SB 114-1: Extraterrestrial Contact Protocol Act (Failed)

[Mr. Reactionary]

Extraterrestrial Contact Protocol Act

Preamble:

Whereas, the discovery of alien life could have significant implications for humanity, including potential threats as well as opportunities for scientific, cultural, and economic development;

Whereas, the potential consequences of contact with extraterrestrial civilizations or individuals require careful planning, coordination, and collaboration between international organizations and governments;

Whereas, there is a need for a comprehensive framework that provides guidance on the appropriate actions to be taken in the event of the discovery of extraterrestrial life or signals.

Section 1: Purpose

This Act sets out the framework for the establishment of protocols for the detection, verification, and communication of any potential contact with extraterrestrial life, whether harmful or not. The aim of this Act is to provide a coordinated and consistent approach to dealing with any such contact and to protect the safety, security, and interests of humanity.


Section 2: Definitions

For the purposes of this Act, the following definitions apply:

(a) Extraterrestrial life - any life that exists outside of the planet Earth, including microbial life, intelligent life, or artificial intelligence.

(b) First contact - the first confirmed encounter with extraterrestrial life, whether through direct observation, signals, or artifacts.

(c) Harmful extraterrestrial life - any extraterrestrial life that poses a threat to the safety, security, or interests of humanity.

(d) Contact team - a group of individuals responsible for implementing the protocols established under this Act.


Section 3: Protocol development and implementation

(a) The Secretary of State shall convene a panel of experts from relevant fields, including but not limited to, astronomy, astrophysics, astrobiology, sociology, international relations, and law, to develop protocols for first contact with extraterrestrial life.

(b) The protocols developed under subsection (a) shall include procedures for detecting and verifying potential signals or artifacts of extraterrestrial life, methods for establishing communication with extraterrestrial life, and guidelines for managing the consequences of any such communication.

(c) The protocols developed under subsection (a) shall be subject to review and update at least once every five years.

(d) The protocols developed under subsection (a) shall be implemented by the Contact team designated by the Secretary of State.


Section 4: Harmful extraterrestrial life

(a) If the Contact team determines that the extraterrestrial life is potentially harmful to humanity, the Contact team shall immediately notify the President and the Secretary of Defense.

(b) The President shall be authorized to take any action necessary to protect the safety, security, and interests of humanity, including but not limited to, the use of military force.


Section 5: Funding

(a) There is hereby appropriated such sums as may be necessary for the implementation of this Act.

(b) The Secretary of State shall allocate funds for the development, implementation, and review of the protocols under this Act.


Section 6: International cooperation

(a) The Republic of Atlasia shall work with the United Nations and other international organizations to establish a coordinated international approach to first contact with extraterrestrial life.

(b) The Secretary of State shall submit a report to the Senate on the progress of international cooperation efforts under this Act.


Section 7: Severability

If any provision of this Act or the application thereof to any person or circumstance is held invalid, the remainder of the Act and the application of such provisions to other persons or circumstances shall not be affected thereby.


Section 8: Effective Date

This Act shall take effect 180 days after the date of enactment.

Sponsor: Laki
Debate on this bill is now open

[Mr. Reactionary]

24 hours to object to Lakis amendment. If there are no objections Im fine with simultaneously running the 24 hour objection period to the motion to final vote for the bill assuming the amendment passes. So if there are no objections to either we could open final vote in 24 hours on the version including Lakis amendment.

[Mr. Reactionary]

I object to the final vote motion. How much do we need for this (for funding), Laki? Or do we need a GM estimate?

Ok withdrawn.

[Mr. Reactionary]

Amendment is adopted.

[Mr. Reactionary]

Aye

[Mr. Reactionary]

By a vote of 4-6-0-8 the bill fails.