Legislation Introduction Thread

[afleitch]

Press Complaints Commission Bill

Section 1 - In order to safeguard the integrity of our free press and the freedom of the individual, there shall be established a Press Complaints Commission empowered with the authority to investigate charges brought to it on the basis of the following grievances: slander without due basis, fabrication of a story or editorial involving a named individual, insults against a named person, statements regarding an individual deemed to be considered by said individual as a statement of untruth.

Section 2a - The Press Complaints Commission shall consist of two individuals appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate except where identified as exempt by Section 2b.

Section 2b - No member of the Press Complaints Commission shall be an owner, proprietor or editor of any national media outlet.

Section 3 - The Commission shall have the authority to adjudicate on any matter brought before it by aggrieved persons. All parties involved shall be granted the right of representation during the period of adjudication.

Section4 - The Commission shall have the authority to impose a fine of between $100 and $100,000 if it finds in favour of the complaint brought before it by the aggrieved.

-----------------

May require modification.

[afleitch]

Income Tax Reduction (2007) Bill

The 10% tax levied on all income for the first $7500 earned above any designated threshold is reduced to 0%

------

It's kept deliberately simple in order for any later amendments.

[afleitch]

Repeal of the Military Enlargement Act

The Military Enlargement Act is hereby repealed.

--------

Text of the Act


The number of applicants accepted in United States Army Ranger program shall increase by 40% staggered over the next four years.

It is not in the business of Atlasia to legislate on behalf of foreign nations

[afleitch]

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.

I welcome this bill as it compliments the Income Tax Reduction Act of 2007 with this bill focusing in the next tier of income. However it might be worth checking the math with regards to what effects the existing Act would have on income tax levels above allowances if you've not already done so.

https://uselectionatlas.org/AFEWIKI/index.php/Income_Tax_Reduction_Act

[afleitch]

It is not clear how that formula would work. Can you give examples partiuclarly for personal incomes less than $20,000 (or do they pay nothing - which I would support in principle)? Does it affect taxation levied against businesses?

[afleitch]

It is not clear how that formula would work. Can you give examples partiuclarly for personal incomes less than $20,000 (or do they pay nothing - which I would support in principle)? Does it affect taxation levied against businesses?

Section 3 outlines that if you make less than $20,000, there is actually a negative tax.  This bill would not effect current regulations on business.

It may be worthwhile to amend Section 3 so that the increase in the thresholds is in line with or linked to wage inflation as opposed to consumer inflation

[afleitch]

Could someone sponsor this? Play about with the wording too.

Amendment to the Elimination of Civil Marriage Law and Establishment of Civil Unions Act

Inserted into Article 3 shall be the following;

i. Any civil union that is deemed by a court of law to be found to have been entered through force, threat or coercion involving one or more parties will be nulled.

[afleitch]

Social Security Taxation Bill 2009.

Section 1: The Tax Increase Act (F.L. 15-5) is hereby amended to read as follows;

Section 2: All income up to $150,000 shall be subject to social security taxes as follows:

i. For earnings between $0 to $20,000, the rate of contributions shall be 0%

ii. For earnings between $20,001 to $75,000, the rate of contributions shall be 5%

iii. For earnings between $75,001 to $125,000, the rate of contributions shall be 6%

iv. For earnings between $125,001 to $150,000, the rate of contributions shall be 7%

v. Employer contributiuons on all earnings between up to $150,000 shall be 6.5%

Section 3:  Estate Tax. 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-$5,000,000 – 0%

b) $5,000,001-$10,000,000 – 2%

c) $10,000,001-$17,500,000 – 4%

d) $17,500,001-$25,000,000 – 5%

e) $25,000,001-$50,000,000 – 7.5%

f) $50,000,001-$100,000,000 – 10%

g) $100,000,001 and above – 12.5%

h) Farmers' non-residential property shall be taxed at 30% the normal tax rate

[afleitch]

Establishment of Social and Econonic Development Zones Bill

Preamble

The Senate recognises that both the current recession and the cumulative post-industrial changes in the Atlasian economy has had a disproportionate effect on industrial and agricultural communities across Atlasia leading to decline, unemployment, poor access to training, societal problems and family breakdown.

Section 1

a. The Senate will therefore establish Social and Econonic Development Zones (SEDZ) to target development and regeneration in such areas.

b. The responsibility of establishing and siting SEDZ's shall rest with regional governments

c. The Senate shall appropriate $500 million to each region to enable the establishment of SEDZ's and to fund improvements in infrastructure.

