The White House: tack50 Administration

[Former President tack50]

The White House: The tack50 Administration

Photo: Providers' Council, photograph of the White House lawn

[Former President tack50]

Executive Order 58-001

To nominate a candidate for the Vice Presidency

I hereby nominate Razze, of the state of Florida, to be Vice President

x Tack50, President of the Republic of Atlasia

Executive Order 58-002

To make provisions for the application of foreign policy

 1. As Commander in-chief of the Armed Forces of the Republic of Atlasia, I order the termination of any and all military presence and/or operations in the following nations:

-Somalia
-Niger
-Iraq
-Syria
-Yemen

2. Pursuant to SB 113-64, I direct the Secretary of State and the State Department as a whole to prioritize Section 2D in the determination of the necessity of foreign military bases.


x Tack50, President of the Republic of Atlasia

Executive Order 58-003

Guidlines referring to the display of certain flags

 The federal government shall on any and all properties located within the Southern Region fly the following flag in lieu of any flag adopted, recognized or endorsed by the Southern Region as its representative emblem, and shall recognize the following flag as the legitimate flag of the Southern Region in all documents, diplomatic functions, repositories and/or settings under federal control.

Federally-Recognized Flag of the Southern Region by the Federal Government


x Tack50, President of the Republic of Atlasia

[Former President tack50]

Anyways if I can get the intruders off my lawn...

Executive Order 58-004

To nominate a candidate for Game Moderator

I hereby nominate Joseph Cao, of the state of Illinois, to the vacancy of  Game Moderator

x Tack50, President of the Republic of Atlasia

[Former President tack50]

Executive Order 58-005

Guidlines referring to trade policy

I hereby direct and empower the Secretary of State to initiate discussions for the renegotiation of NAFTA and CAFTA

x Tack50, President of the Republic of Atlasia

[Former President tack50]

Executive Order 58-006

Guidelines on employment pre-requisites

Effective immediately, no federal employee or contractor shall be required to have a four-year college degree, unless it's otherwise required or deemed necessary for proving the capabilities to perform the demanded job or contract.

xTack50, President of the Republic of Atlasia

[Former President tack50]

Executive Order 58-007

Enforcement of Anti-Trust Laws

 To address the consolidation of industry in many markets across the economy, it is ordered by the Office of the President that the Department of Justice prioritize the challenging of transactions whose consummation may be in violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act (26 Stat. 209, 15 U.S.C. 1 et seq.) (Sherman Act), the Clayton Antitrust Act (Public Law 63-212, 38 Stat. 730, 15 U.S.C. 12 et seq.) (Clayton Act), or other laws.


xTack50, President of the Republic of Atlasia

[Former President tack50]

Executive Order 58-008

Concerning proposed territory acquisition

1. Persuant to SB 113-50 Greenland Act, Section 1, it is so ordered that the Republic of Atlasia shall no longer participate in the proposed international agreement with Denmark regarding the acquisition of Greenland.

2. The State Department is ordered to suspend any negotiations with the governments of Denmark and Greenland.


xTack50, President of the Republic of Atlasia

[Former President tack50]

Mr. President, the following bill has passed the Senate.

HIRE THE BEST ACT

1. No federal employee or contractor shall be required to have obtained a four-year college degree, unless otherwise required to by law.

2. Departments in charge of hiring all and any public employees are encouraged to direct hiring criteria towards job-related skill, work ethic and professional conduct, prior work experience, educational achievement including conferred degrees, certificates, licenses, and other credentials, and low-income background.

3. This act shall take effect immediately.

Passed 9-0-2-7 in the Atlasian Senate assembled.

- R, PPT

X tack50

Mr. President, the following bill has passed the Senate.

PROTECT MAINE LOBSTER ACT

1. No part of the coastal waters of the State of Maine shall be seasonally closed to the harvesting of lobsters.

2. No limit shall be placed on the number of vertical lobster lines a person may operate in the coastal waters of the State of Maine except upon a showing through documented data that such lines are actually ensnaring and killing right whales.

3. This act shall take effect immediately.

Passed 8-3-0-7 in the Atlasian Senate assembled.

- R, PPT

X tack50

Mr. President, the following bill has passed the Senate.

STRATEGIC PRODUCTION RESPONSE ACT

1. Section 161 of the Energy Policy and Conservation Act (42 U.S.C. 6241) is amended by adding at the end the following new subsection:

(k) Plan.—

“(1) IN GENERAL.—Except in the case of a national emergency, a disruption in supplies of petroleum products, or a severe energy supply interruption described in subsection (d), the President may not execute the first drawdown of petroleum products in the Reserve after the date of enactment of this subsection, whether through sale, exchange, or loan, until the President has developed a plan to replenish the Strategic Petroleum Reserve through the use of existing extraction sites.

2. This act shall take effect thirty (30) days after passage.

Passed 10-1-0-7 in the Atlasian Senate assembled.

- R, PPT

X tack50

Mr. President, the following bill has passed the Senate.

CHOOSE LIFE ACT

TITLE I: DEFINITIONS AND ENACTMENT

1. For purposes of this act covered entity means any insurer who sells or offers health insurance in interregional commerce and any healthcare provider who accepts federal funds.

2. For purposes of this act disability includes but is not limited to physical, mental, and development disabilities. Down syndrome constitutes a disability.

3. For purposes of this act Retaliation includes, but is not limited to, demotion, discipline, firing, salary reduction, job/shift reassignment, or any other negative job action.

4. For purposes of this act Support System means services or care provided by a practitioner-approved caregiver, hospitality or caregiver network, or medical care facility.

5. This act shall take effect ninety (90) days after its passage.

TITLE II: ORGAN TRANSPLANTS

1. It is unlawful for a covered entity to do any of the following, solely on the basis of an individual’s disability:

A. Consider an individual ineligible to receive an anatomical gift or organ transplant.

B. Deny medical services or other services related to organ transplantation, including diagnostic services, evaluation, surgery, counseling, and post-operative treatment and services.

C. Refuse to refer the individual to a transplant center or other related specialist for the purpose of being evaluated for or receiving an organ transplant.

D. Refuse to place a qualified recipient on an organ transplant waiting list.

E. Place a qualified recipient on an organ transplant waiting list at a lower priority position than the position at which the individual would have been placed if the individual did not have a disability.

F. Refuse insurance coverage for any procedure associated with being evaluated for or receiving an anatomical gift or organ transplant, including post-transplantation and post-transfusion care.

