5th Term National Assembly

[Craig Ashley]

Originally posted by Erc
I applaud the introduction of the RoFA, and would second it if Mr. Vilms had not done so already. I have only a few significant problem with the bill, mainly concerning wording.
Concerning Class II firearms. At the beginning of the bill, it says that Class II firearms shall be illegal, just as Class I firearms are. However, Class II firearms (I am not in any way an expert on guns, but I think the description of 'semi-automatic' would include most pistols) are later stated to be legal given a Class B permit. If the language could be cleared up so that it is not so contradictory (ie delete the mention of "illegal" early in the bill or replace it with "illegal without the proper Class B permit", or something to that effect), it would be greatly appreciated.

Also, is there any reason that the Class D permit, the one that does not in any way involve firing a weapon, requires more training than a Class B permit?

I am not necessarily in favor of such a change, but I think that the point should be brought up:

Should single-shot, muzzle-loading, black powder weapons, hardly the most dangerous of weapons, still be subject to the terms of this bill? For example, I know that some of the historical demonstrations at Landfall and other historical sites do routinely fire off muskets (with blanks, of course) and such. And then of course there's the movie industry, which may want to film a Civil War picture on our shores, for example. Relatively minor concerns, of course, but we don't want to be kicking ourselves later.

Other than these relatively minor concerns, I have no objections, and applaud this progressive but yet unstifling bill.

Thank you for your kind words. The compliments you have chosen are exactly what I hoped this bill would be.

You raise a valid concern on the contradictory language, and it shall be cleared up. The reasoning I had behind giving more training to a Class D Permit, is that it allowed for an individual to own Class I weapons, even if they can not be fired.

As to antiquated firearms, I'm open to suggestions. Currently they would fall under Class III Firearms and only require a Firearms License to own and operate. Do you feel this is in anyway prohibitive or excessive regulation of what is obviously a collector's item or a prop?

A further thought that occurred to me, is the lack of a dealer's permit which is certianly different than a collector's permit (class D).

I'll wait a bit to see if there is any further constructive suggestions before presenting anohter revised edition of the bill.

 

[Erc]

Originally posted by Craig Ashley
You raise an interesting point when you mention impeachment...

I was simply following the current language of the Constitution, which states that the President or any of the Chiefs of the Armed forces may be removed (and not for any particular reason) by a certain vote. I hate to continually defer amendments, but if you wish to propose an amendment concerning the regulation of removals, etc., perhaps it would be best to deal with the problem in a debate over such an amendment.

The reasoning I had behind giving more training to a Class D Permit, is that it allowed for an individual to own Class I weapons, even if they can not be fired.

This makes definite sense; but in my opinion, since they are not going to be fired, an additional ten hours, not fifteen, seems adequate.

As to antiquated firearms, I'm open to suggestions. Currently they would fall under Class III Firearms and only require a Firearms License to own and operate. Do you feel this is in anyway prohibitive or excessive regulation of what is obviously a collector's item or a prop?

Well, such antiquated weaponry is obviously quite a different beast from modern armaments; would a course designed primarily for modern equipment really be applicable for such guns? If it is still felt that some sort of training is needed for such weapons, perhaps a separate muzzle-loading license might be more appropriate, although of course this might cause more hassle for the government than it's worth. I'm really not too sure. Does anyone else have any opinions on the matter?

 

[unmerged(11366)]

Morgan rushes with his page* to his desk. There he deposits a pile of manila folders and begins whispering instructions to the page. He speaks to the whole assembly:

"Sorry to interrupt the proceedings, but I am going to be departing for a few days, perhaps even a week. My page is authorized to vote for me; I have told her which ways to vote on which proposals and given her a stack of things to propose in my absence. I hope this move will be accepted by the Speaker." Morgan then bows and moves to depart.

---
*A kid or college student who assists the Congressmen. We had them in the States I was one once!

 

[jacob-Lundgren]

well hopefully THIS bill can pass quickly through the NA.


Police compensation bill of 2003:

2% additional raise for foot soldiers(non for desk workers/office workers) this is equvilent to hazard pay.

all officers involved in a terrorist act where lose of life occurs, get an additional 3 weeks of paid vacation, those injured at such an event get an additional month instead of the 3 weeks.

familes who lost a loved one to a terrorist act shall receive double the compensation normaly given to them, arrangements to be made to also provide a free vacation to anywhere in EUtopia for a week, paid by the government.

 

[Estonianzulu]

I would like to see pay increase 4%

 

[Erc]

I second the bill.

Apart from the spelling and grammatical errors, I only have one question/concern about the bill. The last section refers to families of police officers killed, I assume (as this is a Police Compensation bill)? This should be cleared up so that we don't have any undue confusion.

