,,ii  #aah? ,,congress  #a/ ,session    
,s4 #cbca  ,,9 ,,! ,,s5ate ,,( ,,!      
,,unit$ ,,/ates  ,novemb] #f1 #bjbc,mr4 
,he9ri* 7= himself1 ,ms4 ,cortez ,ma/o1 
,mr4 ,padilla1 ,mr4 ,wyd51 ,mr4         
,blum5?al1 ,mr4 ,murphy1 ,mr4 ,s*atz1   
,mr4 ,fett]man1 ,mr4 ,m>key1 ,mr4       
,m]kley1 ,ms4 ,baldw91 ,mr4 ,:iteh\se1  
,mr4 ,re$1 ,mr4 ,hick5loop]1 ,mr4 ,lujn1
 ,mr4 ,casey1 ,mrs4 ,murray1 ,mr4 ,s&]s1
 ,mr4 ,b5net1 ,mr4 ,van ,holl51 & ,mr4  
,book]7 introduc$ ! foll[+ bill2 :i* 0  
read twice & ref]r$ to ! ,committee on  
,en]gy & ,natural ,res\rces  ,a ,,bill  
,to enable ! p ( ,pu]to ,rico to *oose a
 p]man5t1 nont]ritorial1 fully          
self-gov]n+ political /atus = ,pu]to    
,rico & to provide = a transition to & !
 implem5tation ( t p]man5t1             
nont]ritorial1 fully self-gov]n+        
political /atus1 & = o!r purposes4  #a4 
,%ort title ,?is ,act may be cit$ z !   
,pu]to ,rico ,/atus ,act4  #b4 ,table ( 
cont5ts ,! table ( cont5ts = ?is ,act is
 z foll[s3 ,sec4 #a4 ,%ort title4,sec4  

#b4 ,table ( cont5ts4,sec4 #c4          
,f9d+s4,sec4 #d4 ,def9itions4,sec4 #e4  
,plebiscite4,sec4 #f4 ,nonp>tisan vot]  
education campaign4,sec4 #g4            
,ov]sight4,sec4 #h4 ,funds = vot]       
education2 plebiscites4,sec4 #i4        
,bil+ual vot] educational mat]ials &    
ballots4,sec4 #aj4 ,pu]to ,rico         
,ov]sight1 ,managem5t1 & ,economic      
,/ability ,act4,sec4 #aa4               
,sev]ability4,title ,i--,transition &   
,implem5tation--,independence,sec4 #aja4
 ,con/itutional conv5tion4,sec4 #ajb4   
,"* ( ! con/itution4,sec4 #ajc4         
,submission2 ratification4,sec4 #ajd4   
,election ( (fic]s4,sec4 #aje4 ,con=m+  
am5dm5ts to exi/+ law4,sec4 #ajf4 ,jo9t 
,transition ,commission4,sec4 #ajg4     
,proclamations by ,presid5t ( ! ,unit$  
,/ates2 ,head ( ,/ate ( ,pu]to          
,rico4,sec4 #ajh4 ,legal & con/itutional
 provisions4,sec4 #aji4 ,judicial       
pron\ncem5ts4,sec4 #aaj4 ,citiz5%ip &   
immigration laws aft] ,pu]to ,rican     
indep5d5ce4,sec4 #aaa4 ,individual      

rights to economic b5efits &            
grants4,title ,,ii--,transition &       
,implem5tation--,sov]eignty 9 ,free     
,association ) ! ,unit$ ,states,sec4    
#bja4 ,con/itutional conv5tion4,sec4    
#bjb4 ,"* ( ! con/itution4,sec4 #bjc4   
,submission2 ratification4,sec4 #bjd4   
,election ( (fic]s4,sec4 #bje4          
,proclamations by ,presid5t ( ! ,unit$  
,/ates2 ,head ( ,/ate ( ,pu]to          
,rico4,sec4 #bjf4 ,legal & con/itutional
 provisions4,sec4 #bjg4 ,judicial       
pron\ncem5ts4,sec4 #bjh4 ,citiz5%ip &   
immigration laws aft] sov]eignty ?r\gh  
free association4,sec4 #bji4 ,con=m+    
am5dm5ts to exi/+ law4,sec4 #baj4       
,bilat]al ,negotiat+ ,commission4,sec4  
#baa4 ,articles ( ,free ,association    
approval & effective date4,sec4 #bab4   
,t]m9ation4,sec4 #bac4 ,individual      
rights to economic b5efits &            
grants4,title ,,iii--,transition &      
,implem5tation--,statehood,sec4 #cja4   
,presid5tial proclamation2 admission    
into ! ,union4,sec4 #cjb4 ,con=m+       

am5dm5ts to exi/+ law4,sec4 #cjc4       
,t]ritory & b\nd>ies4,sec4 #cjd4        
,con/itution4,sec4 #cje4 ,elections (   
,s5ators & ,repres5tatives1             
c]tification1 & legal disputes4,sec4    
#cjf4 ,/ate title to l& & prop]ty4,sec4 
#cjg4 ,cont9uity ( laws1 gov]nm5t1 &    
obligations4,sec4 #cjh4 ,judicial       
pron\ncem5ts4  #c4 ,f9d+s ,9 recognition
 ( ! inh]5t limitations ( ,pu]to ,rico's
 t]ritorial /atus1 & ! responsibility ( 
! ,f$]al ,gov]nm5t to enable ! p ( !    
t]ritory to freely express _! wi%es     
reg>d+ political /atus & a*ieve full    
self-gov]nm5t1 ,congress seeks to enable
 ! eligible vot]s ( ,pu]to ,rico to     
*oose a p]man5t1 non-t]ritorial1 fully  
self-gov]n+ political /atus = ,pu]to    
,rico & to provide = a transition to & !
 implem5tation ( said p]man5t1          
nont]ritorial1 fully self-gov]n+ /atus4 
#d4 ,def9itions ,9 ?is ,act3 7#a7       
,bilat]al ,negotiat+ ,commission ,! t]m 
,bilat]al ,negotiat+ ,commission means !
 ,bilat]al ,negotiat+ ,commission       

e/abli%$ "u section #bji7;a74  7#b7     
,elections ,commission ,! t]m ,elections
 ,commission means ! ,pu]to ,rico ,/ate 
,elections ,commission 7,comisin ,e/atal
 de ,elecciones de ,pu]to ,rico1 9      
,spani%74  7#c7 ,eligible vot]s ,! t]m  
eligible vot]s means bona fide resid5ts 
( ,pu]to ,rico :o are o!rwise qualifi$  
to vote 9 g5]al elections 9 ,pu]to      
,rico4  7#d7 ,initial plebiscite ,! t]m 
initial plebiscite means ! plebiscite   
requir$ by section #e7;a77#a74  7#e7    
,majority ,! t]m majority means m ?an   
#ej p]c5t4  7#f7 ,run(f plebiscite ,!   
t]m run(f plebiscite means ! plebiscite 
requir$ by section #e7;a77#d74  #e4     
,plebiscite  7a7 ,9 g5]al  7#a7 ,initial
 plebiscite ,a plebiscite to resolve    
,pu]to ,rico's political /atus %all be  
held on ,novemb] #b1 #bjbe4  7#b7       
,options ,! plebiscite held "u p>agraph 
7#a7 %all (f] eligible vot]s a *oice (  
"o ( ! ?ree options :i* %all be pres5t$ 
on ! ballot z foll[s3 7,a7 ,indep5d5ce4 
7,b7 ,sov]eignty 9 ,free ,association ) 

! ,unit$ ,/ates4  7,c7 ,/atehood4  7#c7 
,majority vote requir$ ,approval ( a    
/atus option mu/ be by a majority ( !   
valid votes ca/4  7#d7 ,run(f plebiscite
 ,if !re is n a majority 9 favor ( "o ( 
! ?ree options def9$ 9 ?is ,act1 !n a   
run(f plebiscite %all be held on ,m>*   
#h1 #bjbf1 :i* %all (f] eligible vot]s a
 *oice ( ! two options t receiv$ ! mo/  
votes 9 ! plebiscite held "u p>agraph   
7#a74  7b7 ,ballot language ,a ballot = 
a plebiscite requir$ by subsection 7a7  
%all include ! foll[+ language1 except t
 ! ballot = ! run(f plebiscite %all omit
 ! option t receiv$ ! fewe/ votes 9 !   
initial plebiscite3 7#a7 ,in/ructions   
,m>k ! /atus option y *oose z ea* is    
def9$ bel[4 ,a ballot ) m ?an #a option 
m>k$ w n be c\nt$4 ,a ballot ) no option
 m>k$ w n be c\nt$4  7#b7 ,indep5d5ce   
,if y agree1 m>k "h 4 7,a7 ,pu]to ,rico 
is a sov]eign nation t has full au?ority
 & responsibility ov] its t]ritory &    
population "u a con/itution ( its own   
adoption :i* %all be ! supreme law ( !  

nation4  7,b7 ,pu]to ,rico is ve/$ )    
full p[]s & responsibilities consi/5t ) 
! rights & responsibilities t devolve ^u
 a sov]eign nation "u int]national law1 
includ+ its own fiscal & monet>y policy1
 immigration1 trade1 & ! conduct 9 its  
own "n & "r ( relations ) o!r nations & 
int]national organizations4  7,c7 ,pu]to
 ,rico has full au?ority &              
responsibility ov] its citiz5%ip &      
immigration laws1 & bir? 9 ,pu]to ,rico 
or relation%ip to p]sons ) /atutory     
,unit$ ,/ates citiz5%ip by bir? 9 ! =m] 
t]ritory %all cease to be a basis =     
,unit$ ,/ates nationality or citiz5%ip1 
except t p]sons :o h su* ,unit$ ,/ates  
citiz5%ip h a "r to reta9 ,unit$ ,/ates 
nationality & citiz5%ip = life1 by      
entitlem5t or election z provid$ by     
,f$]al law4  7,d7 ,pu]to ,rico w no     
long] be a possession ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates 
= purposes ( ! ,int]nal ,rev5ue ,code4  
,9 g5]al1 ,unit$ ,/ates citiz5s & ,unit$
 ,/ates bus9esses 9 ! nation ( ,pu]to   
,rico w be subject to ,unit$ ,/ates     