Section 2.

a. Within each SEDZ, federal taxation shall be suspended for any new or relocated business, commercial company, factory or farm as follows;

For 18 months if there is an annual pre-tax profit of less than $250,000
For 12 months if there is an annual pre-tax profit of between $250,001 and $500,000
For 6 months if there is an annual pre-tax profit of over $500,000

b. Beyond these periods, federal business and commercial taxes in SEDZ's will be pegged at 20% less than the national rate in 2009 and 2010. This arrangement will be reviewed in financial year 2011.

Section 3

a. Priority shall be given to SEDZ's by federal and regional governments when siting new or relocated offices and agencies of government.

[afleitch]

Repeal of the Magnetic Levitation Research Act

Due to the passage of FL 30-8: The High Speed Rail Act, F.L. 5-4: The Magnetic Levitation Research Act is hereby repealed.

[afleitch]

LGBT Trade Act

The Republic of Atlasia shall not enter into any free or fair trade agreement with any nation that imposes the death penalty for homosexual acts.

---

I am more than open to extending this to other nations that impose liftime imprisonment and physical punishment such as flogging

[afleitch]

Identifying Crime Bill.

Section 1: Law enforcement departments shall make publically available all collected crime data excepting;

a. Data that shall directly or indirectly identify the victim of each crime.
b. Data that is being collected by law enforcement agencies for the purposes of a criminal investigation.
c. Data that has been collected by law enforcement agencies for the purposes of a criminal trial by jury.

Section 2: Crime data shall be compiled, analysed and disseminated to the public in written and visual format for each ZIP Code Tabulation Area.

Section 3: The Senate shall appropriate $50million for the development and support of online mapping and visual display to made available to the public.

------

Crappy spelling tidied up. Hat tip to Peter Now all that needs tidied up is the bill

[afleitch]

LGB Dignity Act.

All self described reperative therapy, psychological therapy, self help and 'ex gay' institutions, associations and ministries with the intent to subdue, erase, reform, negatively influence or attempt to change an individuals sexual orientation are hereby outlawed.

[afleitch]

Amendment to the Modified Welfare Reform Act

Third Sector in Employment Bill

Section 6.

Section 1.

a. Any person who is unemployed has a right to seek employment through private and voluntary third sector organisations involved in organising and running 'back to work' programmes.

b. Job seekers can choose to register with a third sector employment provider if government services have been unsuccessful in helping them find work after six weeks of registered unemployment.

c. Government employment providers may contract third sector employment providers by competitive tender to provide skills training, assistance and work placements.

d. The rights of individuals to seek government assistance or intervention at any stage of 'back to work' programmes shall be upheld.

----

EDIT: The Modified Welfare Reform Act was repealed (update Wiki pls) to be replaced by something completely unrelated and linked to children. I've modified the bill to be stand alone, though feel that we may need to re-instate, in modified form the Welfare Reform Bill 

[afleitch]

Income Tax Reduction Act 2009

The 15% margin tax rate levied on the following income brackets in FY 2009;

Single - $8,351-$33950
Married Filing Jointly/Qualified Widow - $16701-$67900
Married filing seperately - $8351-$33950
Head of Household - $11951-$45500

is hereby reduced to 14%

[afleitch]

Welfare Reform Act 2009

Section 1

Atlasians receiving public assistance will be allotted a two year maximum with the following exceptions:
• a. Disability
• b. Perpetual care of dependent
• c. Those undertaking vocational training, who shall be allowed a three year maximum

Section 2

Section 8 housing vouchers:
• a. Maximum two years unrestricted with the following exceptions:
§ i. Disability
§ ii. Over the age of 65
§ iii. Veteran permanently disabled on military duty
• b. Housing shall be rented at the average market value for rent given a two-block radius and the same accommodations.
• c. Anyone convicted of a felony shall be removed from the program.
• d. Any minor problems such as noise violations, unkempt property that is the fault of the tenant, or generally disruptive needing a police presence shall be given one warning.

Section 3

Any able-bodied Atlasian on public assistance and not currently working shall be required to do 20 hours of community service plus 20 hours of job searching and/or interviews; or they shall be eligible to undertake a vocational training course (either college or work-based or a combination of the two) of 30 hours per week. For any shortfall below 30 hours per week, they shall be required to do community service depending on the total time spent in vocational training.

