Pacific Legislature Official Thread

[bgwah]

I'm changing my vote to nay on the amendment. I will change it to something along the lines of another election being held in the case of a tie, since I don't want to be a fascist like Verin.


How about...


Section 1

1. Section 3:2 of Article I shall be amended to read "If the office of Lieutenant Governor becomes vacant, an election shall be held the first Friday following the vacancy during standard election hours. The winner shall take office immediately. If no candidates declare within this time, then the Governor may proceed to find a person to appoint. If an appointed person accepts the position then they shall take office immediately."

Section 2

1. Should an election end in a tie with no way to determine a winner based on preferences, another election shall be held among the tying candidates the following weekend during standard election hours.
2. Should a tie occur a second time, another election shall be held the following weekend with neither of the candidates from the previous week running again.
3. The current Governor or Lt. Governor shall serve until a winner is determined.
4. When a winner is finally determined under these extraordinary circumstances, they shall take office immediately.

X Governor Jesus

[Ebowed]

Amendment regarding elections Nay
Legalization of Prostitution Bill Aye

[bgwah]

Amendment regarding elections fails with 1 aye and 3 nays
Legalization of Prostitution Bill passes with 3 ayes and 1 nay

We are now voting on the following amendment:

Amendment regarding special elections

Section 1

1. Section 3:2 of Article I shall be amended to read "If the office of Lieutenant Governor becomes vacant, an election shall be held the first Friday following the vacancy during standard election hours. The winner shall take office immediately. If no candidates declare within this time, then the Governor may proceed to find a person to appoint. If an appointed person accepts the position then they shall take office immediately."

Section 2

1. Should an election end in a tie with no way to determine a winner based on preferences, another election shall be held among the tying candidates the following weekend during standard election hours.
2. Should a tie occur a second time, another election shall be held the following weekend with neither of the candidates from the previous week running again.
3. The current Governor or Lt. Governor shall serve until a winner is determined.
4. When a winner is finally determined under these extraordinary circumstances, they shall take office immediately.



Please vote aye or nay.

I vote aye.

[Ebowed]

Aye

[Rob]

Aye.

[bgwah]

The amendment passed 3-0

[King]

The state of Washington took over the Pacific while I was gone...crazy...what happened to California selling you guys as slaves?

[King]

Automatic Teller Machine Fees Act

1. Any bank operating within the Pacific Region shall be prohibited from fining persons using automatic teller machines ('ATMs') for using a machine not associated or approved for use by the user's bank.
2. Any ATM within the Pacific Region run by a bank from any other region may not fine persons for the same reason described in Section 1.

I guess I support this thing.

However, Section 2 isn't really necessary as even if it's a branch of a non-Pacific bank, it is still an ATM "operating within the Pacific Region."  I motion for an amendment to remove Section 2--or for Porce to edit it out.

[Ebowed]

Automatic Teller Machine Fees Bill
1. Any bank operating within the Pacific Region shall be prohibited from fining persons using automatic teller machines ('ATMs') for using a machine not associated or approved for use by the user's bank.

Embryonic Stem Cell Research Bill
1. The Pacific Region pledges $10 million to embryonic stem cell research grants effective FY 2008.
2. All regional restrictions on cloning and embyronic stem cell research are repealed.

AIDS Prevention Bill
1. The Pacific Government pledges $10 million towards condom distribution programs effective FY 2008.
2. The Pacific Government pledges $10 million towards needle exchange programs effective FY 2008.
3. The sale of hypodermic needles over-the-counter, without a prescription, is hereby legalized.

Resolution to Express the Sense of the Pacific on Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge Oil Drilling
1. It is the sense of the Pacific Region that oil drilling on the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge should be ended, because it:
a.) Degrades the environment;
b.) Discourages the use of alternative energy sources.
2. The people of the Pacific call on the federal Senate to overturn F.L. 6-21, which authorized the drilling on ANWR.

