(a) The Intersectoral Council shall be responsible for promoting actions geared toward:
(1) Raising awareness within the general public and the Commonwealth agencies on the meaning of non-profit organizations and their social and economic implications for the Island. For this purpose, the Council shall conduct investigations on the sector, among other activities, as deemed necessary.
(2) Overseeing proper compliance with the public policy of the Commonwealth in terms of the strengthening and development of non-profit organizations and the effective implementation of laws that favor such ends.
(3) Furthering any necessary and appropriate legislation to encourage the development of volunteerism and philanthropy in the Island and to strengthen fund donation to this sector as well as the financial stability thereof.
(4) Analyzing the operation of this sector and promote measures that guarantee proper compliance with sound management standards within non-profit organizations.
(5) Promoting the development and maintenance, by the corresponding Commonwealth agencies, of a reliable database concerning non-profit organizations which shall be centralized, automated and kept up to date, in order to serve for the documentation of the community.
(6) Drawing forth the coordinated attention from agencies and entities so as to favor the strengthening and development of non-profit organizations.
(7) Prompting all agencies involved to offer adequate orientation to non-profit organizations, as of the moment these are lawfully constituted, on the diverse requirements and procedures they are to observe at the various Commonwealth agencies by completing forms wherein all the necessary information shall be integrated.
(8) Guaranteeing the prompt processing, by the corresponding Commonwealth agencies, of the notice as to the business days in which proposals shall be submitted and processed, and the federal and Commonwealth funds granted are to be distributed, as well as the means of payment for services rendered, taking into consideration that the financial soundness of non-profit organizations depends thereon.
(9) Promoting the development of professional and business skill-building programs by educational institutions of the Island and by Government organizations, particularly geared toward the strengthening of leadership and management abilities in the non-profit organization sector.
(10) Addressing any other situation or problem that affects the operation and development of non-profit organizations.
(b) Within four (4) months after its constitution, the Intersectoral Council shall develop a Plan of Action, a copy of which shall be remitted to the Governor and to the Committee on Social Welfare of both Legislative Chambers. Said Plan of Action shall be subject to future amendments.
(c) The Intersectoral Council shall render to the Governor and the Committee on Social Welfare of both Legislative Chambers, a report one year after its date of organization and another report upon completion of its effective term, specifying its efforts and the results thereof, with recommendations for future actions that should be taken.
History —July 18, 2008, No. 123, § 4.