,f$]al tax laws 7z is ! case ) any o!r  
,unit$ ,/ates citiz5 or ,unit$ ,/ates   
bus9ess abroad7 & to ,pu]to ,rican tax  
laws4 ,pu]to ,rico's /atus z an         
indep5d5t1 sov]eign nation w be !       
controll+ factor 9 ! taxation ( ,pu]to  
,rican taxpay]s4  7,e7 ,! ,con/itution &
 laws ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates no long] apply 9
 ,pu]to ,rico & ,unit$ ,/ates sov]eignty
 9 ,pu]to ,rico is end$4  7#c7          
,sov]eignty 9 ,free ,association ) !    
,unit$ ,/ates ,if y agree1 m>k "h 4 7,a7
 ,pu]to ,rico is a sov]eign nation t has
 full au?ority & responsibility ov] its 
t]ritory & population "u a con/itution (
 its own adoption :i* %all be ! supreme 
law ( ! nation4  7,b7 ,pu]to ,rico is   
ve/$ ) full p[]s & responsibilities     
consi/5t ) ! rights & responsibilities t
 devolve ^u a sov]eign nation "u        
int]national law1 includ+ its own fiscal
 & monet>y policy1 immigration1 trade1 &
 ! conduct 9 its own "n & "r ( relations
 ) o!r nations & int]national           
organizations1 except z o!rwise provid$ 

= 9 ! ,articles ( ,free ,association to 
be negotiat$ by ,pu]to ,rico & ! ,unit$ 
,/ates4  7,c7 ,pu]to ,rico has full     
au?ority & responsibility ov] its       
citiz5%ip & immigration laws1 & p]sons  
:o h ,unit$ ,/ates citiz5%ip h a "r to  
reta9 ,unit$ ,/ates nationality &       
citiz5%ip = life by entitlem5t or       
election z provid$ by ,f$]al law4  7,d7 
,bir? 9 ,pu]to ,rico %all cease to be a 
basis = ,unit$ ,/ates nationality or    
citiz5%ip4 ,individuals born 9 ,pu]to   
,rico to at lea/ "o p>5t :o is a citiz5 
( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all be ,unit$ ,/ates 
citiz5s at bir?1 consi/5t ) !           
immigration laws ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 = ! 
duration ( ! fir/ agreem5t ( ! ,articles
 ( ,free ,association4  7,e7 ,pu]to     
,rico ent]s into ,articles ( ,free      
,association ) ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 ) su*   
devolution & res]vation ( gov]nm5tal    
functions & o!r bilat]al arrangem5ts z  
may be agre$ to by bo? ,p>ties "u !     
,articles1 :i* %all be t]m9able at w by 
ei!r ! ,unit$ ,/ates or ,pu]to ,rico at 

any "t4  7,f7 ,pu]to ,rico w no long] be
 a possession ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates =       
purposes ( ! ,int]nal ,rev5ue ,code4 ,9 
g5]al1 ,unit$ ,/ates citiz5s & ,unit$   
,/ates bus9esses 9 ! nation ( ,pu]to    
,rico w be subject to ,unit$ ,/ates     
,f$]al tax laws 7z is ! case ) any o!r  
,unit$ ,/ates citiz5 or ,unit$ ,/ates   
bus9ess abroad7 & to ,pu]to ,rican tax  
laws4 ,pu]to ,rico's /atus z an         
indep5d5t1 sov]eign nation w be !       
controll+ factor 9 ! taxation ( ,pu]to  
,rican taxpay]s4 ,9 addition1 ,pu]to    
,rico w ent] into an agreem5t ) ! ,unit$
 ,/ates to provide = ,sov]eignty 9 ,free
 ,association betwe5 ! two nations4 ,?is
 agreem5t may modify ! o!rwise          
applicable tax rules1 subject to        
negotiation & ratification by ! two     
nations4  7,g7 ,! ,con/itution ( !      
,unit$ ,/ates no long] applies 9 ,pu]to 
,rico1 ! laws ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates no long]
 apply 9 ,pu]to ,rico except z o!rwise  
provid$ 9 ! ,articles ( ,free           
,association1 & ,unit$ ,/ates sov]eignty

 9 ,pu]to ,rico is end$4  7,h7 ,all     
matt]s p]ta9+ to ! gov]nm5t-to-gov]nm5t 
relation%ip betwe5 ,pu]to ,rico & !     
,unit$ ,/ates1 :i* may include =eign    
affairs1 trade1 f9ance1 taxation1       
curr5cy1 economic assi/ance1 security & 
def5se1 dispute resolution & t]m9ation1 
%all be provid$ = 9 ! ,articles ( ,free 
,association4  7#d7 ,/atehood ,if y     
agree1 m>k "h 4 7,a7 ,! ,/ate ( ,pu]to  
,rico is admitt$ into ! ,union on an    
equal foot+ ) ! o!r ,/ates 9 all        
respects :atev] & is a "p ( ! p]man5t   
union ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates ( ,am]ica1      
subject to ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,con/itution1
 ) p[]s n prohibit$ by ! ,con/itution to
 ! ,/ates & res]v$ to ! ,/ate ( ,pu]to  
,rico or to its resid5ts4  7,b7 ,!      
resid5ts ( ,pu]to ,rico are fully       
self-gov]n+ ) _! rights secur$ "u !     
,unit$ ,/ates ,con/itution1 :i* %all be 
fully applicable 9 ,pu]to ,rico & :i*1 )
 ! laws & treaties ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 is
 ! supreme law & has ! same =ce & effect
 9 ,pu]to ,rico z 9 ! o!r ,/ates ( !    

,union4  7,c7 ,unit$ ,/ates citiz5%ip ( 
^? born 9 ,pu]to ,rico is recogniz$1    
protect$1 & secur$ "u ! ,unit$ ,/ates   
,con/itution 9 ! same way su* citiz5%ip 
is = all ,unit$ ,/ates citiz5s born 9 ! 
o!r ,/ates4  7,d7 ,pu]to ,rico w no     
long] be a possession ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates 
= purposes ( ! ,int]nal ,rev5ue ,code4  
,in/ead1 ! ,/ate ( ,pu]to ,rico w become
 a ,/ate on equal foot+ ) ea* ( ! curr5t
 #ej ,/ates 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates ( ,am]ica4
 ,individuals & bus9esses resid5t 9 !   
,/ate ( ,pu]to ,rico w be subject to    
,unit$ ,/ates ,f$]al tax laws z well z  
applicable ,/ate tax laws4  7c7         
,implem5tation ( ,plebiscite ,!         
plebiscites au?oriz$ by ?is section %all
 be implem5t$ by ! ,elections           
,commission1 consi/5t ) ! laws ( ,pu]to 
,rico & ,f$]al law4  7d7 ,results ,!    
,elections ,commission %all in=m !      
,presid5t ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 ! ,presid5t
 pro tempore ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,s5ate1 !
 ,speak] ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,h\se (      
,repres5tatives1 ! ,s5ate ,committee on 

,en]gy & ,natural ,res\rces1 & ! ,h\se  
,committee on ,natural ,res\rces (--    
7#a7 ! results ( ! initial plebiscite n 
lat] ?an #cj cal5d> days aft] ! initial 
plebiscite is held2 &  7#b7 ! results ( 
! run(f plebiscite1 if held1 n lat] ?an 
#cj cal5d> days aft] ! run(f plebiscite 
is held4  7e7 ,jurisdiction ( ,di/rict  
,c\rt ,! ,unit$ ,/ates ,di/rict ,c\rt = 
! ,di/rict ( ,pu]to ,rico %all h orig9al
 & exclusive jurisdiction ( any civil   
action alleg+ a dispute or controv]sy   
p]ta9+ to electoral processes conduct$  
"u ?is section4  #f4 ,nonp>tisan vot]   
education campaign  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,!     
,elections ,commission %all c>ry out a  
nonp>tisan vot] education campaign ?r\gh
 traditional paid m$ia & make available 
at all vot+ locations vot] education    
mat]ials relat$ to ! plebiscites        
au?oriz$ "u ?is ,act consi/5t )         
,dep>tm5t ( ,ju/ice approval "u section 
#g4  7b7 ,vot] education mat]ials ,at a 
m9imum1 ! vot] education mat]ials %all  
address = ea* option-- 7#a7 int]national

 repres5tation2  7#b7 citiz5%ip &       
immigration2 &  7#c7 access & treatm5t  
"u ,f$]al law & programs4  #g4 ,ov]sight
  7a7 ,submission ( mat]ials ,n lat] ?an
 #fj days aft] ! date ( ! enactm5t ( ?is
 ,act1 ! ,elections ,commission %all    
submit ! ballot design & vot] education 
mat]ials = ! plebiscites au?oriz$ "u ?is
 ,act to ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,attorney      
,g5]al = review & ! ,elections          
,commission %all make n m ?an "o        
submission ( ! ballot design & vot]     
education mat]ials to ! ,attorney ,g5]al
 = review4  7b7 ,effect ( ,failure ,to  
comply ,if ! ,attorney ,g5]al fails to  
comply ) subsection 7c7 )9 ! #de-;day   
p]iod1 ! ballot design & vot] education 
mat]ials %all be consid]$ approv$4  7c7 
,review ,n lat] ?an #de days aft]       
receiv+ ! ballot design & vot] education
 mat]ials "u subsection 7a71 ! ,attorney
 ,g5]al %all review ! ballot design &   
vot] education mat]ials to ensure       
consi/5cy ) ?is ,act & to ensure t !    
?ree options def9$ 9 ?is ,act are       

repres5t$ fairly1 especially 9 ! ev5t t 
any ( ! ?ree options are n repres5t$ on 
! ,elections ,commission by a memb] ( a 
political p>ty t supports su* option1   
&-- 7#a7 return ! mat]ials to !         
,elections ,commission ) comm5ts &      
in/ructions = *anges2 or  7#b7 be=e !   
expiration ( ! #de-;day p]iod1 in=m !   
,elections ,commission t no in/ructions 
or reque/s = *anges %all be made "u     
p>agraph 7#a71 b t ! ,attorney ,g5]al   
res]ves ! "r to submit in/ructions =    
*anges 9 accordance ) ?is section if    
additional in=mation comes to ! att5tion
 ( ! ,attorney ,g5]al dur+ ! rema9d] ( !
 #de-;day p]iod4  7d7 ,revision ,n lat] 
?an #de days aft] receiv+ comm5ts &     
in/ructions = *anges f ! ,attorney      
,g5]al "u subsection 7c71 ! ,elections  
,commission %all revise ! ballot design 
& vot] education mat]ials z reque/$ by !
 ,attorney ,g5]al4  7e7 ,election       
,obs]v]s ,! ,elections ,commission %all 
invite national & int]national election 
obs]v]s to ensure transp>5cy & confid5ce

 9 ! electoral process4 ,obs]v]s %all be
 pres5t dur+ ! initial plebiscite vote &
 dur+ ! run(f plebiscite vote4  #h4     
,funds = vot] education2 plebiscites    
7a7 ,au?orization ( appropriations ,!re 
is au?oriz$ to be appropriat$ su* sums z
 are necess>y = ! ,elections ,commission
 to c>ry out a nonp>tisan vot] education
 campaign & an initial plebiscite &1 if 
necess>y1 a run(f plebiscite "u ?is     
,act4  7b7 ,exi/+ funds ,not)/&+ any    
provision ( ,public ,law #aac-gf1 funds 
made available "u su* ,act to c>ry out a
 plebiscite on ,pu]to ,rico's /atus %all
 be made available to c>ry out ?is ,act4
  #i4 ,bil+ual vot] educational mat]ials
 & ballots ,all vot] educational        
mat]ials & ballots us$ to c>ry out ?is  
,act %all be made available 9 ,engli% & 
,spani%4  #aj4 ,pu]to ,rico ,ov]sight1  
,managem5t1 & ,economic ,/ability ,act  
,^u ! admission ( ! ,/ate ( ,pu]to ,rico
 into ! ,union or on ! date t !         
,gov]nm5t ( ! nation ( ,pu]to ,rico     
initially takes (fice3 7#a7 ,9 g5]al ,! 