2. Notwithstanding the provisions of section 1 of this title, a covered entity may take an individual’s disability into account when making treatment or coverage recommendations or decisions, solely to the extent that the disability has been found medically significant to the provision of the anatomical gift, pursuant to a new or existing diagnosis or evaluation by a medical practitioner.

3. If an individual has the necessary support system to assist the individual in complying with post-transplant medical requirements, a covered entity may not consider the individual’s inability to independently comply with post-transplant medical requirements to be medically significant for the purposes of section 2 of this title.

4. A covered entity shall make reasonable modifications to its policies, practices, or procedures to allow individuals with disabilities access to transplantation-related services, including diagnostic services, surgery, coverage, post-operative treatment, and counseling, unless the covered entity can demonstrate that making such modifications would fundamentally alter the nature of such services.

5. A covered entity shall take steps necessary to ensure that an individual with a disability is not denied medical services or other services related to organ transplantation, including diagnostic services, surgery, post-operative treatment, or counseling, due to the absence of auxiliary aids or services, unless the covered entity demonstrates that taking these steps would fundamentally alter the nature of the medical services or other services related to organ transplantation.

6. The provisions of this title apply to all stages of the organ transplant process.

7. No covered entity offering a health insurance policy in interregional commerce that provides coverage for anatomical gifts, organ transplants, or treatment and services related to anatomical gifts or transplants shall do any of the following:

A. Deny coverage to an insured solely on the basis of that individual’s disability.

B. Deny to an individual eligibility, or continued eligibility, to enroll or to renew coverage under the terms of a health insurance policy solely for the purpose of avoiding the requirements of this section.

C. Attempt to induce a health care provider to provide care to an insured in a manner inconsistent with this section by penalizing or otherwise reducing or limiting the reimbursement of a health care provider, or by providing monetary or nonmonetary incentives to a health care provider.

D. Reduce or limit health benefit plan coverage benefits to an insured for any services related to organ transplantation performed determined to be necessary in consultation with the attending physician and the insured.

E. In the case of a health benefit plan maintained pursuant to one or more collective bargaining agreements between employee representatives and one or more employers, any amendment to the health benefit plan made pursuant to a collective bargaining agreement solely to conform to this section shall not be treated as a termination of the collective bargaining agreement.

F. Nothing in this section shall be deemed to require an insurer to provide coverage for a medically inappropriate organ transplant.

TITLE III: LIFE SUPPORT

1. No healthcare facility shall discontinue life-sustaining treatment to an incapacitated patient solely due to the futility of the patient's eventual recovery, unless the patient has signed an advance medical directive authorizing such discontinuation.

TITLE IV: FRIVOLOUS LAWSUITS

1. No federal court shall hear or rule upon any civil case raising a claim of wrongful birth or wrongful life.

TITLE V: DONOR PROTECTIONS

1. An employer operating in interregional commerce with more than fifty (50) employees must provide paid leaves of absence to employee(s) who are about to undergo a medical procedure to donate bone marrow and/or an organ (partial or complete) to another person.

2. The length of the paid leave of absence may be decided by the employee undergoing the procedure, but may not exceed 48 hours, unless agreed upon by both the employer, as well as their employee in question.

3. The employer may require official verification an employee seeking organ or bone marrow donation by a physician regarding the purpose and length of each leave requested by the employee.

4. If there is a medical determination that the employee does not qualify as a bone marrow or organ donor, the paid leave of absence granted to the employee prior to that medical determination is not forfeited.

5. An employer must provide unpaid leaves of absence to employee(s) who are about to undergo medical procedure to donate bone marrow and/or an organ (partial or complete) to another person.

6. The length of the unpaid leave of absence may be decided by the employee undergoing the procedure, but may not exceed 8 weeks, unless agreed upon by both the employer, as well as their employee in question.

7. An employer is not permitted to retaliate or sanction against an employee for requesting leave, whether paid or unpaid.

8. No person seeking an organ donation may be prohibited from declining an otherwise-compatible donated organ that he is religiously opposed to accepting. Such refusal shall not result in the forfeiture of his priority of receiving an organ donation when a compatible donation to which he is not religiously opposed becomes available.

Passed 9-0-0-9 in the Atlasian Senate assembled.

- R, PPT

X tack50

[Former President tack50]

Mr. President, the following bill has passed the Senate.

ELECTROSHOCK VICTIMS JUSTICE ACT

1. The Electroshock Therapy Ban Act shall be amended as follows:

1. The therapeutic use of electrical stimulation devices for corrective behavioral therapy, including but not limited to the graduated electronic decelerator and the self-injurious behavior inhibiting system is hereby prohibited in Atlasia.

2. The Attorney General is hereby authorized and requested to investigate the Judge Rotenberg Center in Massachusetts for the unlawful violation of constitutional rights.

3. A person who performs the therapeutic use of electrical stimulation devices for corrective behavioral therapy in violation of this act shall be liable to the individual if injured (including any physical, psychological, emotional, or physiological harms) by such procedure, related treatment, or the aftereffects of the use.

4. An individual eligible to sue may, not later than the day that is fifteen (15) years after the date on which the individual turns eighteen (18) years of age, regains mental capacity, or otherwise becomes eligible to sue, bring a civil action against such physician in a court of competent jurisdiction for:

A. declaratory or injunctive relief;

B. compensatory damages;

C. punitive damages; and

D. attorney’s fees and costs.

...

2. This act shall take effect immediately.

Passed 12-0-0-6 in the Atlasian Senate assembled.

- R, PPT

x tack50

[Former President tack50]

Mr. President, the following bill just has passed and as deputy PPT it is my job to inform you.

GROW DEMOCRACY ACT

1. The Federal Electoral Act of 2019 shall be amended as follows:

...

Section 4. Voter Eligibility

1. A registered voter shall only be eligible to vote in a federal election if they have been registered continuously for at least one hundred and sixty-eight hours immediately prior to the commencement of the election.

2. A registered voter shall only be eligible to vote in a federal election if they have made at least eight posts from their account in the fifty six days (eight weeks) immediately prior to the commencement of the election.

...

2. This act shall take effect immediately.

Sponsor: Spiral
Debate on this bill is now open

Bill passes

8-7-0-3

- Laki, Deputy PPT

VETO

x tack50

For the record, I do not recognice the passage of this bill by Congress (and it seems, neither does Congress itself). However, just to be safe I am issuing this veto. Send it again if it does pass properly, though I will veto it again.

[Former President tack50]

Mr. President, the following bill has just passed and as deputy PPT it is my job to inform you

COMPANY TOWNS ARE BAD ACT

1. No private company, corporation, LLC, or other business entity that is permitted to exercise municipal or governmental functions over any real property owned by such entity shall be eligible to receive federal funds reserved for local governments

2. Cities with 0 residents defined by the most recent federal census shall have municipal and governmental functions operated by the county or state in which the city is located.

