Introduction to Atlasia Bill [Passed]

[Јas]

I thank the PPT for bringing this legislation forward.

The bill, I hope, is reasonably self explanatory. When I first came to Atlasia, such a thread existed, it explained the basic information about Atlasia - something that it quite difficult to pick up without a sustained period of keen observance or research. Such requirements are not desirable if we are to encourage newbies into the game.

I would encourage the Senate to consider whether there is any information missing from the suggested text which would be of use to newbies and encourage amendments accordingly.

The wording of the bill proposes to allow the SoFA a significant amount of room to alter the text as necessary. I don't want a rigidity to set in such that it becomes out of date - that is also why I would like to see a fresh such thread for each SoFA.

Finally, as in the pre-cursor thread I've set up in the Elections Forum, parties (and other groups) are given the chance to set out (very basically) where they stand to potential new members. Parties and other such organisations have suffered in recent times and any moves to increase an active membership there should be welcomed.

If anyone has any questions, I'd be happy to try and field them.

[Јas]

I offer the following amendment to section 3 regarding parties (remove the stricken text):

3. Following the above opening statement, the SoFA shall post short statements from each of the major parties (i.e. those having 5 or more registered members). It shall be the responsibility of each party to provide a short statement (no longer than 100 words) outlining the ideology of the party to the SoFA for posting in this thread. The party may also include a link to another site (such as the party’s wiki page) which shall not count towards their word limit. Parties shall not be obliged to produce any such details should they so choose. Those which do not shall forfeit their entry. Major parties may at any time give to the SoFA an amended statement for posting.

I don't have any difficulty with this amendment. Indeed, I've allowed positngs from minor parties in the other thread as it is.

[Јas]

A quick amendment to change Sectretary of Forum Affairs (SoFA) to Department of Forum Affairs (DoFA).  Sorry to sound like a jerk but I think it's a necessary correction that needs to be made in case we go back to having Deputy Sec. of Forum Affairs

Given the terms of the Deputy SoFA Act, I don't see where any problem could arise which would require this proposed amendment.

[Јas]

A vote will now open on BrandonH's amendment.
Please vote Aye, Nay or Abstain on the following:

I offer the following amendment to section 3 regarding parties (remove the stricken text):

3. Following the above opening statement, the SoFA shall post short statements from each of the major parties (i.e. those having 5 or more registered members). It shall be the responsibility of each party to provide a short statement (no longer than 100 words) outlining the ideology of the party to the SoFA for posting in this thread. The party may also include a link to another site (such as the party’s wiki page) which shall not count towards their word limit. Parties shall not be obliged to produce any such details should they so choose. Those which do not shall forfeit their entry. Major parties may at any time give to the SoFA an amended statement for posting.

[Јas]

Another Amendment:
Insert the underlined text:

Registration
To join Atlasia, you must register in the Registration Thread. Simple state your name; preferred state of residence; and the party you wish to register with. You may register in anyone of the 50 real life states, D.C., and Puerto Rico. You can register at any time, however there are rules in place limiting rights to vote to those who have reached a total post count on the forum of 50; have posted more than 25 times in the previous 8 weeks; and have registered more than 10 days prior to the election. You may only change your state of registration every 60 days but you may change your party at anytime.

Also, a valid and important point.
I'd recommend to the sponsor (Ebowed) to motion to accept this as a friendly amendment.

[Јas]

Current Tally on BrandonH's 1st Amendment
Aye: 3 (Brandon; Sam; Ebowed)
Nay: 1 (Phil)
Abstain: 0
Absent: 1 (DWTL)
Yet to Vote: 3 (Al; Lewis; Rob)

[Јas]

Wouldn't it be easier if the power to write the introduction thread was given to the SoFA, with the Senate having oversight?

In the short run, yes. In the long run, a statute setting out the fundamentals of what ought to be stated and how often it should be renewed while allowing the SoFA latitude to amend it as per circumstances may end up being simpler. The bill is relatively straight-forward as it is (IMO).

Given the stage we're at, I don't think that a change in form to the way you describe would necessarily be any easier.

[Јas]

Another Amendment:
Insert the underlined text:

Registration
To join Atlasia, you must register in the Registration Thread. Simple state your name; preferred state of residence; and the party you wish to register with. You may register in anyone of the 50 real life states, D.C., and Puerto Rico. You can register at any time, however there are rules in place limiting rights to vote to those who have reached a total post count on the forum of 50; have posted more than 25 times in the previous 8 weeks; and have registered more than 10 days prior to the election. You may only change your state of registration every 60 days but you may change your party at anytime.

Also, a valid and important point.
I'd recommend to the sponsor (Ebowed) to motion to accept this as a friendly amendment.

So accepted.

Senators have 24 hours to object to the adoption of this amendment as a friendly amendment.

Voting remains open on BrandonH's 1st Amendment.

[Јas]

Senators have 24 hours to object to the passing of Lewis's amendment as a friendly amendment.

[Јas]

Question if I may: Who will write the intro to political parties? An independent non-biased or personal entry for the party by its members?

Just as I offered in the Introduction to Atlasia thread currently up and running, each party (and indeed caucus/organisation) submits is own piece. They should be best placed to describe themselves to newbies.

[Јas]

With 7 votes in favor, 0 against, 2 not voting and 1 seat absent, this bill has passed.

It is presented to the President for his signature.

Given that the President is on a declared leave of absence, I presume that I am Acting President until he returns. (If not, then I'm sure someone will set me right/get an unruly mob to place my head on a spike [delete as appropriate].) In so believing and declaring, I am very happy to sign this Bill into law and do so accordingly...

Jas