerto Rico and the adjacent islands, and all artificially made, filled in, or reclaimed lands which formerly were lands beneath navigable bodies of water; (2) navigable bodies of water and submerged lands underlying the same in and around the island of Puerto Rico and the adjacent islands and waters extend from the coastline of the island of Puerto Rico and the adjacent islands as heretofore or hereafter modified by accretion, erosion, or reliction, seaward to a distance of three marine leagues; (3) control includes all right, title, and interest in and to and jurisdiction and authority over the submerged lands underlying the harbor areas and navigable streams and bodies of water in and around the island of Puerto Rico and the adjacent islands and waters, and the natural resources underlying such submerged lands and waters, and includes proprietary rights of ownership, and the rights of management, administration, leasing, use, and development of such natural resources and submerged lands beneath such waters.

48 USC 750 - Repealed. July 3, 1950, ch. 446, 5(2), 64 Stat. 320

Section, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 38, 39 Stat. 964; Mar. 4, 1927, ch. 503, 6, 44 Stat. 1420; June 24, 1948, ch. 610, 7, 62 Stat. 580, related to grants of franchises, public service commission, etc.

48 USC 751 - Interstate commerce and certain other laws inapplicable to Puerto Rico

Subtitle IV of title 49, and the Safety Appliance Acts and the several amendments made or to be made thereto, shall not apply to Puerto Rico.

48 USC 752 - Corporate real estate holdings

No corporation shall be authorized to conduct the business of buying and selling real estate or be permitted to hold or own real estate except such as may be reasonably necessary to enable it to carry out the purposes for which it was created, and every corporation authorized after May 1, 1900, to engage in agriculture shall by its charter be restricted to the ownership and control of not to exceed five hundred acres of land; and this provision shall be held to prevent any member of a corporation engaged in agriculture from being in any wise interested in any other corporation engaged in agriculture. Corporations, however, may loan funds upon real estate security, and purchase real estate when necessary for the collection of loans, but they shall dispose of real estate so obtained within five years after receiving the title. Corporations not organized in Puerto Rico, and doing business therein, shall be bound by the provisions of this section so far as they are applicable.

753, 754. Repealed. July 3, 1950, ch. 446, 5(2), (4), 64 Stat. 320

Section 753, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 38, 39 Stat. 964; Mar. 4, 1927, ch. 503, 6, 44 Stat. 1420; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, authorized Legislature to regulate rates, tariffs, etc., of public carriers and public service commission to enforce those laws. Section 754, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 35, 39 Stat. 963; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, which had been transferred to section 814a of this title, related to qualifications of electors.

48 USC 755 - Omitted

TITLE 48 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER II - THE EXECUTIVE AND GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS

