H.R. 9246, the Puerto Rico Democratic Self Determination Act, establishes a framework for Puerto Rico voters to choose between three political status options—independence, statehood, or free association with the United States—through a series of plebiscites and related processes. The bill requires the Elections Commission to conduct nonpartisan voter education campaigns addressing international representation, citizenship, and federal programs, with the Attorney General overseeing ballot design and educational materials. If voters choose independence, the bill sets a timeline for drafting a new constitution, electing independent nation officers, and ending U.S. sovereignty within approximately 30 months; if statehood is chosen, the President must admit Puerto Rico as a fully equal state within one year; and if free association is selected, Puerto Rico would draft a new constitution ratified by voters within two years while maintaining certain federal protections. The legislation authorizes federal funding for the plebiscites and voter education, allows international election observers, and protects existing federal benefits for veterans and Social Security recipients during any transition period, though other federal transfer payments would be converted into declining block grants to Puerto Rico's government over a 10-year period.
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