SUBCHAPTER I—GENERAL PROVISIONS
§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.
(Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, §1,
Editorial Notes
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this Act", meaning act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145,
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in act Apr. 12, 1900, ch. 191,
Section 1 of act Apr. 12, 1900, was similar to this section, except that it described the adjacent islands and waters of those islands as those lying east of the seventy-fourth meridian of longitude west of Greenwich, which were ceded to the United States by the Government of Spain by the treaty of Dec. 10, 1898,
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
"Puerto Rico" substituted in text for "Porto Rico" pursuant to act May 17, 1932, which is classified to
Short Title
Act July 3, 1950, ch. 446, §4,
United States-Puerto Rico Commission on the Status of Puerto Rico
Executive Documents
Administration of Government
The administration of the Government of Puerto Rico was transferred from the Bureau of Insular Affairs to the Office of Territories (formerly the Division of Territories and Island Possessions and now the Office of Territorial Affairs), in the Department of the Interior by Executive Order No. 6726, eff. May 29, 1934, eff. Mar. 2, 1935. For present government of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, see
Ex. Ord. No. 13183. Establishment of the President's Task Force on Puerto Rico's Status
Ex. Ord. No. 13183, Dec. 23, 2000, 65 F.R. 82889, as amended by Ex. Ord. No. 13209, Apr. 30, 2001, 66 F.R. 22105; Ex. Ord. No. 13319, Dec. 3, 2003, 68 F.R. 68233; Ex. Ord. No. 13517, §1, Oct. 30, 2009, 74 F.R. 57239, provided:
By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, it is hereby ordered as follows:
§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."
(May 17, 1932, ch. 190,
Editorial Notes
References in Text
Act approved March 2, 1917, as amended, referred to in text, is act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145,
Codification
Section was not enacted as part of the Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act which comprises this chapter.
§731b. Organization of a government pursuant to a constitution
Fully recognizing the principle of government by consent,
(July 3, 1950, ch. 446, §1,
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section was not enacted as part of the Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act which comprises this chapter.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Repeals
Act July 3, 1950, ch. 446, §6,
§731c. Submission of sections 731b to 731e of this title to people of Puerto Rico for referendum; convening of constitutional convention; requisites of constitution
(July 3, 1950, ch. 446, §2,
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section was not enacted as part of the Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act which comprises this chapter.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Constitutional Convention
A constitutional convention to draft a constitution for the island of Puerto Rico convened in San Juan on Sept. 17, 1951, and concluded its deliberations on Feb. 6, 1952.
Referendum
Act July 3, 1950, which enacted
§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
Upon approval by the Congress the constitution shall become effective in accordance with its terms.
(July 3, 1950, ch. 446, §3,
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section was not enacted as part of the Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act which comprises this chapter.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico
Constitution of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico was approved by the Constitutional Convention of Puerto Rico on Feb. 6, 1952; ratified by the people of Puerto Rico on Mar. 3, 1952; amended and approved by Congress by Joint Res. July 3, 1952, ch. 567,
§731e. Chapter continued in force and effect
This chapter is continued in force and effect.
(July 3, 1950, ch. 446, §4,
Editorial Notes
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original "the Act entitled 'An Act to provide a civil government for Porto Rico, and for other purposes,' approved March 2, 1917, as amended", meaning act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145,
Codification
Section was not enacted as part of the Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act which comprises this chapter.
§732. Repealed. July 3, 1950, ch. 446, §5(2), 64 Stat. 320
Section, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, §4,
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of Repeal
Act July 3, 1950, ch. 446, §5,
§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.
(Apr. 12, 1900, ch. 191, §7,
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section was not enacted as part of the Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act which comprises this chapter.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
"Puerto Rico" substituted in text for "Porto Rico" pursuant to act May 17, 1932, which is classified to
§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.
(Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, §5a, as added Mar. 4, 1927, ch. 503, §2,
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section was formerly classified to
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
"Puerto Rico" substituted in text for "Porto Rico" pursuant to act May 17, 1932, which is classified to
§733a–1. 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,
§733b. Omitted
Editorial Notes
Codification
Prior to the enactment of the Nationality Act of 1940, act Oct. 14, 1940, ch. 876,
The second proviso thereof was repealed by section 504 of the Nationality Act of 1940. Provisions relating to citizenship of persons born in Puerto Rico, are contained in
§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 [
(Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, §9,
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Philippine Trade Act of 1946, referred to in text, is act Apr. 30, 1946, ch. 244,
The Philippine Trade Agreement Revision Act of 1955, referred to in text, is act Aug. 1, 1955, ch. 438,
The internal revenue laws of the United States, referred to in text, are classified generally to Title 26, Internal Revenue Code.
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in act Apr. 12, 1900, ch. 191, §14,
Amendments
1955—Act Aug. 1, 1955, inserted "or the Philippine Trade Agreement Revision Act of 1955".
1946—Act Apr. 30, 1946, inserted "other than those contained in the Philippine Trade Act of 1946".
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
"Puerto Rico" substituted in text for "Porto Rico" pursuant to act May 17, 1932, which is classified to
Effective Date of 1955 Amendment
Amendment by act Aug. 1, 1955, effective Jan. 1, 1956, see section 301(b) of act Aug. 1, 1955, set out as an Effective Date note under
Effective Date of 1946 Amendment
Amendment by act Apr. 30, 1946, effective on day after date of its enactment, Apr. 30, 1946, see section 512 of act Apr. 30, 1946, set out as an Effective Date note under
Executive Documents
Ex. Ord. No. 9909. Exempting District Court of the United States for Puerto Rico and the Department of Justice From Making Reports Required by This Section
Ex. Ord. No. 9909, eff. Dec. 9, 1947, 12 F.R. 8291, provided:
By virtue of the authority vested in me by section 49b(2) of the Organic Act of Puerto Rico, as amended by section 6 of the Act of August 5, 1947, Public Law 362, 80th Congress [
Harry S. Truman.
Ex. Ord. No. 10005. Establishment of President's Advisory Commission on Relation of Federal Laws to Puerto Rico
Ex. Ord. No. 10005, eff. Oct. 5, 1948, 13 F.R. 5854, provided:
WHEREAS section 9 of the Organic Act of Puerto Rico,
WHEREAS section 49b(3) of the said Act, which was added by section 6 of the act of August 5, 1947,
NOW, THEREFORE, by virtue of the authority vested in me by the said Organic Act of Puerto Rico, and as President of the United States, it is ordered as follows:
1. There is hereby created a commission to be known as the President's Advisory Commission on the Relation of Federal Laws to Puerto Rico, which shall be composed of nine members to be designated by the President and to serve without compensation.
2. The Commission shall from time to time make recommendations to the President concerning the exercise of his power under section 49b(3) of the Organic Act of Puerto Rico [
3. All executive departments and agencies of the Federal Government are authorized and directed to cooperate with the Commission in its work and to furnish the Commission such information as the Commission may require in the performance of its duties.
4. The Commission shall continue to exist until the President terminates its existence by Executive order.
Harry S. Truman.
Administrative Treatment of Puerto Rico as a State
Memorandum of President of the United States, Nov. 30, 1992, 57 F.R. 57093, provided:
Memorandum for the Heads of Executive Departments and Agencies
Puerto Rico is a self-governing territory of the United States whose residents have been United States citizens since 1917 and have fought valorously in five wars in the defense of our Nation and the liberty of others.
On July 25, 1952, as a consequence of steps taken by both the United States Government and the people of Puerto Rico voting in a referendum, a new constitution was promulgated establishing the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. The Commonwealth structure provides for self-government in respect of internal affairs and administration, subject to relevant portions of the Constitution and the laws of the United States. As long as Puerto Rico is a territory, however, the will of its people regarding their political status should be ascertained periodically by means of a general right of referendum or specific referenda sponsored either by the United States Government or the Legislature of Puerto Rico.
Because Puerto Rico's degree of constitutional self-government, population, and size set it apart from other areas also subject to Federal jurisdiction under Article IV, section 3, clause 2 of the Constitution, I hereby direct all Federal departments, agencies, and officials, to the extent consistent with the Constitution and the laws of the United States, henceforward to treat Puerto Rico administratively as if it were a State, except insofar as doing so with respect to an existing Federal program or activity would increase or decrease Federal receipts or expenditures, or would seriously disrupt the operation of such program or activity. With respect to a Federal program or activity for which no fiscal baseline has been established, this memorandum shall not be construed to require that such program or activity be conducted in a way that increases or decreases Federal receipts or expenditures relative to the level that would obtain if Puerto Rico were treated other than as a State.
