Quintana Roo Lawmakers Propose Constitutional Reforms Amid Criticism of Superficial Changes

Chetumal, Mexico — Quintana Roo lawmakers have proposed several constitutional amendments during the latest legislative session, but critics argue the changes represent superficial adjustments rather than substantive policy solutions to the state’s pressing issues.

During the seventh session of the Permanent Commission of the XVIII Legislature, legislators presented initiatives to reform existing articles of the state constitution and penal code rather than introducing original projects addressing Quintana Roo’s urgent needs.

Among the proposed changes is a reform to Article 161, Section I of the Quintana Roo State Constitution, which would require the legislator presiding over the Anticorruption, Citizen Participation and Autonomous Bodies Commission, along with the head of the State Financial Intelligence Unit, to join the Coordinating Committee of the State Anticorruption System.

Another initiative seeks to reform the tenth paragraph of Article 13 of the state constitution to align the concept of adequate housing in local legislation with federal constitutional standards.

Lawmakers also read a proposal to declare the annual Patronal Festival dedicated to the Virgin of Carmen in Playa del Carmen as Intangible Cultural Heritage of Quintana Roo State.

Additionally, legislators proposed adding Article 130 quinquies to Article 78 Bis of the Quintana Roo State Penal Code to establish that sexual cyberharassment crimes have no statute of limitations.

The initiatives cover anticorruption, housing, cultural heritage, and sexual cyberharassment. All involve adjustments to existing legal frameworks, harmonization with federal law, or symbolic recognitions rather than new policy approaches.

Critics note that while legislators justify these moves as “work,” they avoid the challenge of designing substantive public policies. The proposals do not address southern Quintana Roo’s marginalization, the economic crisis affecting small businesses, or the exclusion of rural communities from decision-making processes.