Comisión Permanente Especial de Ciencia y Tecnología, 12 febrero 2026

Session Initiation and Agenda Overview

Opening Remarks

• The session begins at 13:28, with a correction regarding the previous session's number, which was mistakenly recorded as seventeen instead of sixteen.

Discussion on Previous Minutes

• The first agenda item involves discussing the minutes from the last session, which are deemed sufficiently discussed and approved without further issues. No internal matters or correspondence reports are presented.

Legislative Proposals Under Review

Education Law Reforms

• The discussion shifts to legislative proposal number 24,592 concerning reforms to articles related to education law (law number 21.60). This includes amendments to various articles from previous laws dating back to 1944. These proposals are currently under review by a subcommittee.

Critical Infrastructure Protection Bill

• Proposal number 24,139 is introduced next, focusing on establishing a framework for protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring security measures are in place. There is no discussion on this motion either.

Voting on Legislative Motions

Motion Voting Process

• A series of motions (numbers 25 through 34) are discussed and voted upon:

• Motion 25: Five present; four against; rejected.

• Motion 26: Five present; four against; rejected.

• Motion 27: Five present; four against; rejected.

• Motion 28: Vote proceeds similarly with rejection noted.

• Motion 29: Again, five present with similar voting results leading to rejection.

Revisions and Clarifications

Request for Technical Clarification

• A request is made for technical services to clarify procedural doubts regarding discussions that may need revisiting despite deadlines being passed for certain motions (specifically referencing motion number 25). This indicates an ongoing concern about adherence to legislative processes amidst confusion over rules.

Discussion of Specific Legislative Concerns

Importance of Proposed Changes

• Deputy Jorge Rojas emphasizes the significance of proposed changes within the context of public service regulation laws, specifically addressing article modifications that could impact telecommunications oversight significantly. He highlights his commitment despite personal incapacitation during prior sessions where these discussions occurred.

This structured summary captures key moments from the transcript while providing timestamps for easy reference back to specific parts of the discussion.

Telecommunications Regulation and Cybersecurity in Costa Rica

Establishment of SUTEL and Its Role

• The Autoridad Reguladora de Servicios Públicos (ARESEP) establishes the Superintendencia de Telecomunicaciones (SUTEL) as an independent entity with its own legal personality to manage the National Telecommunications Fund, oversee contracts, and administer resources.

• SUTEL operates independently from network operators and telecommunications service providers, adhering to the National Telecommunications Development Plan and relevant sector policies.

Proposed Reforms in Cybersecurity Governance

• A proposed modification links to Article 5 of the current bill, suggesting a transfer of the National Cybersecurity Directorate from MISIT to SUTEL, highlighting differing opinions on governance structure.

• The National Cybersecurity Directorate is established as a technical unit within SUTEL, tasked with overseeing cybersecurity autonomously while maintaining horizontal competencies.

Strategic Concerns Regarding Institutional Design

• While aiming to enhance national response capabilities and align with international standards, concerns arise about shifting operational oversight from MISIT—historically responsible for digital public policy—to SUTEL.

• The speaker argues that this shift represents a regression rather than progress in governance structures related to digital policy management.

Legislative Process and Voting Outcomes

• Discussion continues regarding various motions; a motion for review is rejected by a vote of four against one.

• Another motion is introduced but faces quorum issues during discussion; voting on this motion also results in rejection due to insufficient support.

Review of Existing Legislation

• A new motion seeks to amend Law 7593 concerning the Regulatory Authority for Public Services by eliminating Article 38, which outlines specific functions of the Telecommunications Superintendency Council.

• Key functions include protecting user rights in telecommunications services, ensuring quality service delivery, privacy assurance, and imposing obligations on users and providers for fair access conditions.

Telecommunications Regulation and Oversight

Key Functions of Telecommunications Authority

• The discussion emphasizes the need to incentivize investment in the telecommunications sector, including granting necessary authorizations and managing radio spectrum usage effectively.

• It highlights the importance of establishing a National Telecommunications Registry and conducting hearings as per regulatory procedures outlined in public service laws.

• The authority is tasked with ensuring efficient management of scarce resources and setting minimum quality standards for public networks and services.