If any matters arise involving the fundamentals of Puerto Rico's status, they shall be referred to the Office of the President.
This guidance shall remain in effect until Federal legislation is enacted altering the current status of Puerto Rico in accordance with the freely expressed wishes of the people of Puerto Rico.
The memorandum for the heads of executive departments and agencies on this subject, issued July 25, 1961 [26 F.R. 6695], is hereby rescinded.
This memorandum shall be published in the Federal Register.
George Bush.
§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.
(June 26, 1936, ch. 830, title III, §329(c),
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The National Prohibition Act, as amended, referred to in text, is act Oct. 28, 1919, ch. 85,
Codification
Provisions similar to those comprising this section relating to the Virgin Islands are classified to
Section was not enacted as part of the Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act which comprises this chapter.
§735. Repealed. July 3, 1950, ch. 446, §5(2), 64 Stat. 320
Section, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, §57,
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of Repeal
Repeal effective July 25, 1952, see Effective Date of Repeal note set out under
§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,
(Apr. 12, 1900, ch. 191, §8,
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section was not enacted as part of the Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act which comprises this chapter.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
"Puerto Rico" substituted in text for "Porto Rico" pursuant to act May 17, 1932, which is classified to
§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.
(Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, §2,
Editorial Notes
Amendments
1950—Act July 3, 1950, repealed all of section relating to bill of rights and restrictions except last paragraph.
1947—Act Aug. 5, 1947, inserted privileges and immunities provisions.
1934—Act Mar. 2, 1934, repealed so much of former provisions of twentieth paragraph of this section making it unlawful to import, manufacture, sell or give away, or to expose for sale or gift any intoxicating liquors. The penalty formerly contained in such paragraph, related only to violation of such provisions.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1950 Amendment
Amendment by act July 3, 1950, effective July 25, 1952, the date the Constitution of Puerto Rico became effective, see Effective Date of Repeal note set out under
§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.
(Apr. 12, 1900, ch. 191, §3,
Editorial Notes
Codification
Act Apr. 12, 1900, §3, as originally enacted, imposed tariff duties, amounting to 15 per centum of the duties on like articles imported from foreign countries, on all articles of merchandise coming into the United States from Porto Rico and vice versa. Merchandise and articles except coffee, not dutiable under United States' tariff laws, and merchandise or articles entered in Porto Rico free of duty under orders theretofore made by the Secretary of War, were to be admitted from the United States free of duty, all laws or parts of laws to the contrary, notwithstanding. However, all of the aforesaid tariff duties were to cease, and the provisions in the text were to become operative, whenever the local legislative assembly should put into operation a system of local taxation, and the President should make proclamation thereof. In no event were those duties to be collected after March 1, 1902. In accordance with the aforesaid provision President McKinley issued his proclamation July 25, 1901,
Section 3 also contained provisions relating to a tax on merchandise of Porto Rican manufacture equal to the internal-revenue tax imposed in the United States, and on merchandise of United States manufacture coming into Porto Rico, a tax equal to the internal-revenue tax imposed in Porto Rico upon like articles of Porto Rican manufacture which are contained in
Section was not enacted as part of the Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act which comprises this chapter.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
"Puerto Rico" substituted in text for "Porto Rico" pursuant to act May 17, 1932, which is classified to
§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.
(Apr. 12, 1900, ch. 191, §2,
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section was not enacted as part of the Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act which comprises this chapter.
Amendments
1909—Act Aug. 5, 1909, placed coffee in the bean or ground, imported into Puerto Rico, formerly subject to a duty of 5 cents, on the duty free list.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
"Puerto Rico" substituted in text for "Porto Rico" pursuant to act May 17, 1932, which is classified to
§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.
(Apr. 12, 1900, ch. 191, §4,
Editorial Notes
References in Text
This Act, referred to in text, means act Apr. 12, 1900, ch. 191,
Codification
Additional provisions of act Apr. 12, 1900, §4, directing the payment of duties and taxes into a separate fund in the Treasury of the United States until the organization of a local civil government, have been omitted.