771 to 793. Repealed. July 3, 1950, ch. 446, 5(2), 64 Stat. 320

Section 771, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 12, 39 Stat. 950; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158; Aug. 5, 1947, ch. 490, 1, 61 Stat. 770, related to election, tenure of office, and qualifications of governor. Section 771a, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 12a, as added Aug. 5, 1947, ch. 490, 2, 61 Stat. 771, related to impeachment of governor. Section 772, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 24, 39 Stat. 958; Aug. 5, 1947, ch. 490, 4, 61 Stat. 771, related to succession to office of governor. Section 773, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 13, 39 Stat. 955; Feb. 18, 1931, ch. 218, 1, 46 Stat. 1168, related to executive departments. Section 774, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 37, 39 Stat. 964, prohibited Legislature from creating new departments but authorized their consolidation or abolition. Section 775, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 13, 39 Stat. 955; Feb. 18, 1931, ch. 218, 1, 46 Stat. 1168; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158; Aug. 5, 1947, ch. 490, 3, 61 Stat. 771, related to appointment and tenure of office of heads of departments. Section 776, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 13, 39 Stat. 956; Feb. 18, 1931, ch. 218, 1, 46 Stat. 1168; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, related to residence requirement for heads of departments. Section 777, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 13, 39 Stat. 956; Feb. 18, 1931, ch. 218, 1, 46 Stat. 1168, related to executive council and its duties and compensation. Section 778, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 14, 39 Stat. 956; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, related to duties of Attorney General. Section 779, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 22, 39 Stat. 958; June 27, 1924, ch. 322, 2, 43 Stat. 631; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158; June 24, 1948, ch. 610, 6, 62 Stat. 580, related to powers and duties of executive secretary. Section 780, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 15, 39 Stat. 956; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, related to powers and duties of Treasurer, including designation of depositaries. Section 781, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 15, 39 Stat. 956; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, required Treasurer to give a bond not less than $125,000. Section 782, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 16, 39 Stat. 956, related to duties of Commissioner of the Interior. Section 783, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 17, 39 Stat. 956; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, related to duties of Commissioner of Education. Section 784, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 18, 39 Stat. 957; Feb. 18, 1931, ch. 218, 2, 46 Stat. 1168; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, related to duties of Commissioner of Agriculture and Commerce. Section 784a, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 18a, as added Feb. 18, 1931, ch. 218, 3, 46 Stat. 1169, and amended May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, related to duties of Commissioner of Labor. Section 785, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 19, 39 Stat. 957, related to duties of Commissioner of Health. Section 786, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 20, 39 Stat. 957; June 7, 1924, ch. 322, 1, 43 Stat. 631; Mar. 4, 1927, ch. 503, 3, 44 Stat. 1419; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158; June 24, 1948, ch. 610, 5, 62 Stat. 580, related to appointment, compensation and term of office of Auditor and his powers and duties, and provided for an assistant auditor and other necessary assistants and employees. Section 787, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 20, 39 Stat. 957; Mar. 4, 1927, ch. 503, 3, 44 Stat. 1419, related to jurisdiction of Auditor over accounts. Section 788, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 20, 39 Stat. 957; June 10, 1921, ch. 18, 301, 304, 42 Stat. 23 to 25; Mar. 4, 1927, ch. 503, 3, 44 Stat. 1419, related to finality of decisions of Auditor and time for appeal therefrom, and vested such official with like authority as that conferred by law upon Comptroller General of the United States, with certain exceptions. Section 789, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 21, 39 Stat. 958, related to appeals from decisions of Auditor to Governor. Section 790, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 20, 39 Stat. 957; Mar. 4, 1927, ch. 503, 3, 44 Stat. 1420, related to annual report of the fiscal concern of the government from Auditor to Governor and those other reports as may be required. Section 791, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 20, 39 Stat. 957; Mar. 4, 1927, ch. 503, 3, 44 Stat. 1419, authorized Auditor to summon witnesses, administer oaths, take evidence, etc. Section 792, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 20, 39 Stat. 957; Mar. 4, 1927, ch. 503, 3, 44 Stat. 1420, related to supervision of office of Auditor by Governor. Section 793, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 20, 39 Stat. 957; Mar. 4, 1927, ch. 503, 3, 44 Stat. 1419; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, related to performance of powers and duties of Auditor in case of a vacancy in the office or in his absence by the assistant auditor, or in the absence of that assistant, by an assistant designated by Governor.

48 USC 793a - Repealed. June 30, 1954, ch. 428, 1, 68 Stat. 336

Section, act Mar. 2, 1934, ch. 37, 4, 48 Stat. 361, created a Model Housing Board, and provided for construction and sale of model houses and for creation of a revolving model housing fund.

48 USC 793b - Repealed. July 3, 1950, ch. 446, 5(2), 64 Stat. 320

Section, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 49b, as added Aug. 5, 1947, ch. 490, 6, 61 Stat. 772, and amended June 24, 1948, ch. 610, 1, 62 Stat. 579, provided for a Coordinator of Federal Agencies in Puerto Rico, his appointment, compensation and duties, and required President to prescribe rules and regulations to carry out provisions of former section 793 of this title.

48 USC 794 - Official reports

All reports required by law to be made by the governor or heads of departments to any official of the United States shall be made to an executive department of the Government of the United States to be designated by the President, and the President is authorized to place all matters pertaining to the government of Puerto Rico in the jurisdiction of such department.

48 USC 795 - Government expenses payable out of revenues

All expenses that may be incurred on account of the government of Puerto Rico for salaries of officials and the conduct of their offices and departments, and all expenses and obligations contracted for the internal improvement or development of the island, not, however, including defenses, barracks, harbors, lighthouses, buoys, and other works undertaken by the United States, shall, except as otherwise specifically provided by the Congress, be paid by the treasurer of Puerto Rico out of the revenue in his custody.