,pu]to ,rico ,ov]sight1 ,managem5t1 &   
,economic ,/ability ,act 7#dh ,u4,s4,c4 
#baja et seq47 %all no long] apply to ! 
,/ate ( ,pu]to ,rico or ! nation (      
,pu]to ,rico1 z ! case may be4  7#b7    
,ov]sight bo>d ,! ,f9ancial ,ov]sight & 
,managem5t ,bo>d = ,pu]to ,rico e/abli%$
 "u section #aja7;b77#a7 ( ! ,pu]to     
,rico ,ov]sight1 ,managem5t1 & ,economic
 ,/ability ,act 7#dh ,u4,s4,c4          
#baba7;b77#a77 is t]m9at$ & all duties &
 responsibilities assign$ to ! ,ov]sight
 ,bo>d %all return to ! ,/ate ( ,pu]to  
,rico or ! nation ( ,pu]to ,rico1 z !   
case may be4  7#c7 ,transf] ,all funds1 
prop]ty1 & assets ( ! bo>d describ$ 9   
subp>agraph 7,b7 %all be transf]r$ to ! 
,/ate ( ,pu]to ,rico or ! nation (      
,pu]to ,rico1 z ! case may be4  #aa4    
,sev]ability ,if any provision ( ?is    
,act1 or any section1 subsection1       
s5t5ce1 clause1 phrase1 or individual   
^w1 or ! application !re( to any p]son  
or circum/ance is held invalid by a c\rt
 ( jurisdiction1 ! validity ( ! rema9d] 

( ! ,act & ( ! application ( any su*    
provision1 section1 subsection1 s5t5ce1 
clause1 phrase1 or individual ^w to o!r 
p]sons & circum/ances %all n be affect$ 
!reby4  ,i ,transition &                
,implem5tation--,indep5d5ce  #aja4      
,con/itutional conv5tion  7a7 ,election 
( delegates ,n lat] ?an #f mon?s aft] ! 
effective date ( c]tification ( a       
plebiscite result "u ?is ,act 9 favor ( 
indep5d5ce1 ! legislature ( ,pu]to ,rico
 %all provide = ! election ( delegates  
to a con/itutional ,conv5tion to =mulate
 & draft a ,con/itution = ! nation (    
,pu]to ,rico4  7b7 ,eligible vot]s ,all 
eligible vot]s may vote 9 ! election (  
delegates to ! con/itutional ,conv5tion4
  7c7 ,g5]al applicability ( electoral  
law ,! laws ( ! t]ritory ( ,pu]to ,rico 
relat+ to ! electoral process %all apply
 to a special election held "u ?is ,act4
  7d7 ,initial meet+ ,n lat] ?an #c     
mon?s aft] ! election ( delegates to !  
con/itutional ,conv5tion1 ! elect$      
delegates %all meet at su* "t & place z 

! legislature ( ,pu]to ,rico %all       
det]m9e4 ,! initial meet+ %all con/itute
 ! e/abli%m5t ( ! con/itutional         
,conv5tion4  #ajb4 ,"* ( ! con/itution  
,! con/itutional ,conv5tion "u section  
#aja %all =mulate & draft a ,con/itution
 = ,pu]to ,rico t gu>antees ! protection
 ( fundam5tal human rights1 includ+--   
7#a7 due process & equal protection "u !
 law2  7#b7 fre$om ( spee*1 press1      
assembly1 association1 & religion2  7#c7
 ! rights ( ! accus$2  7#d7 any o!r     
economic1 social1 & cultural rights z ! 
con/itutional ,conv5tion may deem       
appropriate & necess>y2 &  7#e7         
provisions to ensure t no individual    
born 9 ! nation ( ,pu]to ,rico %all be  
/ateless at bir?4  #ajc4 ,submission2   
ratification  7a7 ,submission ,n lat]   
?an "o ye> aft] ! e/abli%m5t ( !        
con/itutional ,conv5tion1 ! ,con/itution
 =mulat$ & draft$ by ! con/itutional    
,conv5tion %all be submitt$ to !        
eligible vot]s ( ,pu]to ,rico =         
ratification or rejection 9 a special   

election4  7b7 ,mann] ( election ,!     
special election held "u ?is subsection 
%all be held 9 ! mann] prescrib$ by !   
legislature ( ,pu]to ,rico4  #ajd4      
,election ( (fic]s  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat]
 ?an "o mon? aft] ! ratification ( !    
,con/itution "u section #ajc1 ! ,gov]nor
 ( ! t]ritory ( ,pu]to ,rico %all issue 
a proclamation call+ = ! election ( su* 
(fic]s ( ! nation ( ,pu]to ,rico z may  
be requir$ by ! ratifi$ ,con/itution4   
7b7 ,rejection ,if ! special election   
results 9 rejection ( ! ,con/itution1 ! 
process provid$ = 9 sections #aja ?r\gh 
#ajc %all be repeat$1 except t section  
#aja7;a7 %all be appli$ by sub/itut+--  
7#a7 ! special election = a plebiscite2 
&  7#b7 reject+ ( ! ,con/itution = 9    
favor ( indep5d5ce4  7c7 ,deadl9e2      
proc$ures ,! election "u subsection 7a7 
%all be held-- 7#a7 n lat] ?an #f mon?s 
aft] ! date ( ratification ( !          
,con/itution2 &  7#b7 9 accordance ) !  
proc$ures & requirem5ts e/abli%$ 9 !    
,con/itution ( ! nation ( ,pu]to ,rico4 

7d7 ,c]tification ( results ,n lat] ?an 
#aj days aft] ! election ( (fic]s "u    
subsection 7a71 ! ,elections ,commission
 %all c]tify ! results ( ! election4 ,! 
,gov]nor ( ! t]ritory ( ,pu]to ,rico    
%all in=m ! results ( ! election to !   
,presid5t ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 ! ,presid5t
 pro tempore ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,s5ate1 !
 ,speak] ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,h\se (      
,repres5tatives1 ! ,committee on ,en]gy 
& ,natural ,res\rces ( ! ,s5ate1 & !    
,committee on ,natural ,res\rces ( !    
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives4  #aje4 ,con=m+ 
am5dm5ts to exi/+ law  7a7 ,review ,n   
lat] ?an #cj days aft] ! initial meet+ (
 a con/itutional ,conv5tion "u section  
#aja7;d71 ! ,presid5t %all initiate a   
review ( ,f$]al law ) respect to ,pu]to 
,rico1 includ+ ^? reg>d+-- 7#a7 taxation
 ( p]sons & bus9esses2  7#b7 heal? c>e2 
7#c7 h\s+2  7#d7 transportation2  7#e7  
education2 &  7#f7 entitlem5t programs4 
7b7 ,recomm5dations ,n lat] ?an "o ye>  
aft] ! date on :i* ! ,presid5t initiates
 a review "u subsection 7a71 ! ,presid5t

 %all submit recomm5dations to ,congress
 = *anges to ,f$]al law id5tifi$ dur+   
su* review1 z ! ,presid5t deems         
appropriate4  #ajf4 ,jo9t ,transition   
,commission  7a7 ,appo9tm5t ,n lat] ?an 
#c mon?s aft] ! e/abli%m5t ( a          
con/itutional ,conv5tion "u section     
#aja7;d71 a ,jo9t ,transition           
,commission %all be appo9t$ 9 equal     
numb]s by ! ,presid5t ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates 
& ! presid+ (fic] ( ! ,con/itutional    
,conv5tion ( ,pu]to ,rico4  7b7 ,duties 
,! ,jo9t ,transition ,commission %all be
 responsible = exp$it+ ! ord]ly transf] 
( all functions curr5tly ex]cis$ by !   
,f$]al ,gov]nm5t 9 ,pu]to ,rico1 or 9   
relation to ,pu]to ,rico to ! nation (  
,pu]to ,rico1 & %all recomm5d to        
,congress any appropriate legislation to
 c>ry out su* transf]4  7c7             
,collaboration ,! ,gov]nm5t ( ! t]ritory
 ( ,pu]to ,rico & ! ag5cies ( !         
,gov]nm5t ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all        
collaborate ) ! ,jo9t ,transition       
,commission & subsequ5tly ! (fic]s ( !  

nation ( ,pu]to ,rico1 to provide = !   
ord]ly transf] ( ! functions "u         
subsection 7b74  #ajg4 ,proclamations by
 ,presid5t ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates2 ,head (   
,/ate ( ,pu]to ,rico  7a7 ,proclamation 
,n lat] ?an "o mon? aft] ! (ficial      
c]tification ( ! elect$ (fic]s ( !      
nation ( ,pu]to ,rico "u section        
#ajd7;d71 ! ,presid5t ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates 
%all by proclamation-- 7#a7 )draw &     
surr5d] all rights ( possession1        
sup]vision1 jurisdiction1 control1 or   
sov]eignty !n exi/+ & ex]cis$ by !      
,unit$ ,/ates ov] ! t]ritory & resid5ts 
( ,pu]to ,rico2  7#b7 recognize1 on     
behalf ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates ( ,am]ica1 !   
indep5d5ce ( ! nation ( ,pu]to ,rico & !
 au?ority ( ! gov]nm5t in/itut$ by      
eligible vot]s ( ,pu]to ,rico "u !      
,con/itution ( _! own adoption2 &  7#c7 
/ate t ! effective date ( )drawal ( !   
sov]eignty ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates &          
recognition ( indep5d5ce %all be ! same 
z ! date ( ! proclamation4  7b7 ,copy ( 
,proclamation =w>d$ ,! ,presid5t ( !    