Pacific Estate Tax Bill
1. The Pacific Region estate tax outlined below becomes effective FY 2008.
2. Each portion of the value of the estate shall be taxed at the following rates, with each rate corresponding to the tax rate on only the portion of the estate that falls in the appointed range:
a) $0-$2,000,000 – 0%
b) $2,000,001-$4,000,000 – 3%
c) $4,000,001-$9,000,000 – 5%
d) $9,000,001-$15,500,000 – 7.5%
e) $15,500,001-$22,000,000 – 10%
f) $22,000,001-$45,000,000 – 12.5%
g) $45,000,001-$75,000,000 – 15%
h) $75,000,001-$100,000,000 – 18.5%
i) $100,000,001 and above – 25%
j) Farmers' non-residential property shall be taxed at 50% the normal tax rate.

Science in the Classrooms Bill
Section 1: Human Sexuality
No funds from the Pacific government shall go towards any sex education curriculum that promotes any of the following beliefs as based on scientific evidence:
1.) the trait of homosexuality or bisexuality is an entirely conscious choice and/or is strange or unnatural.
2.) the participation in homosexual sex acts is an unnatural act observed only in humans.
3.) the proper use of contraceptive devices including but not limited to condoms is grossly ineffective in preventing pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.
4.) engaging in sexual activity before marriage with proper precautions is dangerous.
5.) males and females should limit themselves to careers which have historically been associated with masculine and feminine roles, respectively.
6.) the surgical or medical termination of a pregnancy causes, or is in any way linked to, the development of breast cancer.
7.) pregnancy begins at any point before the implantation of a fertilized egg into the uterus.
Section 2: Origins
No funds from the Pacific government shall go towards any scientific education curriculum that promotes any of the following beliefs as based on scientific evidence:
1.) the status of biological evolution as a scientific theory is somehow different or set apart from that of other scientific theories such as gravity or relativity.
2.) fossil evidence for biological macroevolution is largely inaccurate or misinterpreted by mainstream scientists, or presents a picture that contradicts with biological evolutionary theory.
3.) radioactive carbon dating is always inaccurate or scientifically unreliable.
4.) the age of the earth is less than ten thousand years.
5.) the origins of the universe and of life on earth are scientifically explained by religious texts or creeds.
6.) the complexity of certain types of life on earth are of such a magnitude that they present valid evidence for that of a higher power or "intelligent designer."
7.) creation theories are testable by the scientific method.
8.) the Second Law of Thermodynamics contradicts the Big Bang.
Section 3: Cannabis
No Pacific funds shall be directed toward any drug prevention program that disseminates any of the following beliefs, and/or presents them as being established on scientific evidence.
1. Marijuana use fails to alleviate symptoms associated with terminal illness (e.g. cancer).
2. Recreational use of marijuana invariably leads to use of "hard" drugs (the so-called "gateway effect").

[Rob]

Automatic Teller Machine Fees Bill

x Rob

Embryonic Stem Cell Research Bill

x Rob

AIDS Prevention Bill

x Rob

Resolution to Express the Sense of the Pacific on Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge Oil Drilling

x Rob

Pacific Estate Tax Bill

x Rob

Science in the Classrooms Bill

x Rob

[King]

Automatic Teller Machine Fees Bill

x Rob

Embryonic Stem Cell Research Bill

x Rob

AIDS Prevention Bill

x Rob

Resolution to Express the Sense of the Pacific on Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge Oil Drilling

x Rob

Pacific Estate Tax Bill

x Rob

Science in the Classrooms Bill

x Rob

What are you signing?

[Ebowed]

What are you signing?

bills need 3 signatures or the governor's signature to advance to the ballot

[King]

What are you signing?

bills need 3 signatures or the governor's signature to advance to the ballot

Oh.  I'll sign all of them, too.