3. This act shall take effect January 1, 2024.

Passed 9-0-0-9 in the Atlasian Senate assembled.

- Laki Deputy PPT

X tack50

Mr. President, the following bill has just passed and as deputy PPT it is my job to inform you

NO DIRTY AGREEMENTS ACT

1. As used in this Act, the following terms shall be defined as such:

A. Nondisclosure clause means a provision in a contract or agreement that requires the parties to the contract or agreement not to disclose or discuss conduct, the existence of a settlement involving conduct, or information covered by the terms and conditions of the contract or agreement.

B. Nondisparagement clause means a provision in a contract or agreement that requires one (1) or more parties to the contract or agreement not to make a negative statement about another party that relates to the contract, agreement, claim, or case.

C. Sexual assault dispute means a dispute involving a nonconsensual sexual act or sexual contact, as such terms are defined in 18 USC 2246 of title 18, or similar applicable Regional or State law, including when the victim lacks capacity to consent.

D. Sexual harassment dispute means a dispute relating to conduct that is alleged to constitute sexual harassment under applicable Federal, Tribal, or State law.

2. With respect to a sexual assault dispute or sexual harassment dispute, no nondisclosure clause or nondisparagement clause agreed to before the dispute arises shall be judicially enforceable in instances in which conduct is alleged to have violated Federal, Regional, or State law.

3. Nothing in this Act shall prohibit a Region, State, or locality from enforcing a provision of law governing nondisclosure or nondisparagement clauses that is at least as protective of the right of an individual to speak freely, as provided by this Act.

4. Nothing in this Act shall be construed to supersede a provision of Federal, Regional or State Law that governs the use of pseudonyms in the filing of claims involving sexual assault or sexual harassment disputes.

5. Nothing in this Act shall prohibit an employer and an employee from protecting trade secrets or proprietary information.

6. All existing contracts with nondisclosure or nondisparagement clauses prohibited by the act are hereby declared to be against the public policy of Atlasia and shall be unenforceable and void as to the prohibited clauses.

7. This act shall take effect thirty (30) days from the date of passage

Passed 9-0-0-9 in the Atlasian Senate assembled.

- Laki, Deputy PPT

X tack50

Mr. President, the following bill has just passed by a tiebreaking vote by the Vice President and as deputy PPT it is my job to inform you

Exploring the Oceanic Megapolis Act

Preamble:

Whereas the world is facing a crisis of overpopulation, climate change, and rising sea levels, and whereas the oceans are essential to the survival of our planet and its inhabitants, the following act is proposed to set up an exploratory commission to create an oceanic floating megalopolis which can mitigate the dangers of the ocean.


Section 1: Establishment of the Exploratory Commission

1.1 An exploratory commission shall be established to study the feasibility and potential benefits of creating an oceanic floating megalopolis.

1.2 The commission shall consist of experts in the fields of marine engineering, architecture, urban planning, environmental science, and other relevant fields.

1.3 The commission shall conduct research, evaluate potential risks and benefits, and propose a plan for the creation of the oceanic floating megalopolis.

1.4 The commission shall submit a report to the relevant governmental bodies within three years of the establishment of the commission.


Section 2: Funding

2.1 An amount of $50 million shall be appropriated for the establishment and operation of the exploratory commission described in Section 1.

2.2 The funds shall be allocated for the commission's research, report production, and operational expenses.

2.3 The funds may also be used to conduct pilot projects to test the viability of the oceanic floating megalopolis concept.


Section 3: Objectives

3.1 The commission shall study and evaluate potential benefits of the oceanic floating megalopolis, including but not limited to:

3.1.1 Providing a safe and sustainable living space for people affected by rising sea levels and natural disasters.

3.1.2 Developing new technology and techniques for oceanic engineering, marine ecology, and sustainable living.

3.1.3 Creating a new frontier for human development and expanding our knowledge of the oceans.


Section 4: Sunset Provision

4.1 This act shall expire three years after its enactment, or upon the submission of the commission's report to the relevant governmental bodies, whichever comes first.

Passed 4-4-4-6 in the Atlasian Senate assembled with the Vice President as tiebreaker.

- Laki, Deputy PPT

.

This seems like a waste of money.

VETO

X tack50

[Former President tack50]

Mr. President, the following resolution has just been ratified in the senate by a tiebreaking vote and as deputy PPT it is my job to inform you

Resolution ratifying a free trade treaty with several African nations


SENATE RESOLUTION


To ratify a free trade treaty with several African nations


Be it enacted by the Senate of the Republic of Atlasia

SECTION I. SCOPE

1.) This agreement shall apply to the trade in all goods between the nation of Atlasia and the nations of Botswana, Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia except for those herein listed.


2.) Any item prohibited from export by the Bureau of Industrial Security or any successor agency shall not be subject to the terms of this agreement.


3.) Any narcotic, drug, or substance prohibited from consumption under the laws of any member party shall not be subject to the terms of this agreement.


4.) Any animal or animal product prohibited from sale by the Endangered Species Act shall not be subject to terms of this agreement.


SECTION 2. NATIONAL TREATMENT AND MARKET ACCESS FOR GOODS


1.) Elimination of Duties - Except as otherwise provided in this agreement, each party shall progressively eliminate its customs duties on originating goods of the other party.


2.) Customs Value - Each party shall adopt and apply the provisions of the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement for the purposes of determining the customs value of goods traded between the parties


3.) Export Tax - Neither party shall adopt or maintain any duty, tax or other charge on the export of any good to the territory of the other party.


4.) Import and Export Restrictions - Neither party shall adopt or maintain any prohibition or restriction on the importation or exportation of any good of the other party, except as permitted by this agreement.


5.) Merchandise Processing Fee - Neither party shall adopt or maintain any merchandise processing fee for originating goods.


SECTION 3: ORIGIN DETERMINATIONS


1.) Chapter 3 of the Atlasia-Mozambique Free Trade Agreement, governing  rules for determining originating goods is hereby incorporated by reference.


SECTION 4: CUSTOMS ADMINISTRATION


1.) Notice Requirements - Each party shall publish at least 30 days in advance any change to any of its rules or regulations for customs administration.


