Legislation Introduction Thread

[Franzl]

The Help Atlasia Study Act of 2009:

Section 1:
In an effort to make a college education more universally available than it is currently, and to attempt to provide equal chances to all Atlasian citizens, the Atlasian government will subsidize a portion of college tuition for every eligible young Atlasian.

Section 2:
To be eligible for such governmental aid, one must:
a.) be an Atlasian citizen between 18 and 30 years of age.
b.) have obtained a high school diploma.
c.) not belong to a family which has an annual income of greater than $100,000.
d.) have sufficiently high SAT scores and a good GPA. The necessary levels will be determined at the beginning of each semester, being variable, and will depend on supply and demand for government assistance.

Section 3:
Atlasia will fund this program with an increase in the national income tax on those making at least $500,000 in personal income.

[Franzl]

The High Speed Rail Act:

Section 1: Atlasia recognizes that, in order to create and maintain a modern, future oriented and effective transportation system, necessary to aid climate protection and prepare ourselves for increasing oil prices in the future, that a network of high speed, electronically operated trains between major cities should be constructed and operated.

Section 2: Primarily, as of now, the following routes will be built:
a.) Los Angeles - San Francisco
b.) Dallas - Houston
c.) Chicago - St. Louis
d.) Washington - New York
e.) Boston - New York
f.) Chicago - Detroit - Toronto

Section 3: This system will take the German "ICE" train system as an example and will function similarly, with speeds up to 250 km/h (156 mph).

Section 4: The funding for this project will come from multiple sources:
a.) 2% increase on highest federal income tax bracket.
b.) $0.50 gasoline tax increase
c.) Regions will contribute funding to routes within their boundaries. (failure to comply will result in other routes in other regions being prioritized.)

Section 5: The routes listed in Section 2 will only be regarded as suggestions, and an independent team of transportation experts will provide analysis and recommendations for the implementation of this plan, specifically relating to the priority and effectiveness of the above mentioned routes.

[Franzl]

CO2 cap-and-trade bill:

Section 1: In an effort to combat the catastrophic effects of climate change, Atlasia will attempt to reduce overall emmissions of carbon dioxide by regulating the total amount that may be produced through a "cap-and-trade" system.

Section 2: The Atlasian government will provide regions with "climate credits" proportional to their share of employed Atlasians, which will be distributed as regions see fit within their boundaries.

Section 3: These credits may be bought, sold and otherwise transferred among the companies that receive them as they see fit at market based prices.

Section 4: The total level of CO2 credits issued to the regions by the Atlasian government will equal 98.5% of the total amount of CO2 produced in the previous year, with the goal of meaningful, long term reduction.

Section 5: This carbon regulating scheme will last for a maximum of 10 years, after which it will be evaluated again and renewed according to new demands and goals.

[Franzl]

Franzl Tax Cut Bill:

Section 1: In an effort to provide relief for struggling lower and middle class families in this time of economic crisis, Atllasia recognizes the economically stimulating effect of responsible tax cuts and will provide these accordingly.

Section 2: Families with a total income of between $30,000 and $75,000 will have their federal income tax rates reduced for 2009.

Section 3: The exact tax cuts are as follows:
a.) $30,000 - $49,999: 3.5% lower (in total, independent of current tax brackets)
b.) $50,000 - $64,999: 2.5% lower (in total, independent of current tax brackets)
c.) $65,000 - $75,000: 1.5% lower (in total, independent of current tax brackets)

Section 4: This tax cut scheme will expire immediately after 2009, but may be renewed or renegotiated based on economic conditions at that time.

[Franzl]

The Regional Activity Amendment

1. Article V, Section 1, Clause 1 of the Constitution is hereby amended to read: "No person may simultaneously hold two or more offices of the Republic of Atlasia at the same level of government. This is not to exclude one from holding offices at different levels of government."

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I'll introduce this for you.

[Franzl]

The Regional Activity Amendment

1. Article V, Section 1, Clause 1 of the Constitution is hereby amended to read: "No person may simultaneously hold two or more offices of the Republic of Atlasia at the same level of government. This is not to exclude one from holding offices at different levels of government."


Just for the record, I'm officially introducing this.

[Franzl]

The China Import Restriction Act

1. All imports from China will be hereby removed. Import quotas will no longer be issued to firms looking to import goods from China.