796 to 799. Repealed. July 3, 1950, ch. 446, 5(2), 64 Stat. 320

Section 796, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 53, 39 Stat. 968; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, related to transfer of bureaus or offices. Section 797, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 50, 39 Stat. 967; June 7, 1924, ch. 322, 3, 43 Stat. 631; May 29, 1928, ch. 904, 1, 2, 45 Stat. 997; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158; Aug. 5, 1947, ch. 490, 5, 61 Stat. 771; June 24, 1948, ch. 610, 2, 62 Stat. 579; Sept. 7, 1949, ch. 544, 63 Stat. 692, related to salaries and bonds of officials, and residence of governor. Section 798, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 50, 39 Stat. 967; June 7, 1924, ch. 322, 3, 43 Stat. 631; June 24, 1948, ch. 610, 2, 62 Stat. 579; Sept. 7, 1949, ch. 544, 63 Stat. 692, related to payment of salaries, office expenses and bond premiums. Section 799, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 51, 39 Stat. 967, provided for payment of municipal expenses from municipal revenues.

TITLE 48 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER III - THE LEGISLATURE

811 to 820. Repealed. July 3, 1950, ch. 446, 5(2), 64 Stat. 320

Section 811, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 25, 39 Stat. 958; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, vested all local legislative powers in Puerto Rico, with certain exceptions, in Legislature of Puerto Rico, consisting of a senate and a house of representatives. Section 812, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 26, 39 Stat. 958; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, related to Senate of Puerto Rico, its members, election and powers. Section 813, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 27, 39 Stat. 959; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, related to House of Representatives and its members and their election. Section 814, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 28, 39 Stat. 959; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, provided for division of Puerto Rico into thirty-five representative and seven senatorial districts. Section 814a, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 35, 39 Stat. 963; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, related to qualification of electors. Section 815, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 29, 39 Stat. 959; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, provided for time of holding elections and revision of boundaries of senatorial and representative districts and municipalities. Section 816, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 32, 39 Stat. 960, related to powers of senate and house of representatives, including determination of election and qualifications of members. Section 817, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 33, 39 Stat. 960; Mar. 4, 1927, ch. 503, 5, 44 Stat. 1420, provided for holding of annual sessions of legislature and time for convening. Section 818, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 33, 39 Stat. 960; Mar. 4, 1927, ch. 503, 5, 44 Stat. 1420, authorized governor to call special sessions of legislature or senate. Section 819, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 30, 39 Stat. 959; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158; June 1, 1938, ch. 308, 52 Stat. 595, related to term of office of senators and representatives, filling of vacancies, and limitations upon appointment to other offices of those legislative members. Section 820, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 31, 39 Stat. 960; Mar. 4, 1927, ch. 503, 4, 44 Stat. 1420; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158; June 24, 1948, ch. 610, 4, 62 Stat. 580, related to compensation and mileage of members of senate and house of representatives.

48 USC 821 - Legislative power

The legislative authority shall extend to all matters of a legislative character not locally inapplicable, including power to create, consolidate, and reorganize the municipalities so far as may be necessary, and to provide and repeal laws and ordinances therefor; also the power to alter, amend, modify, or repeal any or all laws and ordinances of every character in force in Puerto Rico or municipality or district thereof on March 2, 1917, insofar as such alteration, amendment, modification, or repeal may be consistent with the provisions of this chapter.

822, 823. Repealed. July 3, 1950, ch. 446, 5(2), 64 Stat. 320

Section 822, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 34, 39 Stat. 960, related to origin of bills and resolutions. Section 823, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 34, 39 Stat. 960; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, related to enacting clauses of bills and resolutions.