Section 4

Any able-bodied Atlasian on public assistance and not currently working, who express an interest in a vocational training course, must specify the occupation or skill in which they wish to train which will be permitted providing the course does not exceed three years maximum in duration

Section 5

a. Any person who is unemployed has a right to seek employment through private and voluntary third sector organisations involved in organising and running 'back to work' programmes.

b. Job seekers can choose to register with a third sector employment provider if government services have been unsuccessful in helping them find work after six weeks of registered unemployment.

c. Government employment providers may contract third sector employment providers by competitive tender to provide skills training, assistance and work placements.

d. The rights of individuals to seek government assistance or intervention at any stage of 'back to work' programmes shall be upheld.

Section 6

An initial amount of $1.5bn shall be appropriated from the Department of the Treasury (Labor Sub-Department) in the Fiscal Year 2009 to provide funding for such vocational training, as specified in Clause Three. The Senate will review this funding on an annual basis and set it at an amount at which it may deem appropriate.

[afleitch]

The 'Merton Rule' Act

All new non residential developments above a threshold of 1,000sqm will be expected to incorporate renewable energy production equipment to provide at least 10% of predicted energy requirements unless the citing of such equipment for technical reasons makes the development unviable.

[afleitch]

Cabinet Restructuring Act 2009

Pre-amble

The Senate recognises the recent legislative changes that have taken place and the potential effects and opportunities therein.

Section 1.
a. The post of Secretary for Health and Social Affairs is therefore established to be filled in accordance with existing Senate procedure.
b. The Secretary for Health and Social Affairs shall be responsible for the following portfolios; Health, Education, Welfare and Housing and in addition any other briefs conferred upon the Secretary by the President.

Section 2.
a. The post of Secretary of the Treasury is therefore established to be filled in accordance with existing Senate procedure.
b. The Secretary of the Treasury shall be responsible for the following portfolios; Taxation, Social Security, budgetary concerns and in addition any other briefs conferred upon the Secretary by the President.
c. The Secretary of the Treasury shall, with the assistance of the Game Moderator, be required to address the Senate once each session on the state of the economy and public expenditure.

[afleitch]

Welfare Reform Bill 2009

Section 1

Atlasians receiving public assistance will be allotted a three year maximum with the following exceptions:
• a. Disability
• b. Perpetual care of dependent
• c. Those undertaking vocational training, who shall be allowed a four year maximum

Beyond the maximum any capable Atlasian on public assistance and not currently working following the end of their  max shall be required to do 10 hours of community service per week in order to retain public assistance.

Section 2

Those on public assistance shall be required to undertake a minimum of 3 hours of job searching and/or interviews, or apply at least 3 place per week, or they shall be eligible to undertake a vocational training course (either college or work-based or a combination of the two) of 30 hours per week. In addition, for the first two weeks on public assistance they shall be required to take at least 2 hrs training per week in resume building and interview preparedness, etc

Section 3

Any able-bodied Atlasian on public assistance and not currently working, who express an interest in a vocational training course, must specify the occupation or skill in which they wish to train which will be permitted providing the course does not exceed three years maximum in duration

Section 4

a. Any person who is unemployed has a right to seek employment through private and voluntary third sector organisations involved in organising and running 'back to work' programmes.

b. Job seekers can choose to register with a third sector employment provider if government services have been unsuccessful in helping them find work after six weeks of registered unemployment.

c. Government employment providers may contract third sector employment providers by competitive tender to provide skills training, assistance and work placements.

d. The rights of individuals to seek government assistance or intervention at any stage of 'back to work' programmes shall be upheld.

Section 5

An initial amount of $1.5bn shall be appropriated from the Department of the Treasury (Labor Sub-Department) in the Fiscal Year 2009 to provide funding for such vocational training, as specified in Clause Three. The Senate will review this funding on an annual basis and set it at an amount at which it may deem appropriate.

----

Made changes to the vetoed bill, pulled housing assistance from the criteria and reduced penalties. Made voluntary service compulsory only after they pass their max.

[afleitch]

Decentralisation of Currency Act

The Senate recognises that the Dollar is the sole legal tender of the Republic of Atlasia.

Section 1.

The Senate grants to all commercial and retail banks headquartered in Atlasia the right to issue promissory bank notes.

