P.R. Laws tit. 3, § 53
In addition to the duties prescribed in the foregoing, it is the duty of the Secretary:
(1) To receive bills and resolutions of the Legislative Assembly and preserve the same and to perform such other duties as may be devolved upon him by resolution of the two Houses, or either of them.
(2) To affix the great seal, with his attestation, to commissions and pardons and other public instruments, to which the official signature of the Governor is required.
(3) To record in proper books all conveyances made to the people of Puerto Rico and all articles of incorporation filed in his office.
(4) To record in proper books all changes of names.
(5) To take and file in his office receipts for all books distributed by him.
(6) To furnish, on demand, to any person paying the fees therefor, a certified copy of all or any part of any law, public record or instrument filed, deposited or recorded in his office, provided the issuing of such copy shall not be prejudicial to public interests.
(7) To cause to be printed, at the earliest date practicable after the final adjournment of each session of the Legislative Assembly, all laws and resolutions passed or adopted at such session, and to distribute the same in accordance with the provisions of § 190 of Title 2.
(8) To file in his office descriptions of seals in use by the different officers of the Commonwealth and municipalities and furnish such officers, except municipal officers with new seals whenever required at the actual cost therefor.
(9) He shall annually, and at such other times as may be required, make official report of the transactions of his office to the Governor of Puerto Rico.
(10) To record in a proper book a register of all associations.
(11) To keep a register of all duly accredited consuls and other official representatives from foreign nations to Puerto Rico, with the date of their official recognition as such by the President of the United States.
(12) Whenever used in this section, the terms “Secretary” and “Secretary of State” shall be understood to mean the Secretary of State or his representative or employee authorized by the Secretary of State to act for him, unless otherwise clearly specified in the context hereof.
(13) Providing and maintaining offices for the use of the Resident Commissioner in his/her various functions in the service of the People of Puerto Rico, should he/she so request.
(14) To acquire the nonprofessional materials, supplies, equipment, goods and services necessary for the proper functioning of the Department of State, subject to the provisions of §§ 931 et seq. of this title. In addition, the Secretary may acquire the professional, technical, and advisory services necessary for the complete discharge of the functions of the Department of State.
History —Political Code, 1902, § 58; July 28, 1923, No. 66, p. 414, § 18; Apr. 26, 1949, No. 107, p. 260, § 1; July 25, 1998, No. 178, § 1; July 12, 2002, No. 101, § 1.