48 USC 823a - Omitted

824 to 844. Repealed. July 3, 1950, ch. 446, 5(2), 64 Stat. 320

Section 824, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 34, 39 Stat. 961, related to passage of bills and their alterations or amendments. Section 825, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 34, 39 Stat. 960, related to reference of bills to committees, signature by governor, and approval by President. Section 826, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 34, 39 Stat. 961; May 29, 1928, ch. 901, 1(128), 45 Stat. 996; Feb. 28, 1929, ch. 364, 1, 2, 45 Stat. 1348; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, required laws enacted by Legislature of Puerto Rico to be reported to Congress. Section 827, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 34, 39 Stat. 961, related to time of taking effect of laws and to introduction of a bill. Section 828, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 34, 39 Stat. 961, related to house journals. Section 829, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 34, 39 Stat. 961, required sessions of each house and committees to be open. Section 830, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 34, 39 Stat. 961, related to adjournment. Section 831, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 34, 39 Stat. 962, required presiding officer to sign bills and resolutions. Section 832, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 34, 39 Stat. 962, provided that bills, with the exception of appropriation bills, were to contain one subject. Section 833, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 34, 39 Stat. 962, provided that revenue bills were to originate in house of representatives. Section 834, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 34, 39 Stat. 962, related to appropriation bills for executive, legislative and judicial departments. Section 835, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 34, 39 Stat. 962, related to revival or amendment of laws. Section 836, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 34, 39 Stat. 962, required legislature to prescribe number, duties and compensation of officers and employees. Section 837, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 34, 39 Stat. 962, prohibited bills giving extra compensation for services rendered. Section 838, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 34, 39 Stat. 962; June 24, 1948, ch. 610, 3, 62 Stat. 580 prohibited laws relating to extension of term of office of officials, double jobs and salary of senators or representatives during term of office. Section 839, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 34, 39 Stat. 962, related to presentation of orders, resolutions, etc., to Governor. Section 840, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 34, 39 Stat. 960, required Governor to submit a financial budget at opening of each regular session of the legislature. Section 841, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 34, 39 Stat. 962; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, provided for order of payment of appropriations, where revenue insufficient to meet appropriations, and limited appropriations under certain conditions. Section 842, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 23, 39 Stat. 958; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, required Governor to transmit copies of laws to executive department of United States. Section 843, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 34, 39 Stat. 962; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, related to definition and punishment of the offense of corrupt solicitation. Section 844, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 34, 39 Stat. 962, related to punishment for offense of influencing officials by bribery.

48 USC 845 - Income tax laws; modification or repeal by legislature

The Puerto Rican Legislature shall have power by due enactment to amend, alter, modify, or repeal the income tax laws in force in Puerto Rico.

TITLE 48 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER IV - THE JUDICIARY

48 USC 861 - Repealed. July 3, 1950, ch. 446, 5(2), 64 Stat. 320

Section, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 40, 39 Stat. 965; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, vested judicial power in courts established and in operation on Mar. 2, 1917, provided for appointment of chief justice and associate justices of the supreme court by President with advice and consent of United States Senate, and authorized Puerto Rican legislature to organize, modify or rearrange the courts and their jurisdiction and procedure, except United States District Court.

48 USC 862 - Omitted

48 USC 863 - Repealed. Pub. L. 91272, 13, June 2, 1970, 84 Stat. 298

Section, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 41, 39 Stat. 965; Feb. 25, 1919, ch. 29, 1, 40 Stat. 1156; Mar. 4, 1921, ch. 161, 1, 41 Stat. 1412; Mar. 4, 1923, ch. 295, 42 Stat. 1560; Dec. 13, 1926, ch. 6, 1, 44 Stat. 919; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158; Mar. 26, 1938, ch. 51, 2, 52 Stat. 118; July 31, 1946, ch. 704, 60 Stat. 716; June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 20, 62 Stat. 989, set out jurisdiction of United States District Court for District of Puerto Rico and provided for salaries of judge and officials of the court and for filling of vacancies. Section 34 of act Apr. 12, 1900, ch. 191, 31 Stat. 84, formerly cited as a credit to this section, was not repealed by act June 2, 1970.

48 USC 864 - Appeals, certiorari, removal of causes, etc.; use of English language

The laws of the United States relating to appeals, certiorari, removal of causes, and other matters or proceedings as between the courts of the United States and the courts of the several States shall govern in such matters and proceedings as between the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico and the courts of Puerto Rico. All pleadings and proceedings in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico shall be conducted in the English language.

48 USC 865 - Repealed. June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 39, 62 Stat. 992

Section, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 43, 39 Stat. 966; Feb. 13, 1925, ch. 229, 13, 43 Stat. 942; Jan. 31, 1928, ch. 14, 1, 45 Stat. 54, related to writs of error and appeals. See section 1294 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

48 USC 866 - Omitted

48 USC 867 - Repealed. Pub. L. 90274, 103(g), Mar. 27, 1968, 82 Stat. 63

Section, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 44, 39 Stat. 966; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, set out qualifications for jurors in District Court of United States for Puerto Rico as different from those set by local law and directed that juries be selected, drawn, and subject to exemption in accordance with laws of Congress insofar as locally applicable.