Section was not enacted as part of the Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act which comprises this chapter.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
"Puerto Rico" substituted in text for "Porto Rico" pursuant to act May 17, 1932, which is classified to
Expenditures for Governmental and Public Purposes
The amount of customs revenue received by the United States on importations from Puerto Rico since its evacuation by the Spanish forces together with all that should thereafter be collected under the existing law were placed at the disposal of the President to be used for governmental and public purposes in Puerto Rico, by act Mar. 24, 1900, ch. 91,
Executive Documents
Transfer of Functions
All offices of collector of customs, comptroller of customs, surveyor of customs, and appraiser of merchandise of Bureau of Customs of Department of the Treasury to which appointments were required to be made by President with advice and consent of Senate ordered abolished, with such offices to be terminated not later than December 31, 1966, by Reorg. Plan No. 1, of 1965, eff. May 25, 1965, 30 F.R. 7035,
§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.
(Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, §3,
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section is comprised of first part of section 3 of act Mar. 2, 1917, down to the proviso clause. The remainder of section 3 is classified to
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in act Apr. 12, 1900, ch. 191, §38,
Amendments
1937—Act Aug. 26, 1937, reenacted section without substantive change.
1927—Act Mar. 4, 1927, inserted imposition of income taxes.
1921—Act Feb. 3, 1921, reenacted section without change.
§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.
(Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, §3,
Editorial Notes
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this Act", meaning act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145,
Codification
Section is comprised of last part of section 3 of act Mar. 2, 1917, as added by act Mar. 4, 1927. The first two parts are classified to
Amendments
1937—Act Aug. 26, 1937, reenacted section without substantive change.
§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.
(Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, §54,
Editorial Notes
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in act Mar. 22, 1902, ch. 273,
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
"Puerto Rico" substituted in text for "Porto Rico" pursuant to act May 17, 1932, which is classified to
§743. Repealed. July 1, 1944, ch. 373, title XIII, §1313, 58 Stat. 714
Section, acts Apr. 12, 1900, ch. 191, §10,
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Renumbering of Repealing Act
Title XIII, §1313, formerly title VI, §611, of act July 1, 1944, which repealed this section, was renumbered title VII, §711, by act Aug. 13, 1946, ch. 958, §5,
§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.
(Apr. 12, 1900, ch. 191, §9,
Editorial Notes
Codification
Additional provisions of section 9 of act Apr. 12, 1900, authorizing the making of regulations for the nationalization of all vessels owned by inhabitants of Puerto Rico on April 11, 1889, and which continued to be so owned up to the date of that nationalization and for the admission of the same to all the benefits of the coasting trade of the United States, have been omitted.
Section was not enacted as part of the Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act which comprises this chapter.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
"Puerto Rico" substituted in text for "Porto Rico" pursuant to act May 17, 1932, which is classified to
§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.
(Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, §3,
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section is comprised of second part of section 3 of act Mar. 2, 1917, commencing with proviso clause. The first and last parts of section 3 are classified to sections 741 and 741a, respectively, of this title.
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in act Apr. 12, 1900, ch. 191, §38,
Amendments
1961—
1950—Act Aug. 17, 1950, made section applicable to municipalities of Arecibo and Rio Piedras.
1937—Act Aug. 26, 1937, made section applicable to municipality of Mayaguez and substituted "August 26, 1937" for "March 4, 1927" wherever appearing.
1927—Act Mar. 4, 1927, made section applicable to municipalities of San Juan and Ponce, limited public indebtedness of other subdivisions or municipalities of Puerto Rico to 5 per centum, and inserted in last sentence two clauses, the first relating to the non-inclusion of municipal bonds for the payment of interest and principal, and the second reading "but all bonds after August 26, 1937, issued by any municipality or subdivision within the 5 per centum authorized for which the good faith of the people of Porto Rico is pledged shall be counted."
1921—Act Feb. 3, 1921, increased allowable public indebtedness from 7 to 10 per centum of aggregate tax valuation of property.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of 1961 Amendment
[Referendum held Dec. 10, 1961, and debt limitation amendment to Article VI, §2, of Constitution of Commonwealth of Puerto Rico ratified by a majority of voters.]
