Congressional Decree

Decree 250-2026, published in the official gazette on October 16, entered into force authorizing the Finance Ministry to allocate up to 11 million lempiras (about $440,000) to subsidize electricity rates for residents of Utila, Bay Islands, through local utility UPCO.

Lawmakers unanimously approved a motion to enforce a 2016 decree exempting public soccer fields and parks nationwide from paying for electricity, citing a decade-long failure by the state utility ENEE to apply the law and noting that youth sports programs are being harmed.

A congressional decree expanding the temporary mandates of National Electoral Council (CNE) counselors expired today, but the officials will continue serving while lawmakers seek consensus on permanent replacements.

Congress approved an extension of the contract between the national prison authority and a supplier installing body scanners and X-ray equipment in Honduran prisons to strengthen security and control in the penal system.

Vice President of Congress Godofredo Fajardo introduced a bill to block a 12.82% electricity rate increase announced by the energy regulator, keeping the price at 5.32 lempiras per kilowatt-hour instead of allowing it to rise to 5.98 lempiras, citing the burden on household budgets and business costs.

Lawmakers approved 26 million lempiras (about $1 million) from the 2026 budget to build a shelter for women who have experienced violence in Santa Bárbara, with construction to begin this year.

Congress approved Decree 78-2026, extending amnesty deadlines for unpaid taxes, social-security contributions, municipal fees, and water and sanitation bills, allowing businesses and citizens to regularize outstanding obligations.

Members of Congress from La Paz are pushing a decree to spend 19.5 million lempiras (about $780,000) paving a 3-kilometer access road to San Pedro de Tutule, a major coffee-producing municipality whose current connections flood during the rainy season.

A decree proposal would gradually increase annual budget allocation to Andepcih, the national association for blind Hondurans, to 2 million lempiras (roughly $80,000) by 2027 and maintain it permanently thereafter.