Section 2

a. It shall be lawful for every such bank to issue it's own bank notes to the extent of the amount certified by the Treasury to be held in that banks reserve, but not to any further extent; and it shall not be lawful for any bank to make or issue bank notes without certification from the Treasury.
b. Certification of the reserve of each bank shall be conducted on the 15th of each month by the Treasury.
c. All currency notes issued under this Act shall, for the purpose of the enactments relating to bank notes and the issue thereof be deemed to be bank notes, and the bank shall be liable in respect thereof accordingly.
d. All issued banknotes shall be deemed to be acceptable and exchangeable tender throughout the Republic of Atlasia.

Section 3

a. If any two or more banks have by written contract or agreement become united subsequently to the passing of this Act, it shall be lawful for the Treasury, to certify the aggregate of the amount of bank notes which such separate banks were previously authorized to issue under the separate certificates previously granted to them, and be deemed to be the limit of the amount of bank notes which such united bank may have in circulation.
b. It shall be the responsibility of the united bank to withdraw and replace the notes of the predecessor banks from circulation.

[afleitch]

Public Housing Bill

Section 1:  Public Housing Capital Fund:

a. The Senate shall set aside $5 billion of funding to be used for capital activities and investment for public housing agencies.
b. Public housing agencies shall be charged with

Section 2: Community Development Fund:

The Senate shall set aside $1 billion in funding to improve energy efficiency in aging public housing stock.*

*If not already adressed in Home Energy Assistance Administration Act.

Section 3: Neighborhood Stabilisation Program:

The Senate shall set aside $2 billion in appropriations to assist with the redevelopment of abandoned and foreclosed homes to arrest neighbourhood decline.

Section 4: Homeless Prevention:

The Senate shall set aside $500 million in funding that shall be sent to regional governments and private non-profit organizations re-housing activities and for the homeless.

[afleitch]

Fairer Status Quo Amendment

Article VII Section I is hereby amended as follows:
The Senate, whenever two-thirds of its number shall deem it necessary, shall propose amendments to this Constitution, which shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of this Constitution when ratified by a majority of the People voting in public polls in three fifths of the Regions. Such votes shall last for exactly one week and shall be administered by the Governor of the Region or other officer as the Law of the Region may provide. Citizens will cast their vote by public post.

[afleitch]

Introduced on behalf of a constituent.

Amendment

Article IV, Section 2: Shall read as the following:

Section 2: Regional Boundaries
1.The existing Regions of Atlasia can be altered only once a year .
2.The Senate has the power to alter any Region boundaries.
3.The consent of 50% +1 of Regions being changed is required.
4.A State by plebescite shall be able to veto its transfer from one Region to another.
5.In the event that a new State joins Atlasia, the Senate may apportion this State to a Region and a District via proper legislation, however, the State shall still be liable to all the provisions of this Section and Section 4 of this Article.

[afleitch]

Federal Prudence Bill

The Senate recognises that the need for fiscal prudence extends to government employees and representatives:

1.  No Atlasian Government Official shall be entitled to take any credit, deduction or other allowance against that Atlasian Government Official's income if any other Atlasian federal employee is not entitled to or phased out from taking such credit, deduction or allowance due to that employee's income.

2.  No Atlasian Government Official or other Atlasian federal government employee may receive any bonus or other non-periodical compensation of any type at any time during which the Atlasian federal government restricts or otherwise limits the ability of any Atlasian company to compensate its employees in any manner whatsoever.

[afleitch]

Credit Union Start Up Fund Bill

Preamble.

The Senate recognises that poor and vulnerable members of society at times require access to credit and if denied access to credit by banks or financial institutions are in danger of being in debt to loansharks and unscrupulous lenders with little protection. The Senate also recognises the benefits to be found in Credit Unions as a safe an secure manner for all citizens to gain access to credit.

Section 1:
The Senate shall appropriate $100 million to establish a Credit Union Start Up Fund to be administered by the Credit Union Foundation (CUF)

Section 2:
a. Communities may, upon application to the Fund be granted monies to enable them to buy or rent property and set up facilities to establish an active Credit Union in their area.

b. Upon application to the Fund, the Foundation shall approve or reject such applications and appropriate funds in the manner in which it sees fit.

c. Upon further application to the Fund, established Credit Unions may be provided with a loan by the Fund to be repaid to the Fund in terms and conditions to be established by the Credit Union Foundation.

----------

There we go. I still have to insert where the monies are coming from to cost the bill but I'll edit the bill once I've been through the appropriate legislation.