Automatic Teller Machine Fees Bill

x King

Embryonic Stem Cell Research Bill

x King

AIDS Prevention Bill

x King

Resolution to Express the Sense of the Pacific on Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge Oil Drilling

x King

Pacific Estate Tax Bill

x King

Science in the Classrooms Bill

x King

[The Dowager Mod]

Automatic Teller Machine Fees Bill

x TexasGurl

Embryonic Stem Cell Research Bill

x TexasGurl

AIDS Prevention Bill

x TexasGurl

Resolution to Express the Sense of the Pacific on Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge Oil Drilling

x TexasGurl

Pacific Estate Tax Bill

x TexasGurl

[bgwah]

Automatic Teller Machine Fees Bill

x Jesus

Embryonic Stem Cell Research Bill

x Jesus

AIDS Prevention Bill
x Jesus

Resolution to Express the Sense of the Pacific on Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge Oil Drilling

x Jesus

Pacific Estate Tax Bill

x Jesus

Science in the Classrooms Bill

x Jesus

[bgwah]

We're now voting on the following:



Automatic Teller Machine Fees Bill
1. Any bank operating within the Pacific Region shall be prohibited from fining persons using automatic teller machines ('ATMs') for using a machine not associated or approved for use by the user's bank.

Embryonic Stem Cell Research Bill
1. The Pacific Region pledges $10 million to embryonic stem cell research grants effective FY 2008.
2. All regional restrictions on cloning and embyronic stem cell research are repealed.

AIDS Prevention Bill
1. The Pacific Government pledges $10 million towards condom distribution programs effective FY 2008.
2. The Pacific Government pledges $10 million towards needle exchange programs effective FY 2008.
3. The sale of hypodermic needles over-the-counter, without a prescription, is hereby legalized.

Resolution to Express the Sense of the Pacific on Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge Oil Drilling
1. It is the sense of the Pacific Region that oil drilling on the Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge should be ended, because it:
a.) Degrades the environment;
b.) Discourages the use of alternative energy sources.
2. The people of the Pacific call on the federal Senate to overturn F.L. 6-21, which authorized the drilling on ANWR.

Pacific Estate Tax Bill
1. The Pacific Region estate tax outlined below becomes effective FY 2008.
2. Each portion of the value of the estate shall be taxed at the following rates, with each rate corresponding to the tax rate on only the portion of the estate that falls in the appointed range:
a) $0-$2,000,000 – 0%
b) $2,000,001-$4,000,000 – 3%
c) $4,000,001-$9,000,000 – 5%
d) $9,000,001-$15,500,000 – 7.5%
e) $15,500,001-$22,000,000 – 10%
f) $22,000,001-$45,000,000 – 12.5%
g) $45,000,001-$75,000,000 – 15%
h) $75,000,001-$100,000,000 – 18.5%
i) $100,000,001 and above – 25%
j) Farmers' non-residential property shall be taxed at 50% the normal tax rate.

Science in the Classrooms Bill
Section 1: Human Sexuality
No funds from the Pacific government shall go towards any sex education curriculum that promotes any of the following beliefs as based on scientific evidence:
1.) the trait of homosexuality or bisexuality is an entirely conscious choice and/or is strange or unnatural.
2.) the participation in homosexual sex acts is an unnatural act observed only in humans.
3.) the proper use of contraceptive devices including but not limited to condoms is grossly ineffective in preventing pregnancy or sexually transmitted infections.
4.) engaging in sexual activity before marriage with proper precautions is dangerous.
5.) males and females should limit themselves to careers which have historically been associated with masculine and feminine roles, respectively.
6.) the surgical or medical termination of a pregnancy causes, or is in any way linked to, the development of breast cancer.
7.) pregnancy begins at any point before the implantation of a fertilized egg into the uterus.
Section 2: Origins
No funds from the Pacific government shall go towards any scientific education curriculum that promotes any of the following beliefs as based on scientific evidence:
1.) the status of biological evolution as a scientific theory is somehow different or set apart from that of other scientific theories such as gravity or relativity.
2.) fossil evidence for biological macroevolution is largely inaccurate or misinterpreted by mainstream scientists, or presents a picture that contradicts with biological evolutionary theory.
3.) radioactive carbon dating is always inaccurate or scientifically unreliable.
4.) the age of the earth is less than ten thousand years.
5.) the origins of the universe and of life on earth are scientifically explained by religious texts or creeds.
6.) the complexity of certain types of life on earth are of such a magnitude that they present valid evidence for that of a higher power or "intelligent designer."
7.) creation theories are testable by the scientific method.
8.) the Second Law of Thermodynamics contradicts the Big Bang.
Section 3: Cannabis
No Pacific funds shall be directed toward any drug prevention program that disseminates any of the following beliefs, and/or presents them as being established on scientific evidence.
1. Marijuana use fails to alleviate symptoms associated with terminal illness (e.g. cancer).
2. Recreational use of marijuana invariably leads to use of "hard" drugs (the so-called "gateway effect").