,unit$ ,/ates %all =w>d a copy ( !      
proclamation issu$ "u subsection 7a7 n  
lat] ?an "o week aft] signature to !    
presid+ (fic] ( ! ,con/itutional        
,conv5tion ( ,pu]to ,rico1 ! (fic]      
elect$ z head ( /ate ( ! nation1 !      
,presid5t pro tempore ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates 
,s5ate1 ! ,speak] ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates     
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives1 ! ,s5ate       
,committee on ,en]gy & ,natural         
,res\rces1 & ! ,h\se ,committee on      
,natural ,res\rces4  7c7 ,date ,gov]nm5t
 ,to ,take ,(fice ,n lat] ?an "o week   
aft] ! date ( receipt ( ! ,presid5tial  
proclamation & ) ! advice ( ! (fic]     
elect$ z head ( /ate ( ! nation1 !      
presid+ (fic] ( ! con/itutional         
,conv5tion %all det]m9e ! date on :i* ! 
,gov]nm5t ( ! nation %all take (fice1 & 
%all s notify ! ,gov]nor ( ! t]ritory ( 
,pu]to ,rico1 ! ,presid5t ( ! ,unit$    
,/ates1 ! ,presid5t pro tempore ( !     
,unit$ ,/ates ,s5ate1 & ! ,speak] ( !   
,unit$ ,/ates ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives4  
#ajh4 ,legal & con/itutional provisions 

,^u ! proclamation ( indep5d5ce z       
provid$ 9 ?is title1 & except z o!rwise 
provid$ 9 ?is title or 9 any sep>ate    
agreem5ts !reaft] conclud$ betwe5 !     
,unit$ ,/ates & ! nation ( ,pu]to       
,rico-- 7#a7 all prop]ty1 rights1 &     
int]e/s :i* ! ,unit$ ,/ates may h       
acquir$ ov] ,pu]to ,rico by virtue ( !  
,treaty ( ,p>is ( #ahih1 & !reaft] by   
cession1 pur*ase1 or em95t doma91 ) !   
exception ( su* l& & o!r prop]ty1       
rights1 or int]e/s z may h be5 sold or  
o!rwise legally dispos$ ( prior to !    
proclamation ( ,indep5d5ce1 %all ve/    
ipso facto 9 ! nation ( ,pu]to ,rico2 & 
7#b7 except z provid$ 9 section #aaj1   
all laws ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates applicable to
 ! t]ritory ( ,pu]to ,rico imm$iately   
prior to ! proclamation ( ,indep5d5ce   
%all no long] apply 9 ! nation ( ,pu]to 
,rico4  #aji4 ,judicial pron\ncem5ts    
7a7 ,judgm5ts be=e proclamation ,!      
nation ( ,pu]to ,rico %all recognize &  
give effect to all ord]s & judgm5ts     
r5d]$ by ,unit$ ,/ates or t]ritorial    

c\rts be=e ! date ( ! proclamation (    
indep5d5ce pursuant to ! laws ( ! ,unit$
 ,/ates !n applicable to ! t]ritory (   
,pu]to ,rico4  7b7 ,cont9uity ( p5d+    
proce$+s ,all judicial proce$+s p5d+ 9 !
 c\rts ( ! t]ritory ( ,pu]to ,rico on ! 
day ( ! proclamation ( indep5d5ce %all  
be cont9u$ 9 ! correspond+ c\rts "u !   
,con/itution ( ! nation ( ,pu]to ,rico4 
7c7 ,transf] ( judicial p[] ,^u !       
proclamation ( indep5d5ce1 ! judicial   
p[] ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all no long]     
ext5d to ,pu]to ,rico4 ,all proce$+s    
p5d+ 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,di/rict ,c\rt = 
! ,di/rict ( ,pu]to ,rico %all be       
transf]r$ to ! correspond+ ,pu]to ,rican
 c\rts ( compet5ce or o!r compet5t      
judicial au?ority "u ! ,con/itution ( ! 
nation ( ,pu]to ,rico = disposition 9   
con=mity ) laws applicable at ! "t :5 ! 
controv]sy 9 process arose4 ,all        
proce$+s p5d+ 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,c\rt ( 
,appeals = ! ,fir/ ,circuit1 or 9 !     
,supreme ,c\rt ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 t     
initiat$ 91 or t c\ld h be5 initiat$ 91 

! c\rts ( ! t]ritory or 9 ! ,unit$      
,/ates ,di/rict ,c\rt = ! ,di/rict (    
,pu]to ,rico %all cont9ue until _! f9al 
disposition & %all be submitt$ to !     
compet5t au?ority ( ! nation ( ,pu]to   
,rico = prop] execution3 ,provid$1 ,t   
nei!r ! ,unit$ ,/ates nor any ( its     
(fic]s is a p>ty1 9 :i* case any f9al   
judgm5t %all be prop]ly execut$ by !    
compet5t au?ority ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates4    
#aaj4 ,citiz5%ip & immigration laws aft]
 ,pu]to ,rican indep5d5ce  7a7 ,9 g5]al 
7#a7 ,pu]to rican nationality ,aft] !   
effective date ( indep5d5ce1 ! citiz5%ip
 /atus ( ea* individual born 9 ,pu]to   
,rico %all be det]m9$ 9 accordance ) !  
,con/itution & laws ( ! nation ( ,pu]to 
,rico4  7#b7 ,unit$ /ates immigration   
laws ,except z describ$ 9 ?is section1  
aft] ! effective date ( indep5d5ce      
citiz5s ( ,pu]to ,rico seek+ to ent]    
into ! ,unit$ ,/ates or obta9 citiz5%ip 
9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all be subject to !  
immigration laws ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates 7z   
su* t]m is def9$ 9 section #aja ( !     

,immigration & ,nationality ,act 7#h    
,u4,s4,c4 #aaja774  7b7 ,effect ( pu]to 
rican citiz5%ip ,no?+ 9 ?is ,act        
precludes or limits ! applicability (   
section #cdi ( ! ,immigration &         
,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #adha71 
except t ! provision ( citiz5%ip by !   
laws ( ,pu]to ,rico %all n con/itute or 
o!rwise s]ve z ! basis ( loss1 or       
rel9qui%m5t ( ,unit$ ,/ates citiz5%ip "u
 su* section4  7c7 ,citiz5%ip at bir?   
aft] indep5d5ce ,an individual born 9   
,pu]to ,rico aft] ! effective date (    
indep5d5ce to at lea/ "o p>5t :o became 
a ,unit$ ,/ates citiz5 "u section #cjb (
 ! ,immigration & ,nationality ,act 7#h 
,u4,s4,c4 #adjb7 is n a ,unit$ ,/ates   
citiz5 at bir? "u subsection 7c71 7d71  
or 7g7 ( section #cja ( ! ,immigration &
 ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4        
#adja7;c71 7d71 or 7g774  7d7 ,travel & 
"w au?orization  7#a7 ,any p]son 9 !    
foll[+ categories may ent]1 lawfully    
engage 9 occupations1 & e/abli% resid5ce
 z a nonimmigrant 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates &   

its t]ritories & possessions )\t reg>d  
to p>agraphs 7#e77;,a7 & 7#g7 ( section 
#bab7;a7 ( ! ,immigration & ,nationality
 ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aahb7;a72 7#e77;,a7
 & 7#g77-- 7,a7 a p]son :o acquires !   
citiz5%ip ( ,pu]to ,rico1 at bir?1 on or
 aft] ! effective date ( indep5d5ce2 or 
7,b7 a naturaliz$ citiz5 ( ,pu]to ,rico1
 :o has be5 an actual resid5t !re = n   
less ?an five ye>s aft] atta9+ su*      
naturalization & :o holds a pro( ( su*  
resid5ce4  ,su* p]sons %all be consid]$ 
to h ! p]mission ( ! ,secret>y ( ,homel&
 ,security to accept employm5t 9 !      
,unit$ ,/ates4  7#b7 ,! "r ( su* p]sons 
to e/abli% habitual resid5ce 9 a        
t]ritory or possession ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates
 may1 h[ev]1 be subject$ to             
nondiscrim9atory limitations provid$ =--
 7,a7 9 /atutes or regulations ( !      
,unit$ ,/ates2 or  7,b7 9 ^? /atutes or 
regulations ( ! t]ritory or possession  
conc]n$ :i* are au?oriz$ by ! laws ( !  
,unit$ ,/ates4  7#c7 ,?is subsection    
%all expire #be ye>s aft] ! date (      

indep5d5ce4  7e7 ,con=m+ am5dm5ts  7#a7 
,9 g5]al ,section #aja ( ! ,immigration 
& ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja7
 is am5d$ by /rik+ ,pu]to ,rico1 9      
subsection 7a7 p>agraph 7#cf7 & 9       
subsection 7a7 p>agraph 7#ch74  7#b7    
,prior to indep5d5ce ,pu]to ,rico %all  
be consid]$ to be 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 z  
su* t]m is def9$ 9 section #aja7;a77#ch7
 ( ! ,immigration & ,nationality ,act   
7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja7;a77#ch77 prior to !
 effective date ( indep5d5ce4  7f7 ,rule
 ( ,con/ruction ,no?+ 9 ?is section %all
 limit ! p[] & au?ority ( ! ,unit$      
,/ates to *ange policy requirem5ts =    
,unit$ ,/ates citiz5%ip4  #aaa4         
,individual rights to economic b5efits &
 grants  7a7 ,rights & b5efits ,all ve/$
 rights & b5efits :i* accrue to resid5ts
 ( ! t]ritory ( ,pu]to ,rico "u ! laws (
 ! ,unit$ ,/ates f pa/ s]vices or       
contributions1 su* z rights & b5efits = 
vet]ans or relatives ( vet]ans ( ! ,arm$
 ,=ces ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 retir$        
,gov]nm5t employees1 or b5efici>ies (   

old age1 disability1 or survivors'      
insurance b5efits "u ! ,social ,security
 ,act1 %all n be int]rupt$ aft] !       
proclamation ( indep5d5ce b w cont9ue   
until su* "t z said rights & b5efits are
 completely ext+ui%$ accord+ to !       
applicable laws ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates4 ,all 
s]vices :i* mu/ be r5d]$ z "p ( ^!      
rights & b5efits %all be made available 
?r\gh ! ,gov]nm5t ( ! nation ( ,pu]to   
,rico 9 accordance ) agreem5ts rea*$ by 
! two nations4  7b7 ,social ,security   
,sy/em ,not)/&+ ! provisions 9          
subsection 7a71 all contributions made  
by employees & employ]s 9 ,pu]to ,rico  
to ! ,social ,security sy/em ) respect  
to p]sons :o1 ^u ! proclamation (       
indep5d5ce1 are resid5ts ( ! nation (   
,pu]to ,rico & are n yet eligible = old 
age1 disability1 or survivors' insurance
 b5efits "u ! sy/em1 %all be transf]r$  
to ! ,gov]nm5t ( ! nation ( ,pu]to ,rico
 once said ,gov]nm5t e/abli%es its own  
social security sy/em4 ,! ,gov]nm5t ( ! 
nation ( ,pu]to ,rico may n use ^! funds