2. This bill will not forego any outstanding debts with China.

3. This bill will not force Atlasia to discontinue trade with any nation that trades with China.

4. This bill will not affect any exports to China. Exports will continue as the Chinese government deems necessary.


(I'm introducing this on behalf of a constituent, Persepolis. He is the one who wrote the bill.)

[Franzl]

Middle East Peace Act of 2009 II

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My sincere gratitude to Afleitch for the work invested in the drafting of this bill. He deserves all the credit for it.

[Franzl]

Game Moderator Replacement Act

Section 1: If the Game Moderator is deemed to be inappropriately inactive, he may be removed by the Senate in the interest of stimulating activity in Atlasia.

Section 2: Any such motion for removal will be sponosored by a senator and seconded by at least one other senator.

Section 3: A period of debate may be allowed for up to 48 hours concerning any such motion, after which a vote on removal from office will be held.

Section 4: The GM shall be removed from office in the event that two-thirds of the Senate vote for removal.

[Franzl]

Franzl Tax Cut Bill:

Section 1: In an effort to provide relief for struggling lower and middle class families in this time of economic crisis, Atllasia recognizes the economically stimulating effect of responsible tax cuts and will provide these accordingly.

Section 2: Families with a total income of between $30,000 and $75,000 will have their federal income tax rates reduced for 2009.

Section 3: The exact tax cuts are as follows:
a.) $30,000 - $49,999: 3.5% lower (in total, independent of current tax brackets)
b.) $50,000 - $64,999: 2.5% lower (in total, independent of current tax brackets)
c.) $65,000 - $75,000: 1.5% lower (in total, independent of current tax brackets)

Section 4: This tax cut scheme will expire immediately after 2009, but may be renewed or renegotiated based on economic conditions at that time.

[Franzl]

CO2 cap-and-trade bill:

Section 1: In an effort to combat the catastrophic effects of climate change, Atlasia will attempt to reduce overall emmissions of carbon dioxide by regulating the total amount that may be produced through a "cap-and-trade" system.

Section 2: The Atlasian government will auction "carbon credits" on the commodities market competitively.

Section 3: These credits may be bought, sold and otherwise transferred among the companies that receive them as they see fit at market based prices.

Section 4: The total level of CO2 credits issued by the Atlasian government will equal to 98.5% of the  credits issued in the previous year, with the goal of meaningful, long term reduction. The total amount of credits issued in the first year after adoption of this legislation will equal 97% of all carbon taxed by Atlasia in 2008, whether domestically or under carbon import taxation.

Section 5: The Carbon Tax and Carbon Import Tax are repealed.

Section 6: Foreign companies will be allowed to purchase carbon credits on the Atlasian market in the same way a domestic company would.

Section 7: This carbon regulating scheme will last for a minimum of 10 years, after which it will be evaluated again and renewed according to new demands and goals.

[Franzl]

Legalization of Heroin Bill

Section 1: Findings
1. Heroin is a white, crystalline, narcotic powder, C₂₁H₂₃NO₅, derived from morphine, formerly used as an analgesic and sedative.
2. The pharmaceutical price of heroin is only 5% of the average street price of heroin.

Section 2: Applicability
1. This law shall remove all federal restrictions on heroin in addition to legalization in Nyman and other federal territories which do not form a region.
2. The Regions of Atlasia shall be free to legalize and regulate heroin in any manner which they may choose.

Section 3: In Regards to the Legal Status of Heroin
1. The possession and consumption of heroin shall be legal.
2. This law shall not be interpreted as to decriminalize driving under the influence of heroin.
3. Penalties for driving under the influence of heroin shall be the same as those for driving under the influence of alcohol and other substances.

Section 4: Taxation
1. Sales tax on heroin will be 30%.  Individual regions may set their own taxes on heroin as they see fit in addition to the federal tax which shall not exceed 20%.
2. Federal revenue raised from taxes on heroin shall be spent as follows:
   a.) 50% to a newly created National Opiate Addiction Help Center
   b.) 25% to funding for the needle exchange program created by the Atlasian Policy Regarding HIV/AIDS
   c.) 25% to improvements to federal interstate highways
3. Regional revenue generated from sales of heroin shall be used however the region deems necessary by a vote of the people upon voting for legalization.
4. The National Opiate Addiction Help Center shall not be funded by any other taxes.
5. The National Opiate Addiction Help Center shall focus on treatment options not involving methodone

Section 5: Purchases
1. Heroin shall be available at any licensed pharmacies that chose to sell heroin.
2. Heroin shall not require a prescription but will kept behind the counter under all circumstances.
3. Individuals not in possession of the proper licenses shall still be prohibited from selling heroin.