Voting closes one week from the original posting time of this post.

[The Dowager Mod]

Aye
Aye
Aye
Aye
Aye
Nay

[King]

Automatic Teller Machine Fees Bill
Aye (a little too regulatory for my tastes, but really shouldn't hurt our economy)

Embryonic Stem Cell Research Bill
Nay (too much money and would be better served through a federal program)

AIDS Prevention Bill
Nay (same reasoning as Embryonic Stem Cell)

Resolution to Express the Sense of the Pacific on Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge Oil Drilling
Aye (although I don't agree with the part about how it discourages alternative energy sources)

Pacific Estate Tax Bill
Aye (Pacific should make a fortune considering how many the rich and classy cities the are in this region)

Science in the Classrooms Bill
Aye (sounds good to me)

[Ebowed]

Automatic Teller Machine Fees Bill:  Aye
Embryonic Stem Cell Research Bill:  Aye
AIDS Prevention Bill:  Aye
Resolution to Express the Sense of the Pacific on Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge Oil Drilling:  Aye
Pacific Estate Tax Bill:  Aye
Science in the Classrooms Bill:  Aye

[Rob]

Aye to all

[bgwah]

Automatic Teller Machine Fees Bill:  Aye
Embryonic Stem Cell Research Bill:  Aye
AIDS Prevention Bill:  Aye
Resolution to Express the Sense of the Pacific on Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge Oil Drilling:  Aye
Pacific Estate Tax Bill:  Aye
Science in the Classrooms Bill:  Aye

[Ebowed]

Minimum Wage Raise Bill
1. The minimum wage shall be raised by $0.50, to $7.50, effective two months after the passage of this act.

Racial Profiling Bill
1. No branch of law enforcement under Pacific jurisdiction shall be permitted to use the practice of racial profiling in attempting to catch or determine suspects.
2. "Racial profiling" is defined as the use of selecting someone for targeting solely on the basis of their skin color, race, language, or nationality being perceived as more likely to commit a crime than someone of a different skin color, race, language, or nationality.

LSD Legalization Bill
1. The possession and consumption of LSD (also known as lysergic acid diethylamide, LSD-25, or "acid"), a non-addictive semisynthetic psychedelic drug, shall be lawful for anyone who is 18 years or older.
2. This act shall not be interpreted as to decriminalize driving under the influence of LSD.

Public Services Bill
1. No person in the Pacific Region shall be denied access to public services, including public education, on the basis of immigration status.

Environmental Standards Bill
1. Any class of automobile listed below produced or sold within the Pacific Region must adhere to the following CAFE standards:
     a. Cars: 40 mpg by 2009, 50 mpg by 2011, 60 mpg by 2014
     b. Light Trucks: 30 mpg by 2009, 40 mpg by 2011, 46 mpg by 2014
     c. SUV: A standard of 26 mpg is instituted effective 2009, 40 mpg by 2011, 52 mpg by 2014

Anti-Discrimination Bill
1. All anti-discrimination laws applicable within the Pacific Region relating to housing, employment, and public accomodations shall be amended to also include sexual orientation as an illegal basis on which to discriminate.

Repeal of the Three-Strikes Act
1. The Three-Strikes Act is repealed.

Darfur Divestment Bill
1. All companies operating within the Pacific Region shall divest all funds that are invested in Sudan by September 15, 2007.
2. Any company that does not divest from Sudan by the above date shall face a fine of $20,000 for every employee each day that it is still invested in Sudan.
3. Sections 1 and 2 of this bill will expire on January 1, 2009.

