Bill 519.

Summary.

The bill establishes digital processing for permits, licenses and authorizations associated with public, large-scale, cultural, artistic and entertainment shows and temporary entertainment activities, whether held indoors or outdoors. It proposes a single window within Panamá Conecta, administered by the National Authority for Government Innovation (Autoridad Nacional para la Innovación Gubernamental), or through a digital platform designated by the Executive Branch (Órgano Ejecutivo). Competent authorities would coordinate their actions within their respective powers, without creating new offices or administrative units.

Integrated processing would cover child protection and social coexistence matters handled by the National Secretariat for Children, Adolescents and the Family (Secretaría Nacional de Niñez, Adolescencia y Familia); security and civil protection procedures involving the National Police (Policía Nacional), the Meritorious Fire Department of the Republic of Panama (Benemérito Cuerpo de Bomberos de la República de Panamá) and the National Civil Protection System (Sistema Nacional de Protección Civil); and operating authorizations, temporary licenses, municipal charges, use of public space and compliance with environmental rules. It would also include tax filings and payments before the Directorate General of Revenue (Dirección General de Ingresos), employment permits and labor checks before the Ministry of Labor and Workforce Development (Ministerio de Trabajo y Desarrollo Laboral), and special visas or permits for foreign artists, technicians and workers before the National Migration Service (Servicio Nacional de Migración), where applicable.

The bill allocates a percentage of public revenue from charges connected with these events, to be set by regulation and subject to budget rules, to improving, maintaining, modernizing and securing the public facilities used to hold them. It assigns the Specialized Higher Technical Institute (Instituto Técnico Superior Especializado) and other competent bodies training programs in executive and operational production, production management, sound, lighting, video, audiovisual documentation and event logistics. It assigns the National Institute for Vocational Training and Human Development (Instituto Nacional de Formación Profesional y Capacitación para el Desarrollo Humano) and other competent bodies technical training for stage and dressing-room personnel, customs work, electrical services, equipment installation, stage support and live-event lighting.

Curricula, technical careers and certifications developed under the bill would undergo the evaluation, validation and approval processes required by existing rules. A higher-education teaching degree would not be a primary requirement for instructors in those technical careers and certifications if they demonstrate relevant experience, international certifications or a recognized professional record in their field. The two training institutes could form partnerships with universities, technical training centers and specialized academies so that international teachers or experts participate in programs in Panama (Panamá), subject to applicable migration and labor procedures. The Executive Branch would issue regulations within no more than six (6) months after promulgation, when the law would take effect.

The proposal concerns the named public authorities, event organizers, artists, technicians, foreign workers, production-service providers, technical training institutions and users of public event facilities.