48 USC 868 - Fees part of United States revenues

All fees, fines, costs, and forfeitures as would be deposited to the credit of the United States if collected and paid into a district court of the United States shall become revenues of the United States when collected and paid into the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico. The sum of $500 a year from such fees, fines, costs, and forfeitures shall be retained by the clerk and expended for law library purposes under the direction of the judge.

48 USC 869 - Fees payable by United States out of revenue of Puerto Rico

Such fees and expenses as are payable by the United States if earned or incurred in connection with a district court of the United States shall be paid from the revenue of Puerto Rico if earned or incurred in connection with the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico.

48 USC 870 - Repealed. June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 39, 62 Stat. 992

Section, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 46, 39 Stat. 966; Feb. 26, 1919, ch. 49, 2, 4, 40 Stat. 1182; Aug. 7, 1939, ch. 501, 6, 53 Stat. 1226, related to salaries of district court officials. See section 604 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

48 USC 871 - Omitted

48 USC 872 - Habeas corpus; mandamus; suit to restrain assessment or collection of taxes

The supreme and district courts of Puerto Rico and the respective judges thereof may grant writs of habeas corpus in all cases in which the same are grantable by the judges of the district courts of the United States, and the district courts may grant writs of mandamus in all proper cases. No suit for the purpose of restraining the assessment or collection of any tax imposed by the laws of Puerto Rico shall be maintained in the United States District Court for the District of Puerto Rico.

48 USC 873 - Repealed. July 3, 1950, ch. 446, 5(2), 64 Stat. 320

Section, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 49, 39 Stat. 967; May 17, 1932, ch. 190, 47 Stat. 158, related to appointment of judges, marshals and secretaries.

48 USC 873a - Repealed. June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 39, 62 Stat. 992

Section, act Feb. 12, 1940, ch. 25, 1, 54 Stat. 22, which related to rules governing civil cases. See section 2072 of Title 28, Judiciary and Judicial Procedure.

48 USC 874 - Judicial process; officials to be citizens of United States; oath

All judicial process shall run in the name of United States of America, ss, the President of the United States, and all penal or criminal prosecutions in the local courts shall be conducted in the name and by the authority of The People of Puerto Rico. All officials shall be citizens of the United States, and, before entering upon the duties of their respective offices, shall take an oath to support the Constitution of the United States and the laws of Puerto Rico.

875, 876. Repealed. June 25, 1948, ch. 646, 39, 62 Stat. 992

Section 875, act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, 55, 39 Stat. 968, related to continuation of courts jurisdiction. Section 876, act Jan. 7, 1913, ch. 6, 37 Stat. 648, related to temporary judge.

TITLE 48 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER V - RESIDENT COMMISSIONER

48 USC 891 - Resident Commissioner; election

The qualified electors of Puerto Rico shall choose a Resident Commissioner to the United States at each general election, whose term of office shall be four years from the 3d of January following such general election, and who shall be entitled to receive official recognition as such commissioner by all of the departments of the Government of the United States, upon presentation, through the Department of State, of a certificate of election of the Governor of Puerto Rico.

48 USC 892 - Qualifications of Commissioner; appointment to fill vacancy

No person shall be eligible to election as Resident Commissioner who is not a bona fide citizen of the United States and who is not more than twenty-five years of age, and who does not read and write the English language. In case of a vacancy in the office of Resident Commissioner by death, resignation, or otherwise, the governor, by and with the advice and consent of the senate, shall appoint a Resident Commissioner to fill the vacancy, who shall serve until the next general election and until his successor is elected and qualified.

48 USC 893 - Salary of Commissioner; allowances; franking privilege

The Resident Commissioner shall receive a salary payable monthly by the United States. He shall be allowed the same sum for stationery and for the pay of necessary clerk hire as is allowed Members of the House of Representatives of the United States. He shall be allowed the franking privilege granted Members of Congress.

48 USC 894 - Salary and traveling expenses; payment

The salary and traveling expenses of the Resident Commissioner from Puerto Rico to the United States shall be paid by the Chief Administrative Officer of the House of Representatives in the same manner as the salaries of the members of the House of Representatives are paid.