 

[Erc]

Currently, we have, in chronological order:

1: Popular Responsibility of the Executive Branch Amendment (PREBA), submitted October 22nd, awaiting a second
2: Eutopian Responsible Gun Act (ERGA), submitted October 29, 2003, awaiting a second, essentially supplanted by RoFA
3: Higher Education Reform Bill (HERB), submitted October 30, 2003, seconded October 31, 2003.
4: Economic Stimulation by Higher Technology Act (ESHTA), submitted October 30, 2003, seconded October 31, 2003.
5: Presidential Succession Amendment (PSA), submitted September 29, 2003, resubmitted October 30, 2003, seconded October 31, 2003.
6: Regulation of Firearms Act (RoFA), submitted November 6, 2003, seconded November 7, 2003
7: Police Compensation Bill of 2003 (PCB), submitted November 9, 2003, seconded November 9, 2003.

1: Awaiting response from the President, otherwise, no concerns.

2: essentialy supplanted by RoFA

3: No further concerns on my part, no-ones really expressed any recently

4: Nothing I can really say about it, & no-one's really brought up any concerns despite the time elapsed

5: Mr. Vilms, do you have any further concerns with the PSA in its present form? If you still have a problem with the letter issue, would you rather have a written statement submitted to the Chief Justice of the High Court, as suggested earlier. We're over six weeks into the term, and we've gotten one thing passed.

6: I've said all I can say for the moment

7: Nothing further to add

 

[Craig Ashley]

PREBA: If the language were to use the term impeachment and another amendment were to be introduced that outlined, in either specific or broad terms what an impeachable offense is, I can endorse this amendment. If not, I cannot endorse the amendment as it gives far too much power to the legislative branch to control the policies of the executive branch.

I can draft the amendment myself, or another member of this body can. (OOC: I already have 3 bills and one amendment pending)

ESHTA: I would like to submit an alternative version of the bill to take into account the ECB report and findings. The revised version will do much more to add to our economic base.

RoFA: I will be submiting the final draft tonight to take into account the discussion that has been had here.

HERB: Needs only minor revision on the section dealing with private college fundraising. This bill will bring in additional revenue that would allow us upgrade our education services. I strongly hope to see strong bipartisan support for this bill.

PSA: I think we are mostly in agreement here from a idea standpoint. A few minor changes may be required on specific wording, but lets get this one wrapped up.

 

[jacob-Lundgren]

revamped version



Police compensation bill of 2003:

3% additional raise for foot soldiers(non for desk workers/office workers) this is equvilent to hazard pay.

all officers involved in a terrorist act where lose of life occurs, get an additional 3 weeks of paid vacation, those officers injured at such an event get an additional month instead of the 3 weeks.

families of police officers who died to a terrorist act shall receive double the compensation normaly given to them, arrangements to be made to also provide a free vacation to anywhere in EUtopia for a week, paid by the government.

rewording done in a few places and the raise upped from 2-3%, thats mainly due to 2% being kinda small increase but not wanting to overload with too many extra costs. its an additional raise.

 

[Craig Ashley]

Here are the updated versions of HERB, ESHTA, and RoFA:

Regulations of Firearms Act

I. Classifaction of Firearms

Class I - Automatic Firearms. These shall be defined as as one press of the trigger can result in more than one bullet being fired. They shall be made illegal to all citizens with the exception of those issued a proper permit, and military or police personal issued these weapons while on duty.

Class II - Semiautomatic Firearms. These shall be defined as employing gas pressure or force of recoil and mechanical spring action to eject the empty cartridge case after the first shot and load the next cartridge from the magazine but requiring release and another pressure of the trigger for each successive shot.

They shall not be allowed to the general public without the proper permit. On duty military and police personale may be issued these weapons.

Class III - Manual. Any firearm that does not fit into Class I, Class II, or Class IV such as but not limited to, shotguns, rifles, revolvers, and pistols shall be defined as Class III.

These weapons are allowable to the general public provided a firearms liscence is obtained and kept in good standing.

Class IV - Antiquated. These shall be Front loaded, black powder, single shot muskets or rifles.

These weapons are allowable to the general public provided a Antique Firearms License is obtained and kept in good standing.

II. Licenses and Permits.

Licenses

A firearms license shall be obtained by meeting the following standards:

1. Once the applicant submit to a background check and no violent crimes have been committed in the last twenty years.
2. Satisfactory completion of a fifteen hour course on gun use, care, and safety.
3. The applicant is at least 18 years of age.

A firearms license shall be good for a five year period. After which, the applicant must take and complete a ten hour refresher course on gun use, care, and safety. A fee of fifty ducats shall be established for a Firearms License and shall be subject to annual increases as deemed necessary by the office of MILE.