2.) Cooperation - Each party shall cooperate on the interpretation and dispute resolution of customs rules, regulations, and determinations


SECTION 5: SAFEGUARDS


1.) Anti-Dumping - If as a result of the reduction or elimination of any customs duty under the agreement, an originating good of the other party is being imported in such quantities, in absolute terms or relative to domestic production, and under such conditions that the imports of such originating good constitute a substantial cause of serious injury to a domestic industry producing a like or directly competitive good, such party may either: suspend the further reduction of any rate of customs duty provided for under this agreement for the good or increase the rate of customs duty on the good until such time that imports of the good stabilize at a sustainable rate.


2.) Government Enterprises and monopolies - Chapter 12 of the Atlasia- Mozambique Free Trade Agreement, governing rules for anticompetitive behavior is hereby incorporated by reference.


3.) Marketing Boards - Atlasia agrees to not treat agricultural marketing boards administered by Botswana, Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia as anti-competitive under the terms of this agreement, provided the net added value of such administration does not exceed 15% of fair market value.


4.) Intellectual Property - Botswana, Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia agree to abide by the intellectual property laws of Atlasia. This agreement hereby gives personal jurisdiction to Atlasian Courts over such violations occurring in Botswana, Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia. Botswana, Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia hereby agree to domesticate any judgment assessed under the terms of this agreement.


5.) Government Procurement - Neither party shall treat government procurement policies favoring domestic goods as anticompetitive under the terms of this agreement.


6.) Environmental barriers - Atlasia agrees not to enforce the terms of the Lacey act against any timber or other plant product exported by Botswana, Burundi, Kenya, Malawi, Mozambique, Namibia, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda, and Zambia under the terms of this agreement.


7.) Quality Controls and Inspections - Neither party shall treat the neutral enforcement of generally applicable quality control laws as anticompetitive under the terms of this agreement.


8.) Countervailing Duties - If after this agreement is fully implemented, either party fails to comply with its terms, the other party may set countervailing duties proportionate to the fair market value of the unfair advantage afforded by the breaching party’s actions.


9.) Withdrawal - Either party may withdraw from this agreement six months after a declaration of intent to withdraw has been formally published by the head of state of the withdrawing party.


SECTION 6: TELECOMMUNICATION AND ELECTRONICS


1.) Chapter 9 of the Atlasia- Mozambique Free Trade Agreement, governing rules for telecommunications trade is hereby incorporated by reference.


SECTION 7: FINANCIAL SERVICES


1.) Chapter 10 of the Atlasia- Mozambique Free Trade Agreement, governing rules for financial services commerce is hereby incorporated by reference.


SECTION 8: BUSINESS VISAS


1.) Chapter 11of the Atlasia- Mozambique Free Trade Agreement, governing rules for temporary business visas is hereby incorporated by reference.


SECTION 9: DISPUTE SETTLEMENTS


1.) Chapter 20 of the Atlasia- Mozambique Free Trade Agreement, governing rules for dispute resolution is hereby incorporated by reference.


SECTION 10: IMPLEMENTATION


1.) This agreement shall take full effect 15 months from the date of passage.

Passed 7-7-1-3 in the Atlasian Senate assembled with the Vice President as tiebreaker.

- Laki, Deputy PPT

X tack50

[Former President tack50]

Mr. President, the following bill has just passed and as deputy PPT it is my job to inform you

I STILL HAVE RIGHTS ACT

1. No emergency rule, regulation, or executive order issued by the President or any subordinate department or agency pertaining to shutdowns, lockdowns, quarantines, or social distancing shall apply to the hosting of religious services or ceremonies in a church, synagogue, or other place of worship which must be held in-person.

2. No emergency rule, regulation, or executive order issued by the President or any subordinate department or agency pertaining to shutdowns, lockdowns, quarantines, or social distancing shall prohibit businesses that sell firearms or ammunition from operating if within the same locality other types of businesses receiving similar or greater volumes of customers are not prohibited from operating.

3. Any emergency rule, regulation, or executive order issued by the President or any subordinate department or agency pertaining to shutdowns, lockdowns, quarantines, or social distancing shall not be enforced through the  discontinuance of utility services to any residence.

4. No emergency rule, regulation, or executive order issued by the President or any subordinate department or agency pertaining to shutdowns, lockdowns, quarantines, or social distancing shall interfere with public gatherings in an unequal, discriminatory, or viewpoint non-neutral manner.

5. No emergency rule, regulation, or executive order issued by the President or any subordinate department or agency pertaining to shutdowns, lockdowns, quarantines, or social distancing shall result in the closure of schools in an unequal, discriminatory, or viewpoint non-neutral manner.

6. This act shall take effect immediately.

Passed 8-2-1-7 in the Atlasian Senate assembled.

- Laki Deputy PPT

Was about to veto this as unnecessary culture war BS, but seems surprisingly moderate so I will reluctantly sign it

X tack50

[Former President tack50]

Mr. President, the following bill has just passed and as deputy PPT it is my job to inform you

RACISM IN COLLEGE IS BAD ACT

1. No Atlasian federal funds shall be paid to any college or university that does any of the following:

A. Offers housing or roommate selections on the basis of race;

B. Conducts, sponsors, or permits ceremonies, events, or programs that exclude participants or attendees on the basis of race, sex, gender, or sexual orientation, with reasonable exceptions for matters pertaining to fraternities, sororities, and single-sex or sex-specific classes; or

C. Offers scholarships on the basis of race, sex, gender, or sexual orientation.
i. This section shall not interfere with scholarships targeting low-income families, school districts with high dropout rates, students from single-parent families, or students from families in which few or no members have attended college.

D. Condones discrimination or harassment on the basis of race, sex, gender, or sexual orientation.

E. Asks applicants of their criminal and disciplinary history during the initial admissions process.
i. After extending their conditional recommendation for admission, an admissions office may request information of the applicant regarding criminal and disciplinary history, authorize a background check, or gather information through the use of a consumer reporting agency.

2. This act shall take effect July 1, 2023.

Passed 7-3-5-3 in the Atlasian Senate assembled.

- Laki Deputy PPT

X tack50

[Former President tack50]

Mr. President, the following bill has just passed and as deputy PPT it is my job to inform you

PARDON CONTINUITY AMENDMENT

Article IV, Section 2 of the Atlasian Constitution shall be amended as follows:

Section 2.

The President shall have the power, except where limited elsewhere by this Constitution,

to grant reprieves and pardons for crimes committed under the laws of the Republic of Atlasia, but the Senate may rescind such pardons by a 2/3 vote provided such rescission occurs within one year of the issuance of the reprieve or pardon

...

Amendment Explanation

This amendment removes the ability of the Senate to rescind pardons and reprieves granted by the President after one (1) year to prevent bills of attainder.

Passed 11-2-1-4 in the Atlasian Senate assembled.