TITLE 48 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER VI - SLUM CLEARANCE AND URBAN REDEVELOPMENT PROJECTS

48 USC 910 - Slum clearance and urban redevelopment and renewal projects; powers of government

The government of Puerto Rico acting through its legislature, may create a public corporate authority or authorities and may authorize such authority or authorities or any other public corporate authority or any municipal corporation or political subdivision, acting directly or through any officer or agency thereof or through a public corporate authority, to undertake slum clearance and urban redevelopment projects and urban renewal projects and to do all things, exercise any and all powers, and to assume and fulfill any and all obligations, duties, responsibilities, and requirements, including but not limited to those relating to planning and zoning, necessary or desirable for receiving Federal assistance under title I of the Housing Act of 1949 (Public Law 171, Eighty-first Congress), as amended [42 U.S.C. 1450 et seq.], or any other law, except that public corporate authorities (as distinct from municipalities or political subdivisions) created or authorized to operate in accordance with this Act, as amended, shall not be given any power of taxation or any power to pledge the full faith and credit of the people of the Territory, or municipality, or political subdivision, as the case may be, for any loan whatever. The Legislature of Puerto Rico may, with respect to any public corporate authority or authorities empowered or which may be empowered to undertake slum clearance and urban redevelopment projects and urban renewal projects, provide for the appointment and terms of office of the members thereof, and for the powers of such authorities, including authority to accept whatever benefits the Federal Government may make available for slum clearance and urban redevelopment projects and urban renewal projects, and authority, notwithstanding any other Federal law, to borrow money and to issue notes, bonds, and other obligations of such character and maturity, with such security, and in such manner as the respective legislatures may provide. Such notes, bonds, and other obligations shall not be a debt of the United States, or of any Territory or municipal corporation or other political subdivision or agency thereof other than the public corporate authority which issued such notes, bonds, or obligations, nor constitute a debt, indebtedness, or the borrowing of money within the meaning of any limitation or restriction on the issuance of notes, bonds, or other obligations contained in any laws of the United States applicable to Puerto Rico, or to any municipal corporation or other political subdivision or agency thereof.

48 USC 910a - Authorization of loans, conveyances, etc., by government and municipalities

The government of Puerto Rico may assist slum clearance and urban redevelopment projects and urban renewal projects through cash donations, loans, conveyances of real and personal property, facilities, and services, and otherwise, and may authorize municipalities or other political subdivisions to make cash donations, loans, conveyances of real and personal property to public corporate authorities and to take other action, including but not limited to the making available or the furnishing of facilities and services, in aid of slum clearance and urban redevelopment projects and urban renewal projects.

48 USC 910b - Ratification of prior acts

All legislation heretofore enacted by the Legislature of the Territory of Puerto Rico dealing with the subject matter of this Act and not inconsistent herewith is ratified and confirmed.

TITLE 48 - US CODE - SUBCHAPTER VII - LOW RENT HOUSING PROJECTS AND ELIMINATION OF SUB-STANDARD HOUSING

48 USC 911 - Legislative authorization to create authorities

The Legislature of Puerto Rico may create public corporate authorities to undertake slum clearance and projects to provide dwelling accommodations for families of low income.

48 USC 912 - Authority to appoint commissioners; powers of authorities

The Legislature of Puerto Rico may provide for the appointment and terms of the commissioners of such authorities, and for the powers of such authorities, except that such authorities shall be given no power of taxation, and may authorize the commissioners of such authorities to fix the salaries of employees.

48 USC 913 - Authorization of loans, conveyances, etc., by municipalities

The legislature may appropriate funds for and may make and authorize any municipality of Puerto Rico to make loans, donations, and conveyances of money or property to such authorities; may make and authorize any municipality of Puerto Rico to make available its facilities and services to such authorities and take other action in aid of slum clearance or low-rent housing; and may, without regard to any Federal Acts restricting the disposition of public property or lands in Puerto Rico, provide for the use by or disposal to such authorities of any public lands or other property held or controlled by the people of Puerto Rico, its municipalities, or other subdivisions.

48 USC 914 - Issuance of bonds and obligations

The legislature may authorize such authorities to issue bonds or other obligations with such security as the legislature may provide and may provide for the disposition of the proceeds of such bonds and all receipts and revenues of such authorities.

48 USC 915 - Bonds as public debt

Such bonds shall not be a debt of Puerto Rico or any municipality, and shall not constitute a public indebtedness within the meaning of section 745 of this title.

48 USC 916 - Ratification of previous legislation

All legislation heretofore enacted by the Legislature of Puerto Rico dealing with the subject matter of sections 911 to 916 of this title and not inconsistent herewith is ratified and confirmed.