 = any purpose o!r ?an ! e/abli%m5t &   
op]ation ( a social security sy/em4 ,^u 
! transf] describ$ h]e91 ! obligations (
 ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,gov]nm5t "u ! ,social 
,security ,act ) respect to su* resid5ts
 ( ! nation ( ,pu]to ,rico %all cease4  
7c7 ,o!r ,f$]al transf] paym5ts  7#a7   
,block grants ,all o!r ,f$]al transf]   
paym5ts to individuals & to ! ,gov]nm5t 
( ! t]ritory ( ,pu]to ,rico %all be     
ma9ta9$ 9 ! =m ( annual block grants to 
be us$ discretionally by ! ,gov]nm5t ( !
 nation ( ,pu]to ,rico4  7#b7 ,annual   
aggregate fund+ ,dur+ ! t5 fiscal ye>s  
foll[+ ! proclamation ( indep5d5ce1 !   
annual block grants %all am\nt to !     
annual aggregate fund+ ( all programs   
:i* curr5tly ext5d to ! t]ritory (      
,pu]to ,rico1 or ( all programs :i* %all
 h be5 ext5d$ to ! t]ritory ( ,pu]to    
,rico dur+ ! fiscal ye> imm$iately prior
 to ! proclamation ( indep5d5ce1 :i*ev] 
%all be great]4  7#c7 ,decrease 9 am\nt 
,! annual block grants %all decrease    
!reaft] on a /raight-l9e basis1 at !    

rate ( t5 p]c5t ea* ye>1 beg9n+ on !    
elev5? fiscal ye> aft] ! proclamation ( 
indep5d5ce4 ,at any "t dur+ ! a=em5tion$
 transition p]iod ! t]ms ( ?is          
subsection may be modifi$ by agreem5t   
betwe5 ! ,unit$ ,/ates & ! nation (     
,pu]to ,rico4  ,,ii ,transition &       
,implem5tation--,sov]eignty 9 ,free     
,association ) ! ,unit$ ,/ates  #bja4   
,con/itutional conv5tion  7a7 ,election 
( delegates ,n lat] ?an #f mon?s aft] ! 
effective date ( c]tification ( a       
plebiscite result "u ?is ,act 9 favor ( 
,sov]eignty 9 ,free ,association ) !    
,unit$ ,/ates1 ! legislature ( ,pu]to   
,rico %all provide = ! election (       
delegates to a con/itutional ,conv5tion 
to =mulate & draft a ,con/itution = !   
nation ( ,pu]to ,rico4  7b7 ,eligible   
vot]s ,all eligible vot]s may vote 9 !  
election ( delegates to ! con/itutional 
,conv5tion4  7c7 ,g5]al applicability ( 
electoral law ,! laws ( ! t]ritory (    
,pu]to ,rico relat+ to ! electoral      
process %all apply to a special election

 held "u ?is ,act4  7d7 ,initial meet+  
,n lat] ?an #c mon?s aft] ! election (  
delegates to ! con/itutional ,conv5tion1
 ! elect$ delegates %all meet at su* "t 
& place z ! legislature ( ,pu]to ,rico  
%all det]m9e4 ,! initial meet+ %all     
con/itute ! e/abli%m5t ( ! con/itutional
 ,conv5tion4  #bjb4 ,"* ( ! con/itution 
,! con/itutional ,conv5tion "u section  
#bja %all =mulate & draft a ,con/itution
 = ,pu]to ,rico t gu>antees ! protection
 ( fundam5tal human rights1 includ+--   
7#a7 due process & equal protection "u !
 law2  7#b7 fre$om ( spee*1 press1      
assembly1 association1 & religion2  7#c7
 ! rights ( ! accus$2  7#d7 any o!r     
economic1 social1 & cultural rights z ! 
con/itutional ,conv5tion may deem       
appropriate & necess>y2 &  7#e7         
provisions to ensure t no individual    
born 9 ! nation ( ,pu]to ,rico %all be  
/ateless at bir?4  #bjc4 ,submission2   
ratification  7a7 ,submission ,n lat]   
?an #b ye>s aft] ! e/abli%m5t ( !       
con/itutional ,conv5tion1 ! ,con/itution

 =mulat$ & draft$ by ! con/itutional    
,conv5tion %all be submitt$ to !        
eligible vot]s ( ,pu]to ,rico =         
ratification or rejection 9 a special   
election4  7b7 ,mann] ( election ,!     
special election held "u ?is subsection 
%all be held 9 ! mann] prescrib$ by !   
legislature ( ,pu]to ,rico4  #bjd4      
,election ( (fic]s  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,n lat]
 ?an "o mon? aft] ! ratification ( !    
,con/itution "u section #bjc1 ! ,gov]nor
 ( ! t]ritory ( ,pu]to ,rico %all issue 
a proclamation call+ = ! election ( su* 
(fic]s ( ! nation ( ,pu]to ,rico z may  
be requir$ by ! ratifi$ ,con/itution4   
7b7 ,rejection ,if ! special election   
results 9 rejection ( ! ,con/itution1 ! 
process provid$ = 9 sections #bja ?r\gh 
#bjc %all be repeat$1 except t section  
#bja7;a7 %all be appli$ by sub/itut+--  
7#a7 ! special election = a plebiscite2 
&  7#b7 reject+ ! ,con/itution = 9 favor
 ( sov]eignty 9 free association ) !    
,unit$ ,/ates4  7c7 ,deadl9e2 proc$ures 
,! election "u subsection 7a7 %all be   

held-- 7#a7 n lat] ?an #f mon?s aft] !  
date ( ratification ( ! ,con/itution2 & 
7#b7 9 accordance ) ! proc$ures &       
requirem5ts e/abli%$ 9 ! ,con/itution ( 
! nation ( ,pu]to ,rico4  7d7           
,c]tification ( results ,n lat] ?an #aj 
days aft] ! election ( (fic]s "u        
subsection 7a71 ! ,elections ,commission
 %all c]tify ! results ( ! election4 ,! 
,gov]nor ( ! t]ritory ( ,pu]to ,rico    
%all in=m ! results ( ! election to !   
,presid5t ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 ! ,presid5t
 pro tempore ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,s5ate1 !
 ,speak] ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,h\se (      
,repres5tatives1 ! ,committee on ,en]gy 
& ,natural ,res\rces ( ! ,s5ate1 & !    
,committee on ,natural ,res\rces ( !    
,h\se ( ,repres5tatives4  #bje4         
,proclamations by ,presid5t ( ! ,unit$  
,/ates2 ,head ( ,/ate ( ,pu]to ,rico    
7a7 ,proclamation ,n lat] ?an "o mon?   
aft] ! (ficial c]tification ( ! elect$  
(fic]s ( ! nation ( ,pu]to ,rico "u     
section #bjd1 ! ,presid5t ( ! ,unit$    
,/ates %all by proclamation-- 7#a7 )draw

 & surr5d] all rights ( possession1     
sup]vision1 jurisdiction1 control1 or   
sov]eignty !n exi/+ & ex]cis$ by !      
,unit$ ,/ates ov] ! t]ritory & resid5ts 
( ,pu]to ,rico2  7#b7 recognize1 on     
behalf ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates ( ,am]ica1 !   
int]national sov]eignty ?r\gh free      
association ( ! nation ( ,pu]to ,rico & 
! au?ority ( ! gov]nm5t in/itut$ by     
eligible vot]s ( ,pu]to ,rico "u !      
,con/itution ( _! own adoption2 &  7#c7 
/ate t ! effective date ( )drawal ( !   
sov]eignty ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates &          
recognition ( int]national sov]eignty   
?r\gh free association %all be ! same z 
! date ( ! proclamation4  7b7 ,copy (   
proclamation =w>d$ ,! ,presid5t ( !     
,unit$ ,/ates %all =w>d a copy ( !      
proclamation issu$ "u subsection 7a7 n  
lat] ?an "o week aft] signature to !    
presid+ (fic] ( ! ,con/itutional        
,conv5tion ( ,pu]to ,rico1 ! (fic]      
elect$ z head ( /ate ( ! nation1 !      
,presid5t pro tempore ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates 
,s5ate1 ! ,speak] ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates     

,h\se ( ,repres5tatives1 ! ,s5ate       
,committee on ,en]gy & ,natural         
,res\rces1 & ! ,h\se ,committee on      
,natural ,res\rces4  7c7 ,date ,gov]nm5t
 ,to ,take ,(fice ,n lat] ?an "o week   
aft] ! date ( receipt ( ! ,presid5tial  
proclamation & ) ! advice ( ! (fic]     
elect$ z head ( /ate ( ! nation1 !      
presid+ (fic] ( ! con/itutional         
,conv5tion %all det]m9e ! date on :i* ! 
,gov]nm5t ( ! nation %all take (fice1 & 
%all s notify ! ,gov]nor ( ! t]ritory ( 
,pu]to ,rico1 ! ,presid5t ( ! ,unit$    
,/ates1 ! ,presid5t pro tempore ( !     
,unit$ ,/ates ,s5ate1 & ! ,speak] ( !   
,unit$ ,/ates ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives4  
#bjf4 ,legal & con/itutional provisions 
,^u ! proclamation ( int]national       
sov]eignty ?r\gh free association z     
provid$ 9 ?is title1 & except z o!rwise 
provid$ 9 ?is title or 9 any sep>ate    
agreem5ts !reaft] conclud$ betwe5 !     
,unit$ ,/ates & ! nation ( ,pu]to       
,rico-- 7#a7 all prop]ty1 rights1 &     
int]e/s :i* ! ,unit$ ,/ates may h       

acquir$ ov] ,pu]to ,rico by virtue ( !  
,treaty ( ,p>is ( #ahih1 & !reaft] by   
cession1 pur*ase1 or em95t doma91 ) !   
exception ( su* l& & o!r prop]ty1       
rights1 or int]e/s z may h be5 sold or  
o!rwise legally dispos$ ( prior to !    
proclamation ( int]national sov]eignty  
?r\gh free association1 %all ve/ ipso   
facto 9 ! nation ( ,pu]to ,rico2 &  7#b7
 except z provid$ 9 section #bji1 all   
laws ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates applicable to !  
t]ritory ( ,pu]to ,rico imm$iately prior
 to ! proclamation ( int]national       
sov]eignty ?r\gh free association %all  
no long] apply 9 ! nation ( ,pu]to      
,rico4  #bjg4 ,judicial pron\ncem5ts    
7a7 ,judgm5ts be=e proclamation ,!      
nation ( ,pu]to ,rico %all recognize &  
give effect to all ord]s & judgm5ts     
r5d]$ by ,unit$ ,/ates or t]ritorial    
c\rts be=e ! date ( ! proclamation (    
int]national sov]eignty ?r\gh free      
association pursuant to ! laws ( !      
,unit$ ,/ates !n applicable to !        
t]ritory ( ,pu]to ,rico4  7b7 ,cont9uity

 ( p5d+ proce$+s ,all judicial proce$+s 
p5d+ 9 ! c\rts ( ! t]ritory ( ,pu]to    
,rico on ! day ( ! proclamation (       
int]national sov]eignty ?r\gh free      
association %all be cont9u$ 9 !         
correspond+ c\rts "u ! ,con/itution ( ! 
nation ( ,pu]to ,rico4  7c7 ,transf] (  
judicial p[] ,^u ! proclamation (       
int]national sov]eignty ?r\gh free      
association1 ! judicial p[] ( ! ,unit$  
,/ates %all no long] ext5d to ,pu]to    
,rico4 ,all proce$+s p5d+ 9 ! ,unit$    
,/ates ,di/rict ,c\rt = ! ,di/rict (    
,pu]to ,rico %all be transf]r$ to !     
correspond+ ,pu]to ,rican c\rts (       
compet5ce or o!r compet5t judicial      
au?ority "u ! ,con/itution ( ! nation ( 
,pu]to ,rico = disposition 9 con=mity ) 
laws applicable at ! "t :5 ! controv]sy 
9 process arose4 ,all proce$+s p5d+ 9 ! 
,unit$ ,/ates ,c\rt ( ,appeals = ! ,fir/
 ,circuit1 or 9 ! ,supreme ,c\rt ( !    
,unit$ ,/ates1 t initiat$ 91 or t c\ld h
 be5 initiat$ 91 ! c\rts ( ! t]ritory or
 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,di/rict ,c\rt = !   

