In order to assist low-income families, a new law will give way to the creation of the Protective Seats Collection, Reuse and Recycling Programwith the purpose of donating these seats to those who cannot acquire them on their own, as long as they are in optimal condition for use.
The Law on the Program for the Collection, Reuse and Recycling of Protective Seats (Law 204 of 2024), authored by the representative Jose “Pichy” Torres Zamorawas signed by the governor Pedro Pierluision September 11, after receiving unanimous approval in the Legislature.
“This is to help families who do not have resources,” said Torres Zamora. “Here, the important thing is to spread the word, Because we depend on people being kind enough to donate, not throw it away, because sometimes they throw it away or keep it unnecessarily.and that it can be made available to many Puerto Rican families.”
The law provides that it will be up to the Fire Department and the Commission for Traffic Safety (CST) “establish a procedure for the collection and proper storage of car seats –for children under 4 years old– or booster seats –for children between 4 and 9 years old or who are 4 feet and 9 inches tall– that are in optimal condition to allow their reuse and are within their useful life.”
In the case of those seats not suitable for reuse, a mechanism must be established for their disposal. recycling not specified in the statute.
The collection centers, which will be located in the fire stations, according to the law, will be established, “through a coordination agreement” between that department and the CST, “according to the need for the service and available resources.”
Seats suitable for reuse must “have their proper labels, instruction manual, buckles and attachments, and be in full compliance with the standards, guidelines and useful life established by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and be certified in such compliance by the Fire Bureau” to ensure the safety of the participants.
Both parties will have to adopt and promulgate the necessary regulations to ensure compliance with the law. on or before three months from the date of its approval. Torres Zamora said that he will soon meet with the Fire Commissioner, Marcos Concepcion Tiradoand the executive director of the CST, Luis Rodriguez Diazto determine the content of the ordered regulations.