- Laki Deputy PPT

X tack50

Mr. President, the following bill has just passed and as deputy PPT it is my job to inform you

Atlasia Alcohol Official Classification Act

Section I. Title.

This bill shall be referred to as the “Atlasia Alcohol Official Classification Act of 2023”.


Section II. Definitions

A. An “Atlasian wine” shall be any wine made with 100% Atlasian-growngrapes.

B. A "Texas whiskey" shall be any whiskey made in Texas from 100% Texas-grown grain.

C. A "Pacific Northwest whiskey" shall be any whiskey made in Texas from 100% Oregon and/or Washington-grown grain.

D. An "Atlasian bourbon" shall be any bourbon made with 100% Atlasian-grown grains, especially and principally corn.

E. An "Atlasian-made liquor" shall be any liquor made with 100% Atlasian-grown grains, potatoes, or other produce and crops required for the production of various liquors.

F. An "Atlasian whiskey" shall be any whiskey made with 100% Atlasian-grown grains.

Section III. Wine Competition Establishment

A. Reds

I. A competition shall be held every 2 years with any winery being allowed to submit any of their Atlasian wine which shall fit the selected category produced within the previous eight years for judging. There is no limit to how many wines a winery may submit, but they must pay $3,000 for their first submission and $1,000 for any additional wine they submit. Each submission must include at least two cases of wines - the equivalent of twenty-four 750 ml bottles or 15 liters total.

II. The available wine categories for the competition are: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel and Primitivo, Syrah and Shiraz, Barbera and Sangiovese, and Red Blends.

III. Each varietal of wine shall be judged by a grand panel of 10 wine experts, 5 celebrities, 5 politicians, and 5 ordinary citizens, selected at random from a pool of applicants. Each judge shall rank each wine on a scale of 0-1000.

     a. The judges for this contest shall have eight members drawn from each region with new members being chosen every four years. Term limits for judgeships shall be unlimited.
     b. The twenty-fifth member of the panel shall be a foreign guest of Atlasia's red wine industry.

IV. The five wines within each category with the highest sum scores shall be permitted to use the “Superior Growth” label on all of that category of wines produced within the next nine years’ vintages. The next ten highest-scoring wines within each category shall be permitted to use the “First Growth” label on all of that category of wines produced within the next nine years’ vintages, and with “Second Growth” on the next twenty highest-scoring wines, and so on with “Third” and “Fourth Growths”, each doubling in size of the category. If there are fewer than 200 submissions in any category, then the highest number of categories that can be entirely filled by the submissions shall be the final one. 

B. Whites and Roses

I. A competition shall be held every 2 years with any winery being allowed to submit any of their Atlasian wine which shall fit the selected category produced within the previous five years for judging. There is no limit to how many wines a winery may submit, but they must pay $2,500 for their first submission and $1,000 for any additional wine they submit. Each submission must include at least two cases of wines - the equivalent of twenty-four 750 ml bottles or 15 liters total.

II. The available wine categories for the competition are: Sauvignon Blanc, Pinot Gris and Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay, Viognier, Muscat and Moscato, Rosés, and White Blends.

III. Each varietal of wine shall be judged by a grand panel of 10 wine experts, 5 celebrities, 5 politicians, and 5 ordinary citizens, selected at random from a pool of applicants. Each judge shall rank each wine on a scale of 0-1000.

     a. The judges for this contest shall have eight members drawn from each region with new members being chosen every four years. Term limits for judgeships shall be unlimited.
     b. The twenty-fifth member of the panel shall be a foreign guest of Atlasia's white and rose wine industries.

IV. The five wines within each category with the highest sum scores shall be permitted to use the “Superior Growth” label on all of that category of wines produced within the next six years’ vintages. The next ten highest-scoring wines within each category shall be permitted to use the “First Growth” label on all of that category of wines produced within the next six years’ vintages, and with “Second Growth” on the next twenty highest-scoring wines, and so on with “Third” and “Fourth Growths”, each doubling in size of the category. If there are fewer than 200 submissions in any category, then the highest number of categories that can be entirely filled by the submissions shall be the final one. 

C. Champagnes and Sparkling Wines

I. A competition shall be held every 2 years with any winery being allowed to submit any of their Atlasian wine which shall fit the selected category produced within the previous five years for judging. There is no limit to how many wines a winery may submit, but they must pay $5,000 for their first submission and $1,500 for any additional wine they submit. Each submission must include at least two cases of wines - the equivalent of twenty-four 750 ml bottles or 15 liters total.

II. The available wine categories for the competition are: Blanc de blancs, Blanc de noirs, Cuveés, Prosecco, and Sweet Sparkling Wines. 

III. Each varietal of wine shall be judged by a grand panel of 10 wine experts, 5 celebrities, 5 politicians, and 5 ordinary citizens, selected at random from a pool of applicants. Each judge shall rank each wine on a scale of 0-1000.

     a. The judges for this contest shall have eight members drawn from each region with new members being chosen every four years. Term limits for judgeships shall be unlimited.
     b. The twenty-fifth member of the panel shall be a foreign guest of Atlasia's champagne and sparkling wine industries.

IV. The five wines within each category with the highest sum scores shall be permitted to use the “Superior Growth” label on all of that category of wines produced within the next six years’ vintages. The next ten highest-scoring wines within each category shall be permitted to use the “First Growth” label on all of that category of wines produced within the next six years’ vintages, and so on with “Second Growth” on the next twenty highest-scoring wines.

Section IV. Liquor Competition Establishment

A. Bourbon

I. A competition shall be held every 5 years with any bourbon distillery being allowed to submit any of their Atlasian bourbon which shall fit the selected category produced within the previous ten years for judging. There is no limit to how many bourbons a distillery may submit, but they must pay $3,000 for their first submission and $1,000 for any additional bourbon they submit. Each submission must include at least two cases of bourbon - the equivalent of twenty-four 1-liter bottles or 24 liters total.

II. The available bourbon categories for the competition are: Cask Strength, High Corn and Small Batch, High Rye, Single Barrel, and Wheated.

III. Each variety of bourbon shall be judged by a grand panel of 10 bourbon experts, 5 celebrities, 5 politicians, and 5 ordinary citizens, selected at random from a pool of applicants. Each judge shall rank each bourbon on a scale of 0-1000.

     a. The judges for this contest shall have eight members drawn from each region with new members being chosen every ten years. Term limits for judgeships shall be unlimited.
     b. The twenty-fifth member of the panel shall be a foreign guest of Atlasia's bourbon industry.