A firearms license shall be revoked for any of the following reasons:

1. Conviction of any felony charge.
2. Conviction of any violent crime.
3. Conviction of three misdemeanors.
4. Evidence of gross negligence pertaining to firearms.

Junior Firearms License. Children age 14 to 18 may obtain a Junior Firearms License under the following provisions.

1. Completion of a 20 hour gun safety course.
2. A clean criminal record.
3. Parental approval.
4. At least one parent already has a Firearms License in good standing.

A Junior Firearms License shall allow the holder to operate Class III Firearms in the presence and under the supervision of an adult with the proper Firearms License.

The holder of a Junior Firearms License shall not be allowed to obtain any of the special permits.

Any criminal conviction shall result in the revoking of a Junior Firearms License

Antique Firearms License. An AFL shall allow the holder to own, use, and operate Class IV Firearms. A fee of 100 ducats shall be in place for a AFL, and it shall last ten years. It shall be issued provided the following criteria is met.

1. Completion of a 10 hour class on the care and use of antiquated firearms.
2. No violent criminal conviction in the last 10 years.
3. Applicant is at least 18 years of age.

Permits.

All permits shall coincide with the length of the current Firearms License, and must be renewed when the Firearms License is renewed.

Class A Permit. Shall allow the holder to carry any firearms they are legally allowed to possess in a concealed manner.

In order to obtain such a permit, the applicant must not have a single conviction of felony or violent crime. Furthermore, no such charges may be pending. Also an additional ten hour course on gun safety must be completed. This course is the same as the course used for Class B and Class C. Holders of multilple permits will only be required to take the course once.

Class B Permit. Shall allow the holder to carry Class II Firearms. This permit shall be given only with the expressed approval of the Ministry of Law Enforcement on Class II firearms they deem appropriate for personal self defense.

The holder of a Class B Permit may not have any criminal conviction in the last fifteen years and absolutely no felony or violent convictions. An additional ten hour course on gun safety is required. This course is the same as the course used for Class C and Class A. Holders of multilple permits will only be required to take the course once.

The office of MILE shall be free to terminate any Class B Permit at its discretion.

Class C Permit. Shall allow the holder to carry Class II Firearms for commercial use. The holder of this permit must be employed by a private security firm that has been licensed and approved by MILE. The holder must complete the ten hour course on gun safety. This course is the same as the course used for Class B and Class A. Holders of multiple permits will only be required to take the course once.

The holder of this permit may not have any criminal convictions.

A fee of 250 ducats shall be established for a Class C Permit and shall be subject to annual increases as deemed necessary by the office of MILE.

Class D Permit. (Collector's Permit) Shall allow the holder to own and display Class II and Class I Firearms. In public displays, the firearms must be held in a secure case. The weapons may not be loaded or fired at any time.

Furthermore, each Class I and Class II weapon held under a Class D Permit must be registered with MILE.

The holder of this permit may not have any criminal convictions in the last ten years and no violent or felony convictions in the last twenty years. The holder must also complete a special 15 hour course on gun safety. Holders of multiple permits including a Class D Permit will take this course in substitute for the course required for Class A, Class B, and Class C Permits.

A fee of 100 ducats shall be established for a Class D Permit and shall be subject to annual increases as deemed necessary by the office of MILE.

Class E Permit (Dealer's Permit) Shall allow the holder to own, display and use for demonstration purposes, all Classes of Firearms. This permit shall have a fee of 500 ducats and the applicant must meet the following criteria.

1. Have a Firearms License in good standing.
2. Be at least 18 years of age.
3. Have no criminal record.
4. Complete a special 20 hour class on firearms care and display.

Furhtermore, the following practices must be followed to keep the Class E Permit in good standing.

1. All Firearms are to be displayed in securely locked cases and seperate from ammunition.
2. All Firearms for sale or on display are registered with MILE.
3. All sales are made only to those holding the proper license and/or permits.

A Class E Permit can be revoked for any criminal conviction.

All Permits will be revoked in the event the Firearms License is revoked.

All current gun owners are given twelve months to comply with this legislation.

III. Penalties.

Use of a Class I Firearm without proper permit - 10 to 5 years imprisonment

Possession of a Class I Firearm without proper permit - 5 to 2 years imprisonment

Use of a Class II Firearm without the proper permit - 5 to 2 years imprisonment

Use of a Class II Firearm without the a Firearms License - 7 to 4 years imprisonment.

Possession of a Class II Firearm without proper permit - 1 year to 6 months imprisonment

Possession of a Class II Firearm without a Firearms License - 2 to 1 years imprisonment.

Use of a Class III Firearm without a Firearms License - 2 years to 18 months imprisonment and a fine of up to 10,000.

Possession of a Class III Firearm without a Firearms License - 1 year to 3 months imprisonment and a fine up to 5,000.

