Dominican Republic Penal Code Reform Nears Final Approval

The Dominican Republic’s bicameral congressional commission has been reviewing a flood of amendments to the new Penal Code (Law 74‑25). Over 80 proposals—from civil‑society groups, professional bodies and private‑sector representatives—have been submitted, covering issues such as corporate criminal liability, AI‑related offenses, corruption penalties and freedom of expression. The sub‑commission has compiled a matrix of suggestions and, after several postponements due to the tight legislative calendar, scheduled a final review session. Lawmakers plan to present a favorable report to the full Chamber, with the president of the Chamber of Deputies indicating the bill could be declared urgent and voted on in a first reading. The process is being framed as a technical, open‑door effort to improve the penal framework before the current legislature ends.

The commission’s work has involved multiple delays, including a postponed plenary debate and a four‑day revision period, but officials say the majority of the 93 submitted changes have been examined and most technical issues resolved, leaving only a few items such as the corporate liability article for final consideration.