Section 6: Age Restrictions
1. No one under the age of 18 shall be allowed to purchase heroin
2. Any pharmacist selling heroin to a person under the age of 18 shall be subject to any of the following:
   a.) a fine not to exceed $100,000
   b.) 30 days in a regional prison
   c.) a suspension or revokal of license


I'm going to reintroduce this for DWTL (so it still gets a good place in the queue). I'm not completely sure that I support it entirely....but it should make for an interesting debate.

[Franzl]

Nuclear Power Advancement Act:

Section 1: Atlasia recognizes that necessary steps need to be taken to reduce our energy dependence and protect the environment, and that nuclear energy helps us to accomplish both goals.

Section 2: The federal government of Atlasia will subsidize the construction of nuclear power plants if energy providers replace existing coal, oil or natural gas power plants with equal capacity by the time new nuclear plants go into service.

Section 3: The Atlasian government will fund 20% of the construction of any nuclear power plants built under the conditions of this program, and will grant a commercial tax reduction totalling 25% per annum for 10 years to the applicable energy provider.

Section 4: This program will cost a maximum of $60 billion in direct subsidies (excluding potential losses due to tax cuts). Tax breaks will still be awarded after this point is reached, but no further direct subsidies will be given.

[Franzl]

Fuel Efficient Cars Act

Whereas, the CAFE standards for this year, 2009, as amended unter the Environmental Policy Act of 2009, are:

34 mpg for cars, 24 mpg for light trucks, 22 mpg for SUVs


Section 1: In a further effort to encourage sensible energy usage and responsibility regarding environmental protection, but also to stimulate demand for fuel efficient automobiles in this recession, Atlasia shall offer tax credits for the purchase of such vehicles.

Section 2: Any person who purchases a vehicle which has a fuel economy, defined by the EPA, of 10 mpg or more than the CAFE standards, shall be eligible for a tax credit totalling 15% of the cost of the vehicle, up to a maximum of $4,000.

Section 3: This program shall only be valid until a maximum of $30 billion are used.

[Franzl]

Affirmative Action Prohibition Bill:

Section 1: Atlasia recognizes affirmative action based on race, gender, sexual orientation, or any factor not related to economic status as an unacceptable form of discrimination.

Section 2: Such policies shall be prohibited throughout Atlasia.

[Franzl]

Capital Punishment Abolition Amendment to the Constitution

Capital punishment is entirely abolished. It may never be used by the federal or regional governments under any circumstances.

I should explain here, because many of you will probably think "What's Franzl doing, capital punishment has been gone for a long time in Atlasia, right?".

From what I've been able to find...and I've done quite a bit of research....the ban on capital punishment currently only applies to the federal government, and the Supreme Court ruled in 2004 that any attempt to force regions to comply was unconstitutional.

If I'm wrong here....please let me know, and I'll withdraw this.

[Franzl]

Resolution on Iranian protesters:

Atlasia hereby expresses total support for all Iranian citizens who embrace the values of freedom, human rights, civil liberties, and rule of law.

[Franzl]

Nuclear Waste Reprocessing Bill:

Section 1: Atlasia recognizes the importance of responsible handling of nuclear waste, especially due to the likely increase of nuclear energy usage as a result of the "Nuclear Power Advancement Act".

Section 2: Atlasia believes that reprocessing of nuclear waste is a sensible alternative to direct disposal, and will provide aid to energy providers that choose to reprocess.

Section 3: A tax rebate equal to 75% of the difference in cost of reprocessing compared to current direct disposal will be provided as an incentive.

[Franzl]

Truth in Sentencing Act:

All persons convicted of a felony by a federal Atlasian court shall be required to serve at least 90% of their sentences before being released.

[Franzl]

Colombian Assistance and Stability Act:

1. The Republic of Atlasia is deeply concerned about the current situation in Colombia, and wished to provide monetary and military aid, in compliance with our responsibilities through the Global Treaty Organzation.

2. Atlasia will send 2500 soldiers to Colombia in order to help drive back FARC rebels and to serve in the event of an invasion of Colombia by outside forces.

