José Enrique "Quiquito" Meléndez Ortiz (born December 5, 1973) is a Puerto Rican politician affiliated with the New Progressive Party (PNP). He has been a member of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives since May 23, 2011. Meléndez is a current candidate for Resident Commissioner in the 2024 Puerto Rican Elections.[1]
Quiquito Meléndez | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Member of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives from the at-large district | |
| Assumed office May 23, 2011 | |
| Preceded by | Rolando Crespo |
| Personal details | |
| Born | December 5, 1973 Aibonito, Puerto Rico |
| Political party | New Progressive |
| Other political affiliations | Republican |
| Spouse | Mariel Pagán Ramos |
| Children | 3 |
| Education | Interamerican University, San Germán (BA) Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico School of Law (JD) |
Early years and studies
editJosé Enrique Meléndez Ortiz was born on December 5, 1973, in Aibonito, Puerto Rico. His parents are former Senator José Enrique Meléndez Ortiz Sr. and Elba M. Ortiz Santiago.
Meléndez completed his elementary and high school studies in Coamo. He then received a Bachelor's degree in Political Science from the Interamerican University of Puerto Rico. After that, he completed his Juris doctor at the Pontifical Catholic University of Puerto Rico in 2002.[citation needed] After that, he passed the bar exam.
Meléndez served as a regional election coordinator, a regional director, and national committeeman of the Young Republican Federation of Puerto Rico In his youth.
Professional career
editIn 2002, Meléndez was hired by then-Representative Aníbal Vega Borges to serve as Legislative Adviser to the New Progressive Party at the Puerto Rico House of Representatives. During that time, he also served as adviser to Representatives José Chico Vega and Edwin Mundo Ríos. Also, Thomas Rivera Schatz, then Electoral Commissioner of the PNP, recruited Meléndez as an adviser in electoral affairs. Meléndez continued working for Rivera Schatz becoming his Legal Aide.
From 2003 to 2004, Meléndez also gave legislative and legal advice to Representative José F. Aponte Hernández. On January 10, 2005, Meléndez was appointed unanimously to serve as Secretary of the House of Representatives, under elected Speaker Aponte Hernández. He served in that position until 2006.
Meléndez also works as a private attorney.
Key Legislation
editSince beginning his legislative career, José E. Meléndez Ortiz has introduced 282 legislative documents,[2] focusing on a wide range of issues affecting Puerto Rico. Notably, he sponsored House Bill 262, titled "Ley para la Protección de la Privacidad Cibernética de Nuestros Niños y Jóvenes" [3] (Cyber Privacy Protection Law[4]), which seeks to protect the personal information of minors on social media platforms by regulating the disclosure of such data.[3][5] Additionally, Meléndez Ortiz has introduced other significant bills, including House Bill 1405, which aims to standardize the electronic filing of tax returns through private platforms, and House Bill 2185, which addresses the rights of firefighters within the Department of Public Safety. His legislative efforts reflect his ongoing commitment to enhancing public safety, privacy, and economic development in Puerto Rico.[2]
Political career
editIn April 2011, Meléndez Ortiz presented his candidacy to fill the vacant of Rolando Crespo in the House of Representatives.[6] On May 23, 2011, he was sworn into the position. He is currently a member of the Committees of Municipal Affairs, Treasury, Health, Public Safety, and others.[7]
Personal life
editMeléndez is married to Mariel Pagán Ramos. They have three children: José Enrique, Enrique José and Enrique André. They live in Guaynabo.
References
edit- ^ "José "Quiquito" Meléndez confirma que aspirará al cargo de comisionado residente en Washington D.C." El Nuevo Día (in Spanish). 2023-11-06. Retrieved 2024-01-03.
- ^ a b "José E. Meléndez Ortiz Sponsored Bills". BillSponsor.com. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
- ^ a b "Ley para la Protección de la Privacidad Cibernética de Nuestros Niños y Jóvenes". Diario de Sesiones, Procedimientos y Debates de la Decimonovena Asamblea Legislativa, Quinta Sesión Ordinaria (PDF) (Report). Vol. LXXI. Senado de Puerto Rico. June 15, 2023.
...pueda publicar y/o divulgar información personal de usuarios menores de edad residentes en Puerto Rico, más allá del nombre y ciudad donde reside...
- ^ "Social Media and Children 2024 Legislation". National Conference of State Legislatures. Archived from the original on 9 August 2024. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
- ^ "Bill establishing minimum age for social media use goes to governor's desk". The San Juan Daily Star. July 10, 2024. Retrieved 28 August 2024.
- ^ "Abogado aspira a la vacante que dejó Rolando Crespo". El Nuevo Día. April 20, 2011.
- ^ "Llenan vacante de Rolando Crespo". El Vocero. May 23, 2011.[permanent dead link]
External links
edit- José Enrique Meléndez Ortiz on CamaraDeRepresentantes.org