Senate advances legislation on Teleworking

Santo Domingo.- On Thursday, the Senate of the Republic granted initial approval to a legislative proposal amending Law No. 16-92, which endorses the Labor Code, to formally integrate teleworking into the Dominican Republic’s employment framework. This initiative, introduced by Senators Santiago Zorrilla and Aris Yván Lorenzo, emphasizes the incorporation of digital economy sectors and the utilization of technological communication tools. The aim is to stimulate job creation, enhance company productivity and competitiveness, all while safeguarding workers’ rights through effective regulation.

Simultaneously, the Senate endorsed the Energy Efficiency Bill, spearheaded by Senator Félix Bautista. This bill not only seeks to foster the efficient use of energy but also envisions a normative and regulatory framework for technologies, shifts in consumer behavior, and incentives, contributing to the nation’s sustainable development. It outlines public policy instruments and standards for activities promoting technology use and consumption habits geared toward continual improvements in energy efficiency. Additionally, the legislation strives to cultivate a market of certified and accredited experts and companies.

In the course of their legislative duties, Senators also sanctioned a project regulating the Practice of Baseball by Minors and Professional Hiring, introduced by Senator Santiago José Zorrilla. This legislation is designed to ensure the protection and well-being of young baseball players while establishing clear parameters and conditions for their involvement in professional baseball.

Further decisions included approving a bill exempting gifts brought into the country by residents abroad during Christmas, New Year, and summer holidays from import taxes, presented by Franklin Rodriguez. The senators also endorsed the recognition of Hato Mayor del Rey as “The Capital of Citrus Fruit” and approved a project mandating the placement of the Energy Value of Food in Restaurants and other retail establishments.

Moreover, the Senate granted initial approval to a proposal designating María Trinidad Sánchez province as an Ecotourism province, proposed by Senator Alexis Victoria. The session also saw the approval of projects named after Dr. Hugo Álvarez Valencia, the Palace of Justice in the Judicial District of La Vega; Anthony Ríos Boulevard, covering the section of the Mella Highway; and the declaration of June 21 each year as the National Day of the Dominican Endocrinologist.

In addition to the legislative decisions, the Senate passed several resolutions acknowledging individuals for their significant contributions. Notably, resolutions recognized José Antonio Molina Miniño for his contributions to art and national culture, Eduardo Estrella; and Rosa Rufer for her contributions to education for people with deafblindness and multiple disabilities, submitted by Vice President of the Senate, Faride Raful. The Senate also acknowledged the outstanding artistic careers of Ramón Figueroa Pozo (Raymond Pozo) and Miguel Cristóbal Céspedes Santana (Miguel Céspedes), both contributions to Dominican culture, authored by Senator Antonio Marte.

A moment of silence was observed in memory of the late Dominican businessman José Augusto César León Asensio, former president of the León Jiménez Group and the Dominican National Brewery (CND) and Bohemia. Additionally, respects were paid to Mr. Rafael Alcántara, a native of the province of Barahona. The Senate concluded its session, and the president called for an ordinary session on Thursday, March 14.