,di/rict ( ,pu]to ,rico %all cont9ue    
until _! f9al disposition & %all be     
submitt$ to ! compet5t au?ority ( !     
nation ( ,pu]to ,rico = prop] execution3
 ,provid$1 ,t nei!r ! ,unit$ ,/ates nor 
any ( its (fic]s is a p>ty1 9 :i* case  
any f9al judgm5t %all be prop]ly execut$
 by ! compet5t au?ority ( ! ,unit$      
,/ates4  #bjh4 ,citiz5%ip & immigration 
laws aft] sov]eignty ?r\gh free         
association  7a7 ,9 g5]al  7#a7 ,pu]to  
rican nationality ,aft] ! proclamation (
 int]national sov]eignty ?r\gh free     
association1 ! citiz5%ip /atus ( ea*    
individual born 9 ,pu]to ,rico %all be  
det]m9$ 9 accordance ) ! ,con/itution & 
laws ( ! nation ( ,pu]to ,rico4  7#b7   
,unit$ /ates immigration laws ,except z 
describ$ 9 ?is section1 aft] !          
proclamation ( int]national sov]eignty  
?r\gh free association1 citiz5s ( ,pu]to
 ,rico seek+ to ent] into ! ,unit$      
,/ates or obta9 citiz5%ip 9 ! ,unit$    
,/ates %all be subject to ! immigration 
laws ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates 7z su* t]m is    

def9$ 9 section #aja ( ! ,immigration & 
,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja774
  7b7 ,effect ( pu]to rican citiz5%ip   
,no?+ 9 ?is ,act precludes or limits !  
applicability ( section #cdi ( !        
,immigration & ,nationality ,act 7#h    
,u4,s4,c4 #adha71 except t ! provision (
 citiz5%ip by ! laws ( ,pu]to ,rico %all
 n con/itute or o!rwise s]ve z ! basis (
 loss1 or rel9qui%m5t ( ,unit$ ,/ates   
citiz5%ip "u su* section4  7c7          
,citiz5%ip at bir? aft] sov]eignty  7#a7
 ,9 g5]al ,except z describ$ 9 p>agraph 
7#b71 an individual born 9 ,pu]to ,rico 
aft] ! proclamation ( int]national      
sov]eignty ?r\gh free association to at 
lea/ "o p>5t :o became a ,unit$ ,/ates  
citiz5 "u section #cjb ( ! ,immigration 
& ,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #adjb7
 is n a ,unit$ ,/ates citiz5 at bir? "u 
subsection 7c71 7d71 or 7g7 ( section   
#cja ( ! ,immigration & ,nationality    
,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #adja 7c71 7d71 or   
7g774  7#b7 ,transition p]iod ,dur+ !   
implem5tation ( ! fir/ ,articles ( ,free

 ,association1 an individual born 9     
,pu]to ,rico to at lea/ "o p>5t :o is a 
citiz5 ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all be a      
,unit$ ,/ates citiz5 at bir? "u section 
#cja ( ! ,immigration & ,nationality    
,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #adja7 if o!rwise    
eligible4  7d7 ,travel & "w au?orization
  7#a7 ,any p]son 9 ! foll[+ categories 
may ent]1 lawfully engage 9 occupations1
 & e/abli% resid5ce z a nonimmigrant 9 !
 ,unit$ ,/ates & its t]ritories &       
possessions )\t reg>d to p>agraphs      
7#e77;,a7 & 7#g7 ( section #bab7;a7 ( ! 
,immigration & ,nationality ,act 7#h    
,u4,s4,c4 #aahb7;a72 7#e77;,a7 & 7#g773 
7,a7 a p]son :o acquires ! citiz5%ip (  
,pu]to ,rico1 at bir?1 on or aft] !     
effective date ( int]national sov]eignty
 ?r\gh free association2 or  7,b7 a     
naturaliz$ citiz5 ( ,pu]to ,rico1 :o has
 be5 an actual resid5t !re = n less ?an 
five ye>s aft] atta9+ su* naturalization
 & :o holds a pro( ( su* resid5ce4  ,su*
 p]sons %all be consid]$ to h !         
p]mission ( ! ,secret>y ( ,homel&       

,security to accept employm5t 9 ! ,unit$
 ,/ates4  7#b7 ,! "r ( su* p]sons to    
e/abli% habitual resid5ce 9 a t]ritory  
or possession ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates may1    
h[ev]1 be subject$ to nondiscrim9atory  
limitations provid$ =-- 7,a7 9 /atutes  
or regulations ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates2 or    
7,b7 9 ^? /atutes or regulations ( !    
t]ritory or possession conc]n$ :i* are  
au?oriz$ by ! laws ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates4   
7#c7 ,?is subsection %all expire ^u !   
t]m9ation ( ! ,articles ( ,free         
,association 9 accordance ) section     
#baa4  7e7 ,con=m+ am5dm5ts  7#a7 ,9    
g5]al ,section #aja ( ! ,immigration &  
,nationality ,act 7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja7  
is am5d$ by /rik+ ,pu]to ,rico1 9       
subsection 7a7 p>agraph 7#cf7 & 9       
subsection 7a7 p>agraph 7#ch74  7#b7    
,prior to sov]eignty ,pu]to ,rico %all  
be consid]$ to be 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 z  
su* t]m is def9$ 9 section #aja7;a77#ch7
 ( ! ,immigration & ,nationality ,act   
7#h ,u4,s4,c4 #aaja7;a77#ch77 prior to !
 date ( int]national sov]eignty ?r\gh   

free association4  7f7 ,rule (          
,con/ruction ,no?+ 9 ?is section %all   
limit ! p[] & au?ority ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates
 to *ange policy requirem5ts = ,unit$   
,/ates citiz5%ip4  #bji4 ,con=m+        
am5dm5ts to exi/+ law  7a7 ,review ,n   
lat] ?an #cj days aft] ! initial meet+ (
 a con/itutional ,conv5tion "u section  
#bja7;d71 ! ,presid5t %all initiate a   
review ( ,f$]al law ) respect to ,pu]to 
,rico1 includ+ ^? reg>d+-- 7#a7 taxation
 ( p]sons & bus9esses2  7#b7 heal? c>e2 
7#c7 h\s+2  7#d7 transportation2  7#e7  
education2 &  7#f7 entitlem5t programs4 
7b7 ,recomm5dations ,n lat] ?an "o ye>  
aft] ! date on :i* ! ,presid5t initiates
 a review "u subsection 7a71 ! ,presid5t
 %all submit recomm5dations to ,congress
 = *anges to ,f$]al law id5tifi$ dur+   
su* review1 z ! ,presid5t deems         
appropriate4  #baj4 ,bilat]al ,negotiat+
 ,commission  7a7 ,9 g5]al ,if a        
plebiscite held "u ?is ,act results 9 a 
majority vote = sov]eignty 9 free       
association ) ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 !re %all 

be a ,bilat]al ,negotiat+ ,commission   
:i* %all conduct negotiations on        
,articles ( ,free ,association ) !      
,unit$ ,/ates4  7b7 ,memb]s ,n lat] ?an 
#c mon?s aft] ! e/abli%m5t ( !          
con/itutional ,conv5tion "u section     
#bja-- 7#a7 ! ,conv5tion %all elect1 by 
majority vote1 #e memb]s f among its    
delegates to jo9 ! ,bilat]al ,negotiat+ 
,commission on behalf ( ,pu]to ,rico2 & 
7#b7 ! ,presid5t ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all 
designate #e memb]s to ! ,bilat]al      
,negotiat+ ,commission1 "o ( :om %all   
also be nom9at$ = ! rank ( ,ambassador1 
to negotiate on behalf ( ! ,unit$       
,/ates4  7c7 ,initial meet+ ,n lat] ?an 
#c mon?s aft] ! election & designation (
 memb]s to ! ,bilat]al ,negotiat+       
,commission1 memb]s %all meet at su* "t 
& place z ! legislature ( ,pu]to ,rico  
%all det]m9e4 ,su* meet+ %all con/itute 
! e/abli%m5t ( ! ,bilat]al ,negotiat+   
,commission4  7d7 ,duties ,! ,bilat]al  
,negotiat+ ,commission %all-- 7#a7 be   
responsible = exp$it+ ! ord]ly transf] (

 all functions curr5tly ex]cis$ by !    
,gov]nm5t ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates 9 ,pu]to    
,rico1 to ,pu]to ,rico1 & %all recomm5d 
to ,congress any appropriate legislation
 to c>ry into effect su* transf]1       
includ+ any appropriate enabl+          
legislation z may be requir$ by !       
,articles ( ,free ,association2  7#b7   
negotiate all matt]s p]ta9+ to !        
gov]nm5t-to-gov]nm5t relation%ip betwe5 
,pu]to ,rico & ! ,unit$ ,/ates ?r\gh !  
developm5t ( ! ,articles ( ,free        
,association1 includ+ =eign affairs1    
trade1 f9ance1 taxation1 curr5cy1       
economic assi/ance1 security & def5se1  
dispute resolution1 immigration1        
economic b5efits 7includ+ grants71 &    
t]m9ation ( ! free association /atus2 & 
7#c7 endeavor to complete ! ,articles ( 
,free ,association n lat] ?an #b ye>s   
aft] ! comm5cem5t ( ! con/itutional     
,conv5tion4  7e7 ,collaboration ,!      
,gov]nm5t ( ! t]ritory ( ,pu]to ,rico & 
! ag5cies ( ! ,gov]nm5t ( ! ,unit$      
,/ates %all collaborate ) ! ,bilat]al   