Pacific Regional Holidays Bill
1. January 22 shall henceforth be recognized as Women's Rights Day, an official holiday.
2. February 24 shall henceforth be recognized as Immigration Appreciation Day, an official holiday.
3. May 17 shall henceforth be recognized as LGBT Rights Day, an official holiday.
4. June 26 shall henceforth be recognized as Torture Victims Support Day, an official holiday.
5. July 2 shall henceforth be recognized as Civil Rights Day, an official holiday.
6. In consistency with federal law 12-6, Columbus Day, recognized on the second Monday of every October, is hereby abolished as an official holiday.

[Platypus]

ATM Fees Bill: Nay-it's a bank's right to charge for their efforts if someone uses a competitor's service that still relies on their network and expertise.

ESCR Bill: Aye

AIDS Prevention Bill: Abstain-would be an easy Aye if not for section three. Section three is not enough for a 'Nay', but I'd like an impact study before approving this bill. AIDS Prevention is a worthy goal, however, and I support the Legislature's willingness to consider the issue.

Resolution re: Alaska: I support

Estate Tax Bill: Aye-but again, I have concerns, especially for the farmers. 50% is pretty bloody hefty, especially for struggling farmers in some parts of our region. I propose an amendment to section j), changing the term '50%' to '25%'. I certainly see no reason for it to be higher than the tax on property over $1m.

Science in the Classroom Bill: Aye-The small concerns I have over section 3 are not enough to replace the positive sentiment I hold towards section 1, which is important and unproblematic.

Minimum Wage Increase Bill: Abstain-I support an increase in the minimum wage, but this arbitary figure without any evidence to support its effectiveness or consequences-positive and negative-is unacceptable. I would suggest an alternate bill, which mandates that the minimum wage in the Pacific region will increase according to inflation in the cost of living from a specific point-the starting point could be the current $7.00 or the proposed $7.50, or somewhere in between.

Racial Profiling Bill: Abstain-My civil libertarian says racial profiling is disgraceful. My 'well the statistics show...' side says it has a reason to exist. The first is heftier on my mind, but the concerns of the latter point do not allow me to support this measure as it stands.

LSD Legalisation Bill: Abstain-The health consequences, especially mental health, can be significant. Again, my civil libertarian side plays a part, saying people should be able to make their own choice. I'd also like clarification on the second part.

Public Services Bill: Aye

Environmental Standards Bill: Aye-This is a significant bill that will implement some big changes. Whilst I am worried about the economic effect on other regions of Atlasia, it is in the Pacific's best interest to pass this bill.

Anti-Discrimination Bill: Nay-'Sexual Orientation' can include an adult's preference for young children. Whilst this is not necessarily a concern if they do not act upon their sexual desires nor support any industry relation to the sexual exploitation of children, if there are legal proofs of a person acting in either of these areas a vendor or landlord should have the right to refuse to sell/rent their property to an individual. I'd like to support this bill for many other reasons, but it needs much more detail then that currently present for me to do so.

Repeal of the Three Strikes Act: Aye-I'd also like to introduce another bill:

Review of Sentences Under Three-Strikes Law Bill
1) All sentences handed down due to the three-strikes law will be reviewed by the a Justice Reform Council to be formed by appointees of the Pacific Government and funded by a government provision of $3.5m per annum
2) If a sentence is found to be handed down purely because of the demands of the three-strikes law, independent of the sentencing necessary for the third crime, the sentence will be removed and compensation paid up to the amount $5,000.

(BTW, since we use Arizona law, does the three-strikes law actually exist in the Pacific?)

Darfur Divestment Bill: Nay-Yeah, that's REALLY going to improve the situation for the Sudanese people. Their government might be abysmal, but aiding in the destruction of the Sudanese economy is not something I can support. Let's find other, better ways to end the crisis in Darfur and throughout the region.

Pacific Regions Holiday Bill: Abstain-5 extra official holidays? If these are days in which schools are closed, government services do not open and businesses are forced to pay extra money to employees, I will vote nay. If they are a worthy recognition of the importance of the minority groups represented in the bill, I will vote aye. Also, 6. should be a seperate bill.