IV. The five bourbons within each category with the highest sum scores shall be permitted to use the “Premier Grade Bourbon” label on all of that category of bourbon produced within the next ten years. The next ten highest-scoring bourbons within each category shall be permitted to use the “Superior Grade Bourbon” label on all of that category of bourbon produced within the next ten years, and with “Excellent Grade Bourbon” on the next twenty highest-scoring bourbons.

B. Non-Bourbon Whiskey

I. A competition shall be held every 5 years with any whiskey distillery being allowed to submit any of their Atlasian non-bourbon whiskey which shall fit the selected category produced within the previous ten years for judging. There is no limit to how many whiskeys a distillery may submit, but they must pay $3,000 for their first submission and $1,000 for any additional whiskey they submit. Each submission must include at least two cases of whiskey - the equivalent of twenty-four 1-liter bottles or 15 liters total.

II. The available whiskey categories for the competition are: Corn Whiskey, Malt Whiskey, Rye Malt Whiskey, Rye Whiskey, and Wheat Whiskey.

III. Each variety of whiskey shall be judged by a grand panel of 10 whiskey experts, 5 celebrities, 5 politicians, and 5 ordinary citizens, selected at random from a pool of applicants. Each judge shall rank each whiskey on a scale of 0-1000.

     a. The judges for this contest shall have eight members drawn from each region with new members being chosen every ten years. Term limits for judgeships shall be unlimited.
     b. The twenty-fifth member of the panel shall be a foreign guest of Atlasia's whiskey industry.

IV. The five whiskeys within each category with the highest sum scores shall be permitted to use the “Premier Grade Whiskey” label on all of that category of whiskey produced within the next ten years. The next ten highest-scoring whiskeys within each category shall be permitted to use the “Superior Grade Whiskey” label on all of that category of whiskey produced within the next ten years, and with “Excellent Grade Whiskey” on the next twenty highest-scoring whiskeys.

C. Non-Whiskey Liquors

I. A competition shall be held every 5 years with any liquor distillery being allowed to submit any of their Atlasian non-whiskey liquor which shall fit the selected category produced within the previous ten years for judging. There is no limit to how many liquors a distillery may submit, but they must pay $3,000 for their first submission and $1,000 for any additional liquor they submit. Each submission must include at least two cases of liquor - the equivalent of twenty-four 1-liter bottles or 15 liters total.

II. The available liquor categories for the competition are: Brandy, Gin, Rum, and Vodka.

III. Each variety of liquor shall be judged by a grand panel of 10 liquor experts, 5 celebrities, 5 politicians, and 5 ordinary citizens, selected at random from a pool of applicants. Each judge shall rank each liquor on a scale of 0-1000.

     a. The judges for this contest shall have eight members drawn from each region with new members being chosen every ten years. Term limits for judgeships shall be unlimited.
     b. The twenty-fifth member of the panel shall be a foreign guest of Atlasia's liquor industry.

IV. The five liquors within each category with the highest sum scores shall be permitted to use the “Premier Grade Liquor” label on all of that category of liquor produced within the next ten years. The next ten highest-scoring liquors within each category shall be permitted to use the “Superior Grade Liquor” label on all of that category of liquor produced within the next ten years, and with “Excellent Grade Liquor” on the next twenty highest-scoring liquors.

Section V. Funding and Logistics

I. Competitions shall be hosted by cities across Atlasia, with applications by cities to be submitted to and selected by the Department of Internal Affairs. The cities shall be expected to provide a space for hosting and housing, with funds received from competition applicants to be directed to the host city’s event budget.

II. Usage of the scoring “Growth” terms and all other contest label terms, e.g., Premier Grade Bourbon, Superior Grade Whiskey, etc. shall be enforced by the Department of Justice, with a $100,000 fine for an illegal use of the label as well as an additional $100 per bottle for wine and $50 per bottle for non-wine alcohols sold without having met the competitive qualification for use of the label.

Section VI. Implementation

The first competition shall be held jointly for all types of alcohol included in this bill in 2024.

Passed 12-0-2-4 in the Atlasian Senate assembled.

- Laki Deputy PPT

X tack50

Mr. President, the following bill has just passed and as deputy PPT it is my job to inform you

DRUG PRICE TRANSPARENCY ACT

1. Any Pharmacy Benefit Manager (PBM) in Atlasia shall be required to publicly disclose complaints made against the PBM.

2. Any company that markets or sells prescription drugs in the Atlasia shall be required to publicly disclose any price increase no less than thirty (30) days prior to such increase along with an explanation for such price increase.

3. No company that markets or sells prescription drugs in Atlasia shall be permitted to enter into any agreement with a doctor, pharmacist, PBM, or insurance company prohibiting such person from mentioning lower-cost generic drugs.

4. The Prescription Drug Affordability Board is hereby established. The President shall appoint the members of the Board. The Board shall meet in open session at least four (4) times annually. Members of the Board shall disclose any conflicts of interest. The Board shall identify prescription, generic, and other drugs, that are offered for sale in Atlasia and, at the Board's discretion, conduct an affordability review of any prescription drug product.

5. This act shall take effect thirty (30) days from the date of enactment.

Passed 14-0-0-4 in the Atlasian Senate assembled.

- Laki Deputy PPT

X tack50

Mr. President, the following bill has just passed and as deputy PPT it is my job to inform you

ANTARCTICA PROTECTION ACT

1. The Atlasian government shall possess the duty and authority to protect and provide emergency assistance to Atlasian citizens legally operating upon Antarctica or the surrounding waters thereof.

2. This act shall take effect 30 days from passage.

Passed 11-0-2-5 in the Atlasian Senate assembled.

- Laki Deputy PPT

X tack50

Mr. President, the following bill has just passed and as deputy PPT it is my job to inform you

SCIENCE INFRASTRUCTURE FUNDING ACT

1. The Atlasian government is hereby authorized to expend up to an extra $150 Million through 2025 for facility upgrades, equipment purchases, staff salary increases, and other similar costs at National Laboratories and Technology Centers and other federally funded scientific research and development centers.

2. This act shall take effect immediately.

Passed 13-0-0-5 in the Atlasian Senate assembled.

- Laki Deputy PPT

X tack50

Mr. President, the following bill has just passed and as deputy PPT it is my job to inform you

PAY-GO RESOLUTION

Article VI of the Official Senate Rules and Procedures shall be amended as follows:

...

6. ) All bills appropriating money must have any funding increases and decreases connected to a specific federal department or program budget. Any bill that includes a funding change that is not connected to a specific federal department budget shall not be able to be brought to a final vote.

...