,negotiat+ ,commission to provide = !   
ord]ly transf] ( ! functions ( gov]nm5t 
z requir$ by ! ,articles ( ,free        
,association4  #baa4 ,articles ( ,free  
,association approval & effective date  
7a7 ,approval ,! ,articles ( ,free      
,association %all come into effect ^u   
mutual agreem5t betwe5 ! ,gov]nm5t ( !  
,unit$ ,/ates & ! ,gov]nm5t ( ,pu]to    
,rico aft] completion ( approval by--   
7#a7 a sep>ate ratification vote on !   
,articles by ! eligible vot]s 9 !       
special election held "u section #bjc2 &
  7#b7 ! ,gov]nm5t ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates 9  
accordance ) its con/itutional          
processes4  7b7 ,rejection ,if ! special
 election "u subsection 7a77#a7 results 
9 rejection ( ! ,articles ( ,free       
,association1 ! process provid$ = 9     
section #baj & subsection 7a7 %all be   
repeat$4  #bab4 ,t]m9ation ,! ,articles 
( ,free ,association betwe5 ! ,unit$    
,/ates & ,pu]to ,rico may be t]m9at$ at 
w by ei!r p>ty at any "t4  #bac4        
,individual rights to economic b5efits &

 grants  7a7 ,rights & b5efits ,all ve/$
 rights & b5efits :i* accrue to resid5ts
 ( ! t]ritory ( ,pu]to ,rico "u ! laws (
 ! ,unit$ ,/ates f pa/ s]vices or       
contributions1 su* z rights & b5efits = 
vet]ans or relatives ( vet]ans ( ! ,arm$
 ,=ces ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 retir$        
,gov]nm5t employees1 or b5efici>ies (   
old age1 disability1 or survivors'      
insurance b5efits "u ! ,social ,security
 ,act1 %all n be int]rupt$ aft] !       
proclamation ( int]national sov]eignty  
?r\gh free association b w cont9ue until
 su* "t z said rights & b5efits are     
completely ext+ui%$ accord+ to !        
applicable laws ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates4 ,all 
s]vices :i* mu/ be r5d]$ z "p ( ^!      
rights & b5efits %all be made available 
?r\gh ! ,gov]nm5t ( ! nation ( ,pu]to   
,rico 9 accordance ) agreem5ts rea*$ by 
! two nations4  7b7 ,social ,security   
,sy/em ,not)/&+ subsection 7a71 all     
contributions made by employees &       
employ]s 9 ,pu]to ,rico to ! ,social    
,security sy/em ) respect to p]sons :o1 

^u ! proclamation ( int]national        
sov]eignty ?r\gh free association1 are  
resid5ts ( ! nation ( ,pu]to ,rico & are
 n yet eligible = old age1 disability1  
or survivors' insurance b5efits "u !    
sy/em1 %all be transf]r$ to ! ,gov]nm5t 
( ! nation ( ,pu]to ,rico once said     
,gov]nm5t e/abli%es its own social      
security sy/em4 ,! ,gov]nm5t ( ! nation 
( ,pu]to ,rico may n use ^! funds = any 
purpose o!r ?an ! e/abli%m5t & op]ation 
( a social security sy/em4 ,^u ! transf]
 describ$ h]e91 ! obligations ( ! ,unit$
 ,/ates ,gov]nm5t "u ! ,social ,security
 ,act ) respect to su* resid5ts ( !     
nation ( ,pu]to ,rico %all cease4  7c7  
,o!r ,f$]al transf] paym5ts ,all o!r    
,f$]al transf] paym5ts to individuals & 
to ! ,gov]nm5t ( ! t]ritory ( ,pu]to    
,rico %all be ma9ta9$ 9 ! =m ( annual   
block grants to be us$ discretionally by
 ! ,gov]nm5t ( ! nation ( ,pu]to ,rico--
 7#a7 dur+ ! #aj fiscal ye>s foll[+ !   
proclamation ( int]national sov]eignty  
?r\gh free association1 ! annual block  

grants %all am\nt to ! annual aggregate 
fund+ ( all programs :i* curr5tly ext5d 
to ! t]ritory ( ,pu]to ,rico1 or ( all  
programs :i* %all h be5 ext5d$ to !     
t]ritory ( ,pu]to ,rico dur+ ! fiscal   
ye> imm$iately prior to ! proclamation (
 int]national sov]eignty ?r\gh free     
association1 :i*ev] %all be great]2 &   
7#b7 ! annual block grants %all decrease
 !reaft] on a /raight-l9e basis1 at !   
rate ( t5 p]c5t ea* ye>1 beg9n+ on !    
elev5? fiscal ye> aft] ! proclamation ( 
int]national sov]eignty ?r\gh free      
association4 ,at any "t dur+ !          
a=em5tion$ transition p]iod ! t]ms ( ?is
 subsection may be modifi$ by agreem5t  
betwe5 ! ,unit$ ,/ates & ! nation (     
,pu]to ,rico4  7d7 ,revision ,! t]ms &  
conditions ( ?is subsection may be      
revis$ z "p ( an agreem5t "u ! ,articles
 ( ,free ,association4  ,,iii           
,transition & ,implem5tation--,/atehood 
#cja4 ,presid5tial proclamation2        
admission into ! ,union ,if a plebiscite
 held "u ?is ,act results 9 a majority  

vote = /atehood3 7#a7 ,presid5tial      
proclamation2 date ( admission ,^u      
receipt ( ! ,elections ,commission's    
c]tification ( ! plebiscite results     
pursuant to section #e7;d71 ! ,presid5t 
%all issue a proclamation decl>+ ! date 
t ,pu]to ,rico is admitt$ z a ,/ate ( ! 
,union on an equal foot+ ) all o!r      
,/ates1 :i* %all be a date n lat] ?an "o
 ye> aft] ! effective date ( !          
plebiscite results4  7#b7 ,submission ( 
,proclamation ,! ,presid5t %all cause   
su* proclamation to be submitt$ to !    
,gov]nor ( ,pu]to ,rico1 ! legislature (
 ,pu]to ,rico1 ! ,presid5t pro tempore (
 ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,s5ate1 ! ,speak] ( !  
,unit$ ,/ates ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives1 !
 ,s5ate ,committee on ,en]gy & ,natural 
,res\rces1 & ! ,h\se ,committee on      
,natural ,res\rces4  7#c7 ,admission    
into ! ,union ,subject to ! provisions (
 ?is ,act1 & ^u ! date decl>$ by !      
,presid5t = admission ( ,pu]to ,rico z a
 ,/ate "u ! proclamation "u p>agraph    
7#a71 ! t]ritory ( ,pu]to ,rico %all be 

a ,/ate ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates ( ,am]ica & z 
su* admitt$ into ! ,union on an equal   
foot+ ) ! o!r ,/ates 9 all respects4 ,^u
 admission1 ,pu]to ,rico %all be kn[n z 
! ,/ate ( ,pu]to ,rico4  7#d7           
,incorporation ,pu]to ,rico %all rema9  
un9corporat$ until its admission z a    
,/ate ( ! ,union "u p>agraph 7#c74      
#cjb4 ,con=m+ am5dm5ts to exi/+ law  7a7
 ,review ,n lat] ?an #cj days aft] !    
c]tification ( a plebiscite result "u   
?is ,act 9 favor ( /atehood1 ! ,presid5t
 %all initiate a review ( ,f$]al law )  
respect to ,pu]to ,rico1 includ+ ^?     
reg>d+-- 7#a7 taxation ( p]sons &       
bus9esses2  7#b7 heal? c>e2  7#c7 h\s+2 
7#d7 transportation2  7#e7 education2 & 
7#f7 entitlem5t programs4  7b7          
,recomm5dations ,n lat] ?an "o ye> aft] 
! date on :i* ! ,presid5t initiates a   
review "u subsection 7a71 ! ,presid5t   
%all submit any recomm5dations to       
,congress = *anges to ,f$]al law        
id5tifi$ dur+ su* review1 z ! ,presid5t 
deems appropriate4  #cjc4 ,t]ritory &   

b\nd>ies ,! ,/ate ( ,pu]to ,rico %all   
consi/ ( all ( ! isl&s1 toge!r ) _!     
appurt5ant reefs1 seafloor1 subm]g$ l&s1
 & t]ritorial wat]s 9 ! seaw>d b\nd>y1  
pres5tly "u ! jurisdiction ( ! t]ritory 
( ,pu]to ,rico4  #cjd4 ,con/itution  7a7
 ,9 g5]al ,! ,con/itution ( ! t]ritory (
 ,pu]to ,rico1 z approv$ by ,public ,law
 #hb-ddg & subsequ5tly am5d$ z ( ! date 
( enactm5t ( ?is ,act is h]eby f\nd to  
be republican 9 =m & 9 con=mity ) !     
,con/itution ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates & !      
pr9ciples ( ! ,decl>ation ( ,indep5d5ce1
 & is h]eby accept$1 ratifi$1 & confirm$
 z ! ,con/itution ( ! ,/ate ( ,pu]to    
,rico4  7b7 ,future con/itutions ,!     
,con/itution ( ! ,/ate ( ,pu]to ,rico-- 
7#a7 %all always be republican 9 =m2 &  
7#b7 %all n be repugnant to !           
,con/itution ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates & !      
pr9ciples ( ! ,decl>ation ( ,indep5d5ce4
  #cje4 ,elections ( ,s5ators &         
,repres5tatives1 c]tification1 & legal  
disputes  7a7 ,elections ( ,s5ators &   
,repres5tatives ,n m ?an "o mon? aft] ! 

proclamation "u section #cja1 ! ,gov]nor
 ( ,pu]to ,rico %all issue a decl>ation 
t %all designate & ann\nce ! dates & o!r
 requirem5ts = prim>y & g5]al elections 
"u applicable ,f$]al & local law =      
repres5tation 9 ! ,s5ate & ! ,h\se (    
,repres5tatives ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates ^u    
admission ( ,pu]to ,rico z a ,/ate4  7b7
 ,resid5t commission] ,! (fice (        
,resid5t ,commission] ( ,pu]to ,rico    
%all cease to exi/ ^u ! swe>+ 9 ( ! fir/
 ,repres5tative f ! ,/ate ( ,pu]to ,rico
 to ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives4  7c7     
,s5ators & repres5tatives  7#a7 ,9 g5]al
 ,^u its admission into ! ,union1 !     
,/ate ( ,pu]to ,rico %all be entitl$ to 
,s5ators & ,repres5tatives :o %all be   
entitl$ to be admitt$ to seats 9 !      
,congress ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates & to all !  
rights & privileges ( ,s5ators &        
,repres5tatives ( ! o!r ,/ates 9 !      
,congress ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates4  7#b7 ,fir/
 election ( ,s5ators ,9 ! fir/ election 
( ,s5ators1 ! two s5atorial (fices %all 
be sep>ately id5tifi$ & designat$1 & no 

p]son may be a c&idate = bo? (fices4    
,no?+ 9 ?is section %all impair !       
privilege ( ! ,s5ate to det]m9e ! class 
& t]m to :i* ea* ( ! ,s5ators elect$    
%all be assign$1 ) ! exception t !      
,s5ators %all n be 9 ! same class4  7#c7
 ,fir/ election ( ,repres5tatives ,9 !  
fir/ election ( ,repres5tatives1 &      
subsequ5t elections until ! next        
,c5sus-bas$ reapportionm5t cycle1 !     
,/ate ( ,pu]to ,rico %all be entitl$ to 
! same numb] ( ,repres5tatives z ! ,/ate
 ^: mo/ rec5t ,c5sus population 0 close/
 to1 b less ?an1 t ( ,pu]to ,rico1 & su*
 ,repres5tatives %all be 9 addition to !
 memb]%ip ( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives z 
n[ prescrib$ by law4 ,any su* increase 9
 ! memb]%ip %all n op]ate to ei!r       
increase or decrease ! p]man5t memb]%ip 
( ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives z prescrib$ 
9 ! ,act ( ,augu/ #h1 #aiaa 7#cg ,/at4  
#ac71 nor %all su* tempor>y increase    
affect ! basis ( apportionm5t e/abli%$  
by ! ,act ( ,novemb] #ae1 #aida 7#ee    
,/at4 #gfa71 = ! #hc;d ,congress & ea*  

