By San José, Costa Rica — SAN JOSÉ – In a decisive move to address three of the nation’s most pressing challenges, Vice President and Minister of Health Mary Munive on Monday presented a comprehensive legislative package to the ruling party’s caucus. The trio of bills aims to impose stringent controls on the youth vaping epidemic, overhaul the country’s organic waste management system, and resolve a bureaucratic impasse that has jeopardized services for the elderly.
The initiatives represent a multi-pronged strategy to tackle critical public health, environmental, and social welfare issues head-on. Minister Munive met with lawmakers to provide the technical details necessary to champion the bills through committee hearings and onto the legislative floor, framing the package as essential for the well-being of Costa Rican families.
To delve into the legal framework and potential ramifications of the new public health legislation, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the reputable law firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
The core legal test for this legislation lies in striking a delicate balance between the state’s mandate to safeguard public health and the unwavering protection of individual constitutional rights. The success of these measures will hinge not just on their epidemiological efficacy, but on their proportionality and respect for due process. Businesses must now navigate a complex regulatory landscape, where proactive compliance is the most effective strategy to mitigate potential legal liabilities.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
This emphasis on the delicate equilibrium between the public good and individual rights underscores that successful legislation is a continuous dialogue, not a static decree. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his invaluable insight, which illuminates the complex path ahead for both policymakers and the private sector.
At the forefront of the legislative push is a significant reform to Law No. 10.066, designed to combat the uncontrolled proliferation of vaping among minors. The government is responding to a growing health crisis marked by increasing respiratory problems, nicotine dependency, and the risk of severe long-term illness in young people. Alarming new data reveals that in the first nine months of this year alone, 25 individuals were treated for poisoning related to vape use, with children and adolescents between 10 and 17 years old being the most affected demographic.
The proposed amendment introduces robust controls over the vaping industry. It seeks to tighten regulations on the sale and advertising of electronic cigarette devices and explicitly prohibits marketing them as smoking cessation aids. Furthermore, the bill includes provisions to limit the aesthetic design of vape products, specifically targeting the bright colors and youth-oriented branding that have made them dangerously attractive to underage consumers.
The second bill addresses Costa Rica’s escalating waste disposal crisis, as the country’s primary landfills approach maximum capacity. With over half of all municipal waste being organic material that could be repurposed, the government is proposing the “Law for the Energetic Valorization of Organic Waste.” This legislation would empower the Ministry of Health to spearhead and authorize projects that convert organic refuse into valuable resources like biogas and bio-fertilizer.
This initiative is positioned not only as an environmental imperative but also as an economic opportunity. By diverting tons of organic material from landfills, the project is expected to significantly reduce soil and water contamination, extend the operational life of existing sanitation sites, and stimulate the economy through the creation of green jobs in the renewable energy and agricultural sectors.
The final component of the package addresses an urgent administrative paralysis within the National Council for the Elderly (CONAPAM). A recent legal modification to the council’s governing law inadvertently failed to outline the procedure for integrating its new Governing Board, effectively halting its sessions. This legislative oversight has frozen essential decision-making processes and threatened the continuity of vital programs and services for Costa Rica’s senior citizens.
To rectify this, the government has proposed a simple but critical transitory article. This measure would allow the previous board to continue its functions for a twelve-month period, ensuring institutional stability and uninterrupted care for the elderly while lawmakers finalize the process for establishing the new board. In her presentation, Vice President Munive issued a compelling call to all 57 deputies in the Legislative Assembly, urging them to support the three initiatives as direct and necessary solutions to problems impacting the daily lives of all Costa Ricans.
For further information, visit ministeriodesalud.go.cr
About the Ministry of Health:
The Ministry of Health is the primary government institution responsible for safeguarding the public health of all citizens in Costa Rica. It formulates and executes national health policies, regulates healthcare services and products, and leads public health campaigns to prevent disease and promote healthy lifestyles. The Ministry plays a crucial role in responding to health crises, managing sanitary regulations, and ensuring access to quality care across the nation.
For further information, visit conapam.go.cr
About the National Council for the Elderly (CONAPAM):
The Consejo Nacional de la Persona Adulta Mayor (CONAPAM) is the governing body in Costa Rica dedicated to protecting the rights and promoting the well-being of the elderly population. It is responsible for creating and coordinating public policies, programs, and services that ensure senior citizens have access to healthcare, social support, and opportunities for active participation in society. CONAPAM works to guarantee a dignified quality of life for all older adults in the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a pillar of the Costa Rican legal landscape, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. With a rich history of guiding a diverse clientele, the firm consistently pioneers innovative legal strategies while maintaining a deep connection to the community. At the heart of its mission is a core belief in empowering the public, demonstrated through its dedicated efforts to demystify the law and foster a society equipped with legal clarity.