Passed 5-5-1-7 in the Atlasian Senate assembled with the Vice President as tiebreaker.

- Laki, Deputy PPT

I believe that this is Congress rules and do not need to go by me? In any case I eill give a veto a try

VETO

X Tack50

[Former President tack50]

Mr. President, the following bill has just passed and as deputy PPT it is my job to inform you

The Iliamna Volcano Drilling Act

Preamble:

Whereas volcanoes play a critical role in shaping the Earth's geology and provide important insights into Earth's history and geology, and whereas Iliamna Volcano in Alaska contains one of the world's most interesting and potentially accessible magma chambers, and is relatively remote and not located near any major population centers, with no major communities within about 30 miles of the volcano, the following act is proposed to fund research to drill into the magma chamber of Iliamna Volcano.

Section 1: Purpose
1.1 The purpose of this act is to authorize the Atlasian Geological Survey (AGS) to conduct research on the Iliamna Volcano by drilling into its magma chamber.

Section 2: Funding
2.1 An amount of $2 billion is appropriated to fund the research described in this act.
2.2 The funds will be used for the design, construction, and operation of a drilling platform capable of drilling into the magma chamber.

Section 3: Research Plan
3.1 The AGS will be responsible for the planning, preparation, and execution of the research.
3.2 The AGS will develop a detailed research plan, including a timeline, milestones, and contingencies.
3.3 The research plan will be subject to review and approval by the relevant government agencies and scientific experts.
3.4 The research will be conducted in accordance with all relevant laws, regulations, and ethical standards.

Section 4: Reporting Requirements
4.1 The AGS will provide regular reports to the relevant congressional committees on the status of the research.
4.2 The reports will include information on progress, challenges, and any adjustments to the research plan.
4.3 The reports will also include the results of scientific analyses of the data obtained from the research.

Section 5: Sunset Provision
5.1 This act will remain in effect until the research is completed.
5.2 Upon the completion of the research, the AGS will submit a final report to the relevant congressional committees summarizing the results of the research.

Conclusion:
The act described above proposes funding and enabling research to drill into the magma chamber of Iliamna Volcano in Alaska, one of the world's most interesting and potentially accessible magma chambers, which would provide valuable insights into the Earth's geology, history, and volcanic activity. Iliamna Volcano is relatively remote and not located near any major population centers, with no major communities within about 30 miles of the volcano. The relatively shallow depth of the magma chamber, which recent studies suggest may be only 5-6 km below the surface, would also reduce the cost and complexity of drilling. Additionally, there are no extensive hydrothermal systems associated with the volcano, which could make it less risky for drilling or other scientific exploration.

Addendum:

Map of the location



Source: Iliamna (Volcano.edu)

Passed 12-0-1-7 in the Atlasian Senate assembled.

- Laki Deputy PPT

X tack50

[Former President tack50]

Executive Order 58-008

To keep the peace in Atlasia

WHEREAS the Governor of Lincoln has requested the aid of the federal government in keeping the peace in its region

WHERAS there have been threats of violent secession and sedition incentivized by the Southern government

BE IT RESOLVED, that the National Guard units in the Region of Lincoln shall be placed under high alert and shall have the order to keep the peace in the region. The protection requested by the Governor of Lincoln shall be afforded in collaboration with the Department of Defence for self-defence purposes.

x Tack50, President of the Republic of Atlasia

[Former President tack50]

Executive Order 58-009

To conclude the special Covid-19 related measures

WHEREAS the WHO has declared the Covid-19 pandemic over

WHERAS cases of Covid-19 are currently at baseline levels

AND WHEREAS Covid-19 does not pose a significant threat to public health anymore

BE IT RESOLVED, that any and all remaining special Covid-19 measures issued by the federal government are hereby lifted. The various departments of the federal government shall be given instructions to do so.

FURTHER RESOLVED, that the federal govenment encourages local and regional governments to follow suit

This executive order shall be effective immediately

x Tack50, President of the Republic of Atlasia

[Former President tack50]

Mr. President, the following bill has passed the Senate and awaits your signature or veto.

ANTI-KKK ACT

1. It is hereby a felony punishable by no more than five (5) years imprisonment and a fine of no more than $10,000.00 to engage in intimidation directed at an individual, or group of individuals, due to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or mental, physical, or sensory disability. Terroristic Intimidation, for the purposes of this bill, shall be defined as:

A. Any person who, with the intent of intimidating any person or group of persons, travels in interregional or international commerce and burns, or causes to be burned a cross on the private property of another without permission in a manner having a direct tendency to place another person in reasonable fear or apprehension of death or bodily injury;

B. Any person who, with the intent of intimidating any person or group of persons, travels in interregional or international commerce and burns, or causes to be burned a cross on a highway or other public place in a manner having a direct tendency to place another person in reasonable fear or apprehension of death or bodily injury;

C. Any person who, with the intent of intimidating another person or group of persons, travels in interregional or international commerce and places or causes to be placed on the private property of another without permission, or on any church, synagogue or other building or place used for religious worship, or on any school, educational facility or community center owned or operated by a church or religious body;

D. Any person who, with the intent of intimidating any person or group of persons, travels in interregional or international commerce and displays a public execution device on the private property of another without permission in a manner having a direct tendency to place another person in reasonable fear or apprehension of death or bodily injury;

E. Any person who, with the intent of intimidating any person or group of persons, travels in interregional or international commerce and displays a public execution device on a highway or other public place in a manner having a direct tendency to place another person in reasonable fear or apprehension of death or bodily injury; or

2. It is hereby a felony for any person to, with the intent of intimidating any person or group of persons, use a federally-regulated communication device to call in a bomb threat at a governmental meeting or proceeding, a meeting or event open to the public, a private meeting or event, or a religious service, or who travels in interregional or international commerce and assaults or batters attendees thereat.

3. This act shall take effect on July 1, 2023.

Passed in the Senate of the Republic of Atlasia 7-6-0-5

Scott
President pro tempore

Issuing the following redraft on this. Not signing the original version into law.