• Operators must provide certified financial information regarding their gross revenues from telecommunications operations, enhancing accountability within the sector.

• A proposal suggests adding cybersecurity regulation responsibilities to the authority's functions, indicating a broader scope beyond traditional telecommunications oversight.

Legislative Process and Voting Outcomes

• The session includes a vote on motion number 27, which was rejected with five present deputies voting against it. This indicates ongoing legislative discussions around telecommunications regulations.

• A motion is introduced to postpone consideration of legislative item number 24,939 according to assembly rules, reflecting procedural aspects of legislative management.

• Another motion for postponement passes unanimously with five votes in favor, showcasing collaborative decision-making among deputies regarding agenda items.

Upcoming Legislative Items

• The agenda progresses to discuss various bills including one related to promoting technology companies like Starbucks in Costa Rica until April 30, 2026.

• Another bill addresses fiscal condonation for educational boards, indicating legislative focus on education-related financial matters through April 30, 2026.

• A proposed amendment aims at enhancing legal clarity regarding private educational institutions' staff status under state law.

Audience Engagement and Further Discussions

• There are motions requesting audience sessions with educators from subsidized private institutions to discuss project implications further; however, no deputies speak up during this time.

• A review motion concerning recent voting outcomes is presented but ultimately rejected by four votes against it. This reflects ongoing scrutiny within legislative processes.

This structured summary captures key discussions surrounding telecommunications regulation while also detailing procedural elements within the legislative context.

Motions and Legislative Procedures

Overview of Legislative Motions

• The session begins with a request to read two motions, including one from Deputy Mendes Gamboa for a legal report on file 25.119. No deputies speak in response.

• A vote is conducted with four deputies present; the motion passes unanimously (4 in favor, 0 against). Another motion is introduced regarding the review of a previous vote.

• Discussion shifts to file number 25120, which proposes reforms to create equal competitive labor conditions for educators until April 30, 2026.

Voting on Motions

• A motion by Deputy Mendes Gamboa requests a legal report on file 25.120. Again, no deputies respond during the discussion before proceeding to vote.

• The next item involves a proposal from the National Qualifications Secretariat aimed at enhancing educational quality and job offerings until April 30, 2026; motions are requested for reading.

Specific Proposals and Discussions

• Deputy Wanda Bonilla introduces a motion related to consulting Engineer Manuel Rodríguez Arce about digital health initiatives (EDUS).

• Another motion seeks to review voting results concerning file number 25.166; again, no deputies engage in discussion prior to voting.

Further Legislative Actions

• The session continues with discussions around file number 25171 concerning personal data protection laws in digital environments assigned until April 30, 2026.

• File number 25269 addresses the creation of a national qualifications system aimed at improving educational quality and job opportunities; motions are requested for reading.

Final Votes and Conclusions

• Deputy Bonilla's motion calls for consultations with various ministries regarding the qualifications system; there is no debate before moving to vote.

• A subsequent request aims to review earlier votes related to this legislative process but is rejected once more without discussion.

• Finally, Deputy Álvarez Marín proposes calling specific individuals for hearings regarding educational evaluation systems as part of ongoing legislative efforts.

Session Proceedings and Voting Outcomes

Opening Remarks and Initial Voting

• The session begins with a call for any deputies wishing to speak; none respond, leading to a vote.

• With four deputies present, the motion is approved unanimously (4 in favor, 0 against).

Review of Previous Motions

• A request is made to review the voting on motion from file 25.293; again, no deputies wish to speak before proceeding to vote.

• The previous voting results are reviewed but ultimately rejected (4 against, 0 in favor).

New Legislative Proposals

• Deputy Bando Bonilla introduces a new motion regarding the creation of a national educational macro-evaluation system, consulting various educational entities.

• Another motion is proposed by Deputy Rosy Balforn Molina for consultation with multiple educational institutions and organizations.

Final Votes and Session Closure

• A vote on the latest consultation proposal passes unanimously (4 in favor, 0 against).

• Following further discussions without additional motions or comments from deputies, the session concludes at 14:06.

Informal Discussions Post-Session

• Informal conversations occur post-session about technical matters and urgent consultations needed.

• Further discussions touch upon procedural concerns related to deadlines and compliance with regulations.