,congress !reaft]1 unless ,congress acts
 to increase ! total numb] ( ,memb]s ( !
 ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives4 ,!reaft]1 !   
,/ate ( ,pu]to ,rico %all be entitl$ to 
su* numb] ( ,repres5tatives z provid$ = 
by applicable law bas$ on ! next        
reapportionm5t4 ,! apportionm5t (       
congressional di/ricts = ! fir/ election
 & subsequ5t election ( ,repres5tatives 
%all be conduct$ z provid$ = by !       
,con/itution & laws ( ! ,/ate ( ,pu]to  
,rico = /ate legislative di/ricts4  7d7 
,c]tification ( results ,! ,elections   
,commission %all c]tify ! results (     
prim>y & g5]al elections = repres5tation
 9 ! ,s5ate & ! ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives 
( ! ,unit$ ,/ates to ! ,gov]nor4 ,n lat]
 ?an #aj days aft] ! date ( ea*         
c]tification1 ! ,gov]nor %all decl>e !  
results ( ! prim>y & g5]al elections1 & 
transmit ! results ( ea* election to !  
,presid5t ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 ! ,presid5t
 pro tempore ( ! ,s5ate1 & ! ,speak] ( !
 ,h\se ( ,repres5tatives4  7e7          
,jurisdiction ( ,di/rict ,c\rt ,! ,unit$

 ,/ates ,di/rict ,c\rt = ! ,di/rict (   
,pu]to ,rico %all h orig9al & exclusive 
jurisdiction ( any civil action alleg+ a
 dispute or controv]sy p]ta9+ to        
electoral processes conduct$ "u ?is     
section4  #cjf4 ,/ate title to l& &     
prop]ty  7a7 ,/ate title ,! ,/ate (     
,pu]to ,rico & its political            
subdivisions & dep5d5cies %all h & reta9
 title to all prop]ty1 real & p]sonal1  
held by ! t]ritory ( ,pu]to ,rico & its 
political subdivisions & dep5d5cies on !
 date ( ! admission ( ,pu]to ,rico into 
! ,union4  7b7 ,f$]al title ,any l&s &  
o!r prop]ties t1 z ( ! date ( admission 
( ,pu]to ,rico into ! ,union1 are set   
aside pursuant to law = ! use ( ! ,unit$
 ,/ates "u any-- 7#a7 ,act ( ,congress2 
7#b7 ,executive ord]2  7#c7 proclamation
 ( ! ,presid5t2 or  7#d7 proclamation ( 
! ,gov]nor ( ! t]ritory ( ,pu]to ,rico1 
%all rema9 ! prop]ty ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates4 
7c7 ,cont95tal %elf ,! ,/ate ( ,pu]to   
,rico %all h ! exclusive "r to explore1 
exploit1 lease1 possess1 & use all      

seab$1 natural1 & m9]al res\rces ly+ )9 
?ree m>9e leagues 7n9e nautical miles7 f
 its %ore1 z grant$ "u section #h ( !   
,act ( ,m>* #b1 #aiag 7#dh ,u4,s4,c4    
#gdi2 #ci ,/at4 #ied74 ,all o!r rights (
 sov]eignty 9 reg>ds to ! cont95tal %elf
 & wat]s1 %all belong to ! ,unit$       
,/ates1 except ^? already ve/$ 9 ,pu]to 
,rico4  #cjg4 ,cont9uity ( laws1        
gov]nm5t1 & obligations ,^u ! admission 
( ! ,/ate ( ,pu]to ,rico into ! ,union3 
7#a7 ,cont9uity ( laws ,all ( !         
t]ritorial laws 9 =ce 9 ,pu]to ,rico on 
! date ( issuance ( ! proclamation      
describ$ 9 section #cja7a7 n inconsi/5t 
) ?is ,act or ! ,con/itution ( ! ,/ate (
 ,pu]to ,rico %all be & cont9ue 9 =ce & 
effect ?r\gh\t ! ,/ate1 until am5d$1    
modifi$1 or repeal$ by ! ,/ate4 ,all ( !
 laws ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all h ! same   
=ce & effect )9 ! ,/ate z 9 ! o!r sev]al
 ,/ates4  7#b7 ,cont9uity ( gov]nm5t ,! 
individuals hold+ legislative1          
executive1 & judicial (fices ( ,pu]to   
,rico %all cont9ue to dis*>ge ! duties (

 _! respective (fices :5 ,pu]to ,rico   
becomes a ,/ate ( ! ,union 91 "u1 or by 
au?ority ( ! gov]nm5t ( ! ,/ate1 z      
provid$ by ! con/itution & laws ( !     
,/ate4  7#c7 ,cont9uity ( obligations   
,all contracts1 obligations1            
liabilities1 debts1 & claims ( !        
t]ritory ( ,pu]to ,rico & its           
in/rum5talities at ! mom5t ( admission  
%all cont9ue 9 full =ce & effect z !    
contracts1 obligations1 liabilities1    
debts1 & claims ( ! ,/ate ( ,pu]to ,rico
 & its in/rum5talities :5 ,pu]to ,rico  
becomes a ,/ate ( ! ,union4  7#d7 ,use &
 enjoym5t ( prop]ty ,all laws ( ! ,unit$
 ,/ates res]v+ to ! ,unit$ ,/ates ! free
 use or enjoym5t ( prop]ty :i* ve/s 9 or
 is convey$ to ! ,/ate ( ,pu]to ,rico or
 its political subdivisions pursuant to 
?is section or res]v+ ! "r to alt]1     
am5d1 or repeal laws relat+ !reto1 %all 
cease to be effective4  #cjh4 ,judicial 
pron\ncem5ts  7a7 ,p5d+ ,no writ1       
action1 indictm5t1 cause1 or proce$+    
p5d+ 9 any c\rt ( ! t]ritory ( ,pu]to   

,rico1 %all abate by reason ( !         
admission ( ! ,/ate ( ,pu]to ,rico into 
! ,union1 b %all proce$ )9 su*          
appropriate ,/ate c\rts z %all be       
e/abli%$ "u ! ,con/itution ( ! ,/ate (  
,pu]to ,rico1 or %all cont9ue 9 ! ,unit$
 ,/ates ,di/rict ,c\rt = ! ,di/rict (   
,pu]to ,rico1 z ! nature ( ! case may   
require4  7b7 ,n yet p5d+ ,all civil    
causes ( action & all crim9al (f5ses1   
:i* %all h aris5 or be5 committ$ be=e ! 
admission ( ! ,/ate1 b z to :i* no writ1
 action1 indictm5t1 or proce$+ %all be  
p5d+ at ! date ( su* admission1 %all be 
subject to prosecution 9 ! appropriate  
,/ate c\rts or 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates        
,di/rict ,c\rt = ! ,di/rict ( ,pu]to    
,rico 9 l mann]1 to ! same ext5t1 & ) l 
"r ( appellate review1 z if su* ,/ate _h
 be5 creat$ & su* ,/ate c\rts _h be5    
e/abli%$ prior to ! accrual ( su* causes
 ( action or ! commission ( su* (f5ses4 
,! admission ( ! ,/ate %all effect no   
*ange 9 ! proc$ural or sub/antive laws  
gov]n+ causes ( action & crim9al (f5ses 

:i* %all h aris5 or be5 committ$1 & any 
su* crim9al (f5ses z %all h be5 committ$
 aga9/ ! laws ( ! t]ritory ( ,pu]to     
,rico1 %all be tri$ & puni%$ by !       
appropriate c\rts ( ! ,/ate1 & any su*  
crim9al (f5ses z %all h be5 committ$    
aga9/ ! laws ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates %all be  
tri$ & puni%$ 9 ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,di/rict
 ,c\rt = ! ,di/rict ( ,pu]to ,rico4  7c7
 ,appeals ,p>ties %all h ! same rights (
 judicial review ( f9al decisions ( !   
,unit$ ,/ates ,di/rict ,c\rt = !        
,di/rict ( ,pu]to ,rico or ! ,supreme   
,c\rt ( ,pu]to ,rico1 9 any case f9ally 
decid$ prior to ! admission ( ! ,/ate ( 
,pu]to ,rico into ! ,union1 :e!r or n an
 appeal !refrom %all h be5 p]fect$ prior
 to su* admission4 ,! ,unit$ ,/ates     
,c\rt ( ,appeals = ! ,fir/ ,circuit & ! 
,supreme ,c\rt ( ! ,unit$ ,/ates1 %all h
 ! same jurisdiction 9 su* cases z by   
law provid$ prior to ! admission ( !    
,/ate into ! ,union4 ,any m&ate issu$   
subsequ5t to ! admission ( ! ,/ate1 %all
 be to ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,di/rict ,c\rt = 

! ,di/rict ( ,pu]to ,rico or a c\rt ( ! 
,/ate1 z appropriate4 ,p>ties %all h !  
same rights ( appeal f & appellate      
review ( all ord]s1 judgm5ts1 & decrees 
( ! ,unit$ ,/ates ,di/rict ,c\rt = !    
,di/rict ( ,pu]to ,rico & ( ! ,supreme  
,c\rt ( ,pu]to ,rico1 9 any case p5d+ at
 ! "t ( admission ( ! ,/ate into !      
,union1 & ! ,supreme ,c\rt ( ,pu]to     
,rico & ! ,supreme ,c\rt ( ! ,unit$     
,/ates %all h ! same jurisdiction !re91 
z by law provid$ 9 any case aris+       
subsequ5t to ! admission ( ! ,/ate into 
! ,union4