The Decree to Raise the Official Flags of Puerto Rico and the United States is issued at a state funeral, such as the death of a former Governor, President of the Senate, Speaker of the House of Representatives and Chief Justice of the Supreme Court. Likewise, decrees may be issued upon the death of public officials, artistic, cultural and civic figures.
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The Decrees are issued as an expression of mourning and it is the Governor of Puerto Rico, who alone "authorizes or disposes" to lower the Official Flags of Puerto Rico to fly at half mast (Regulation Number 5282, Article 22). Likewise, when the President of the United States issues a National mourning in all the States and Territories; in Puerto Rico, the Governor issues a decree joining the Presidential Decree.
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It is the Secretary of State of Puerto Rico who evaluates and recommends to the Governor the consideration of the number of days, which may be from 1 to 5 days, or if it is a State Funeral, the recommended number is 30 days. In the event that the Legislative Assembly or the Mayors of the Municipalities recommend the issuance of a decree, it is submitted to the Governor for his consideration so that the order may be issued. Occasionally, in the event that the request for a decree does not apply, the recommendation to the Mayors is to lower the flag of their municipality to half-mast. The decrees are listed below;