[bgwah]

The results:
Automatic Teller Machine Fees Bill:  5 Aye, 1 Nay
X Governor Jesus

Embryonic Stem Cell Research Bill:  5 Aye, 1 Nay
X Governor Jesus

AIDS Prevention Bill:  4 Aye, 1 Nay, 1 Abstain
X Governor Jesus

Resolution to Express the Sense of the Pacific on Alaskan National Wildlife Refuge Oil Drilling:  6 Aye
X Governor Jesus

Pacific Estate Tax Bill:  6 Aye
X Governor Jesus

Science in the Classrooms Bill:  5 Aye, 1 Nay
X Governor Jesus




And now I shall proceed to sign all of Ebowed's proposals (consider this as me re-proposing  and signing them if you must!) so we may begin voting on them soon (at least 24 hours after this post). Hopefully Ebowed doesn't get angry at me, though I'm not sure I support all of them, particularly the one regarding holidays. But a vote can't hurt!

Minimum Wage Raise Bill
X Governor Jesus

Racial Profiling Bill
X Governor Jesus

LSD Legalization Bill
X Governor Jesus

Public Services Bill
X Governor Jesus

Environmental Standards Bill
X Governor Jesus

Anti-Discrimination Bill
X Governor Jesus

Repeal of the Three-Strikes Act
X Governor Jesus

Darfur Divestment Bill
X Governor Jesus

Pacific Regional Holidays Bill
X Governor Jesus

[bgwah]

Voting on the following will be open for exactly one week.  Please vote aye or nay.


Minimum Wage Raise Bill
1. The minimum wage shall be raised by $0.50, to $7.50, effective two months after the passage of this act.

Racial Profiling Bill
1. No branch of law enforcement under Pacific jurisdiction shall be permitted to use the practice of racial profiling in attempting to catch or determine suspects.
2. "Racial profiling" is defined as the use of selecting someone for targeting solely on the basis of their skin color, race, language, or nationality being perceived as more likely to commit a crime than someone of a different skin color, race, language, or nationality.

LSD Legalization Bill
1. The possession and consumption of LSD (also known as lysergic acid diethylamide, LSD-25, or "acid"), a non-addictive semisynthetic psychedelic drug, shall be lawful for anyone who is 18 years or older.
2. This act shall not be interpreted as to decriminalize driving under the influence of LSD.

Public Services Bill
1. No person in the Pacific Region shall be denied access to public services, including public education, on the basis of immigration status.

Environmental Standards Bill
1. Any class of automobile listed below produced or sold within the Pacific Region must adhere to the following CAFE standards:
     a. Cars: 40 mpg by 2009, 50 mpg by 2011, 60 mpg by 2014
     b. Light Trucks: 30 mpg by 2009, 40 mpg by 2011, 46 mpg by 2014
     c. SUV: A standard of 26 mpg is instituted effective 2009, 40 mpg by 2011, 52 mpg by 2014

Anti-Discrimination Bill
1. All anti-discrimination laws applicable within the Pacific Region relating to housing, employment, and public accomodations shall be amended to also include sexual orientation as an illegal basis on which to discriminate.

Repeal of the Three-Strikes Act
1. The Three-Strikes Act is repealed.

Darfur Divestment Bill
1. All companies operating within the Pacific Region shall divest all funds that are invested in Sudan by September 15, 2007.
2. Any company that does not divest from Sudan by the above date shall face a fine of $20,000 for every employee each day that it is still invested in Sudan.
3. Sections 1 and 2 of this bill will expire on January 1, 2009.

Pacific Regional Holidays Bill
1. January 22 shall henceforth be recognized as Women's Rights Day, an official holiday.
2. February 24 shall henceforth be recognized as Immigration Appreciation Day, an official holiday.
3. May 17 shall henceforth be recognized as LGBT Rights Day, an official holiday.
4. June 26 shall henceforth be recognized as Torture Victims Support Day, an official holiday.
5. July 2 shall henceforth be recognized as Civil Rights Day, an official holiday.
6. In consistency with federal law 12-6, Columbus Day, recognized on the second Monday of every October, is hereby abolished as an official holiday.