ANTI-KKK ACT

1. It is hereby a felony punishable by no more than five (5) years imprisonment and a fine of no more than $10,000.00 to engage in intimidation directed at an individual, or group of individuals, due to race, color, religion, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or mental, physical, or sensory disability. Intimidation, for the purposes of this bill, shall be defined as:

A. Any person who, with the intent of intimidating any person or group of persons, travels in interregional or international commerce and burns, or causes to be burned a cross on the private property of another without permission in a manner having a direct tendency to place another person in reasonable fear or apprehension of death or bodily injury;

B. Any person who, with the intent of intimidating any person or group of persons, travels in interregional or international commerce and burns, or causes to be burned a cross on a highway or other public place in a manner having a direct tendency to place another person in reasonable fear or apprehension of death or bodily injury;

C. Any person who, with the intent of intimidating another person or group of persons, travels in interregional or international commerce and places or causes to be placed a swastika the symbol of an organization which endorses the use of violence on the basis of race, gender, sexual orientation, or class on the private property of another without permission, or on any church, synagogue or other building or place used for religious worship, or on any school, educational facility or community center owned or operated by a church or religious body;

D. Any person who, with the intent of intimidating any person or group of persons, travels in interregional or international commerce and displays a noose public execution device on the private property of another without permission in a manner having a direct tendency to place another person in reasonable fear or apprehension of death or bodily injury;

E. Any person who, with the intent of intimidating any person or group of persons, travels in interregional or international commerce and displays a noose public execution device on a highway or other public place in a manner having a direct tendency to place another person in reasonable fear or apprehension of death or bodily injury; or

2. It is hereby a felony for any person to, with the intent of intimidating any person or group of persons, use a federally-regulated communication device to call in a bomb threat at a governmental meeting or proceeding, a meeting or event open to the public, a private meeting or event, or a religious service, or who travels in interregional or international commerce and assaults or batters attendees thereat.

3. This act shall take effect on July 1, 2023.

X tack50

[Former President tack50]

Mr. President, the following bill has passed the Senate and awaits your signature or veto.

VOTER INTIMIDATION ACT

1. The Criminal Justice Act shall be amended as follows:

...

(f) Electoral Intimidation. This offence shall be defined as the placing of undue pressure on a citizen of the Republic to cast a ballot in a particular way, to not cast a ballot at all, or to invalidate a ballot already cast via direct threats of revenge, blackmail, retaliation, or retribution. For purposes of this act retaliation includes but is not limited to firing of appointed regional or federal office holders, the withdrawal of a government post nomination, or repeated harassment. In those cases in which undue pressure has been applied in the form of credible threats to disclose personal information, the offence shall be known as Grievous Electoral Intimidation.

...

2. This act shall take effect ten (10) days from the date of passage.

Passed in the Senate of the Republic of Atlasia 12-1-1-4

Scott
President pro tempore

X tack50

[Former President tack50]

Mr. President, the following bill has just passed and as deputy PPT it is my job to inform you

HAZARDOUS WASTE CLEANUP ACT

1. The Atlasian government is hereby authorized to expend up to an extra $250 Million through 2025 for cleaning up hazardous waste sites identified on the National Priorities List administered by the Superfund.

2. This act shall take effect immediately.

Passed 9-0-0-9 in the Atlasian Senate assembled.

- Laki Deputy PPT

Whoops missed it

X tack50

[Former President tack50]

Executive Order 58-009

To confront the Southern Secessionists

WHEREAS the Southern Region has unlawfully attempted to secese from the Republic of Atlasia and is launching attacks on federal property and institutiona

BE IT RESOLVED, that Secretary of State Scott, as well as the relevant commanders of the Atlasian Military, are hereby empowered by the Commander in Chef to use whatever means necessary to stop this threat

x Tack50, President of the Republic of Atlasia

[Former President tack50]

Executive Order 58-010

To aid the Government of Lincoln in confronting the Southern Rebels

Pursuant to SB 112-31, federal troops shall aid the Government of Lincoln in the defense of the region. The Governor's request is hereby admitted and recognized.

Furthermore, the Southern Governor SHALL NOT be given this privilege, and federal troops in the South are hereby instructed to ignore any and all commands from the Southern Government

x Tack50, President of the Republic of Atlasia

[Former President tack50]

Executive Order 58-011

To temporarily halt transit to the Southern Region while the rebellion is ongoing

1. International Traffic by air to and from the South will immediately be suspended. There is no permission for any aircraft to land in the South, unless special permission is given by the Fedetral Aviation Administration.

2. International Traffic by train from Fremont to the South or vice versa is suspended. This shall also include freight trains.

2b. Amtrak shall halt any services to and from the Southern Region, effective at midnight.

3. The federal government hereby closes all border posts located in the Southern Region. This includes any ports and airports, as well as land crossings between Atlasia and other countries located in the Southern Region.

x Tack50, President of the Republic of Atlasia

[Former President tack50]

Mr. President, the following legislation has passed the Senate and awaits your signature or veto:

STUDENT LOAN DEBT RELIEF ACT

1. Any person who owes federal student loan debt shall, upon application to the Secretary of Internal Affairs with supporting documentation, receive a discharge of such debt according to the following schedule:

A. Any person with an annual income of less than $55,000 averaged over the last three (3) years shall be entitled to a complete discharge of student loan debt;

B. Any person with an annual income of $55,000 or more but less than $75,000 averaged over the last three (3) years shall be entitled to a discharge of up to $40,000 in student loan debt;

C. Any person with an annual income of $75,000 or more but less than $102,000 averaged over the last three (3) years shall be entitled to a discharge of up to $10,000 in student loan debt;

D. The discharge, forgiveness, or cancellation of student loan debt shall not be subject to federal income tax.

2. No college or university that accepts federal student loan funding shall be permitted to increase tuition costs for students more than 5% every three (3) years. When any such college or university increases tuition costs, such increase proposal shall be made public along with any accompanying documentation justifying the amount of the proposed increase. The federal government shall have ninety (90) days to review a proposed increase before it shall take effect. If the proposed increase is not justified by the supporting documentation, such proposal shall not be implemented by the college or university or else its participation in the student loan program shall be suspended for two (2) years.

3. No college or university that accepts federal student loan funding shall require students to pay any general activity fee used to fund clubs, organizations, or other groups to attend or reside at such college or university. Nothing in this act shall prohibit clubs, organizations, or other groups affiliated with such colleges or universities from requiring the payment of an activity fee in order for a student to actually participate in such clubs, organizations, or groups.

4. No college or university that accepts federal student loan funding shall withhold degrees or transcripts from any current or former student based on the current or former student owing money to such college or university.

5. The Tax the Woke Act shall be amended as follows:

...

1. Beginning in fiscal year 2024 there shall be levied a minimum tax of 1% 5% on the investment earnings of any private college or university that has at least 500 tuition-paying students and net endowment assets of at least $500,000,000.

2. The investment tax shall increase by 2 percentage point per each additional $1,000,000,000 in total investments held by a university endowment fund.

...

6. This act shall take effect July 1, 2024.

Passed in the Senate of the Republic of Atlasia 6-4-0-8

Scott
President pro tempore

                     

X tack50