§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
(Aug. 13, 1935, ch. 516,
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section was not enacted as part of the Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act which comprises this chapter.
§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
(Aug. 3, 1935, ch. 435,
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section was not enacted as part of the Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act which comprises this chapter.
§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.
(July 1, 1902, ch. 1383, §1,
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section was not enacted as part of the Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act which comprises this chapter.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
"Puerto Rico" substituted in text for "Porto Rico" pursuant to act May 17, 1932, which is classified to
Law Library
Act July 1, 1902, ch. 1383, §2,
Expenses and Term of Resident Commissioner
Act July 1, 1902, ch. 1383, §3,
§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.
(Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, §7,
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section is comprised of that part of section 7 of act Mar. 2, 1917, preceding the proviso clause. The remainder of section 7 is classified to
Prior Provisions
Provisions similar to those in this section were contained in act Apr. 12, 1900, ch. 191, §13,
Amendments
1980—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
"Puerto Rico" substituted in text for "Porto Rico" pursuant to act May 17, 1932, which is classified to
§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.
(Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, §7,
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section is comprised of proviso clause of section 7 of act Mar. 2, 1917. The text preceding the proviso clause of section 7 is classified to
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
"Puerto Rico" substituted in text for "Porto Rico" pursuant to act May 17, 1932, which is classified to
Executive Documents
Delegation of Functions
For delegation to Secretary of the Interior of authority vested in President by this section, see Ex. Ord. No. 10250, eff. June 5, 1951, 16 F.R. 5385, set out under
§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
(Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, §8,
Editorial Notes
References in Text
This chapter, referred to in text, was in the original "this Act", meaning act Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145,
Codification
A further provision of section 8 of act Mar. 2, 1917, repealing act June 11, 1906, ch. 3075,
Amendments
1980—
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
"Puerto Rico" substituted in text for "Porto Rico" pursuant to act May 17, 1932, which is classified to
Department of War designated Department of the Army and title of Secretary of War changed to Secretary of the Army by section 205(a) of act July 26, 1947, ch. 343, title II,
§750. Repealed. July 3, 1950, ch. 446, §5(2), 64 Stat. 320
Section, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, §38,
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of Repeal
Repeal effective July 25, 1952, see note set out under
§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.
(Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, §38,
Editorial Notes
References in Text
The Safety Appliance Acts, referred to in text, are acts Mar. 2, 1893, ch. 196,
Codification
"Subtitle IV of title 49" substituted in text for "The Interstate Commerce Act and the several amendments made or to be made thereto [
Section is comprised of second paragraph of section 38 of act Mar. 2, 1917. The first and third paragraphs of section 38 were classified to sections 750 and 753, respectively, of this title.
Amendments
1927—Act Mar. 4, 1927, reenacted section without change.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
"Puerto Rico" substituted in text for "Porto Rico" pursuant to act May 17, 1932, which is classified to
§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.
(May 1, 1900, No. 23, §3,
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section is comprised of section 3 (less first sentence) of act May 1, 1900. The first sentence of such section 3 was superseded by section 39 of act Mar. 2, 1917. Prior to repeal of such section 39 by act July 3, 1950, the sentence read: "That all franchises, privileges or concessions granted under section thirty-two of said Act [act Apr. 12, 1900, ch. 191,
Section was not enacted as a part of the Puerto Rican Federal Relations Act which comprises this chapter.
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Change of Name
"Puerto Rico" substituted in text for "Porto Rico" pursuant to act May 17, 1932, which is classified to
Repeals
Section 5(2) of act July 3, 1950, repealed section 39 of act Mar. 2, 1917, cited as a credit to this section, eff. July 25, 1952. See Effective Date of Repeal note set out below.
Effective Date of Repeal
Repeal of section 39 of act Mar. 2, 1917, effective July 25, 1952, see note set out under
§§753, 754. Repealed. July 3, 1950, ch. 446, §5(2), (4), 64 Stat. 320
Section 753, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, §38,
Section 754, acts Mar. 2, 1917, ch. 145, §35,
Statutory Notes and Related Subsidiaries
Effective Date of Repeal
Repeal of sections 753 and 754 effective July 25, 1952, see note set out under
§755. Omitted
Editorial Notes
Codification
Section, act Apr. 12, 1900, ch. 191, §11,