The Puerto Rico Senate approved a bill Thursday to officially recognize Puerto Rican Sign Language as “the natural, cultural and linguistically legitimate language of the deaf community.”
Senate Bill 1463, authored by Sen. Ángel Toledo López of the New Progressive Party, also establishes public policy to protect the deaf community’s linguistic rights and cultural heritage. The Senate’s announcement did not give a vote count.
It is the third time the measure has passed the Legislature. Earlier versions were approved unanimously by both chambers but met executive obstacles, including a pocket veto, according to the Senate.
The bill has not become law.
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Sources: Senate of Puerto Rico (press release, direct)