3. Atlasia offers $250 million to be distributed at the discretion of the Department of External Affairs in order to maintain stability.

[Franzl]

Air Passenger Protection Act:

1. No passenger may be required to remain in an aircraft on the ground at the point of departure for longer than 3 hours. If a departing aircraft is delayed for longer than 3 hours, all passengers must be given the opportunity to leave the aircraft until at most 30 minutes before estimated delayed departure.

2. Any airline in violation of said rule shall pay any passengers held against their will $1000 in cash.

3. Passengers delayed for greater than 4 hours, regardless of location, shall be compensated with $150, or 25% of the cost of the ticket, whichever is smaller.

4. Passengers delayed for greater than 4 hours shall be provided food vouchers every 6 hours worth at least $10.

5. Passengers of flights estimated to be delayed from before midnight until after 6am shall be provided with lodging if lodging within 10 miles of the airport is available.

6. Violations of any part of this act will be punished with a $1000 fine per passenger, payable to Atlasia.

[Franzl]

Atlasian national DUI bill:

1.) It is illegal to operate a motor vehicle on public roads with a BAC of greater than 0.05%. Violations of this will result in a $2000 fine.

2.) Regions shall be permitted to legislate stricter alcohol limits and penalties, including loss of license and greater fines.

3.) Persons convicted of DUI under regional laws shall not owe a federal fine if the monetary penalty in their particular region is greater than the federal penalty. If the regional penalty is lower than $2,000, then the difference between $2,000 and the regional penalty shall be owed to Atlasia.

[Franzl]

Introduced on behalf of Ebowed:

Private Prison Bill

1. No federal money may be distributed to any privately owned and operated prisons.

[Franzl]

Public Transportation Encouragement Act:

Any person who uses public transportation to travel between his or her place of residence and work shall receive a federal tax credit for 15% of the cost thereof.

Atlasia hopes to encourage environmentally friendly transportation in addition to relieving congested roads through these subsidies.

[Franzl]

Legislative Reorganization Amendment

That the following changes be made to the Atlasian Constitution:

1. The Preamble to Article 1 of the Constitution is amended to read "All Legislative Powers herein granted shall be vested in the Legislature of the Republic of Atlasia. The Legislature shall be composed of the Senate and the Council of Governors. "

2. Article I, Section 1, Clause 2 is amended to read as follows: No person shall be a Senator who has not attained a hundred or more posts.

3. Article I, Section 3, Clause 3 is amended to read: "For any Bill or Resolution to pass the Senate, it shall have gained a majority in a valid vote. Before the Bill or Resolution becomes Law, it shall be presented to the Council of Governors and to the President of the Republic of Atlasia, unless it be concerning the rules for the proceedings of the Senate. If both approve, the President shall sign it, and it shall become Law. If the President does not approve, he shall return the Bill with his objections to the Senate, and it shall not become Law. If the Council of Governors does not approve, they shall return the Bill with their objections to the Senate, and it shall not become Law. Upon reconsidering the Bill, if the Senate shall approve the legislation by two-thirds of its number, it shall become Law. If a Bill is not returned to the Senate by the President or the Council of Governors within seven days after it shall have been presented to them, the authority in question shall be considered to have approved of the legislation.. "

4. Article I, Section 4, Clause 1 is amended to read as follows: The Senate shall be divided into two classes: Class A and Class B, both of which shall be elected by a form of proportional representation.

5. Article I, Section 4, Clause 4 is amended to read as follows: If a vacancy shall occur in any Senate seat, then a special election shall be called to fill the remainder of the vacant term within one week of the vacancy occurring.

6. Article I, Section 4, Clause 5 is amended to read as follows: However, if a vacancy shall occur less than two weeks before the end of the term in question, then no special election shall be necessary.

7. The title of Section 5 is amended to read "Powers of the Legislature". The preamble of Section 5 is amended to read "The Legislature shall have the power save where limited by other provisions in the Constitution". The title of Section 6 is amended to read "Powers denied to the Legislature".

8. The Council of Governors shall consist of the heads of state of the regions. Each head of state shall have one vote. The votes of a majority of the membership shall be required to reject any legislation.


This is intended to be co-sponsered by myself and the honorable PPT Marokai Blue.

Many thanks to Xahar for the draft.