Violation of a Class D Permit - 2 years to 6 months imprisonment and a fine of up to 25,000.

Carrying a concealed Firearm without a Class A Permit - 1 year to 3 months imprisonment and a fine of up to 2,000.

Use of a Firearm by a minor without a Junior License - 6 months imprisonment to 1 year's probation and a fine of up to 2,000.

Use of a Firearm in a crime - 7 to 3 years imprisonment.

Use of a Firearm License or Permit to illegally distribute firearms - 10 to 5 years imprisonment for each offense.

Use of a Class E Permit to illegally distribute firearms - 20 to 5 years for each offense

Any firearms related violation within 500 meters of a school, children's playground, or day care may result in the penalty being doubled at the discretion of the presiding judge.

Economic Stimulation by Higher Technology Act

I. Taxes

New companies in the “high tech sector” shall be subject to 70% of existing corporate tax rates for their first ten years. After which, they shall pay the full tax

METF shall decided what companies are eligible for the tax break through a standard application process.

II. Grants and Training Programs

The Federal government shall adminster job training programs to qualified applicants in order increase the available pool of workers with the necessary skills for the high tech industry.

These programs shall be administered by MECT and shall have an annual funding of 110 million ducats.

Furthermore, METF shall be authorized to issue start up grants to qualified high tech businesses to assist in the generation of capital necessary to the industry. The budget for these grants shall be 55 million annually.

Higher Education Reform Bill

I. Tuition

A tuition of $2,000 ducats per semester shall be enacted. In order to ensure that no Eutopian is denied an education because of economic concerns, the following program of federal assistance shall also be enacted:

Anual household income of $29,999 - $25,000: Federal low interst loans (floating rate that is equal to the cost of living increase of the previous year) on which payments will start one year after completion of studies.
$24,999 - $15,000: Federal no interest loans on which payments begin 18 months after completion of studies.
Below $15,000: Federal grants covering the entire cost of tuition that shall not be paid back by the student.

Additionally, in order to help families with multiple students, the annual household income thresholds shall be raised by $5,000 for each additional child enrolled in a Eutopian college or university.

All of the above figures shall be adjusted annually for inflation.

II. Administrative Streamlining

The largest school in each province shall become the administrative center for that provicnce. Each school or campus shall maintain a local chancellor, deans, etc., but areas such as purchasing, accounting, and marketing, shall be consolidated in this one location. Universities within the province would then become affiliate campuses of that one central provincial university. They are free to maintain their own seperate names.

All schools shall teach the basics, some liberal arts, math & science, and vocational training. More advanced programs would be limited to one campus per province. While all schools may have a Pre-Law or Pre-Medical program, only one would have a graduate law school, only one would have a graduate medical, business, or veterinary school, etc. The exact placement and selection of these advanced programs shall be at the discretion of the central campus administration

III. Campus Consolidation

The following campuses shall be closed and the necessary functions and staff consolidated into the nearby campuses:

New Lancaster School of Economics and Social Science - NLSE (New Lancaster City)
Eutopia City University College - ECUC (Eutopia City)
Queen’s College - QC (Witney)
Douglas University College - DUC (Douglas)
University Miguel de Cervantes - UMC (Buen Puerto)

The campus properties shall be sold off and the funds shall be reinvested into the education system to upgrade existing campus infrastructure.

IV. Private Universities

Private Universities shall have their government subsidies reduced on the following schedule:

Year One: 95%
Year Two 90%
Year Three 80%
Year Four and on: 75%

Private univerisities shall also be free to raise funds from the private sector or donations as they see fit.

For term 5, MECT shall be authorized to adminster 31,110,000 million ductats to private universities to assist in building up the fund raising capacity of private universities. In subsequent terms, MECT shall be authorized to disburse funds up to 8 million ducats to assist in private university fund raising activities.

 

[Erc]

HERB:
I'm still a bit confused as to the legal status of Private Universities...obviously they aren't really "Private," but other than a lack of government funding and ability to raise money from the private sector, are there any differences? Private universities, I assume, cannot raise tuition beyond the 2,000 Ð a semester?
Other than that question, no problems at all.

RoFA:
I like the changes to the RoFA. Thanks for adding the Antiquated Arms section; 10 years & 10 hours should not be much of an impediment.

ESHTA:
Although I do accept the fact that temporary tax exemptions may be a plus for the local economy, giving grants to corporations, which is little more than government-provided welfare, is not sound economic or fiscal practice.

 

[Craig Ashley]

Originally posted by Erc
HERB:
I'm still a bit confused as to the legal status of Private Universities...obviously they aren't really "Private," but other than a lack of government funding and ability to raise money from the private sector, are there any differences? Private universities, I assume, cannot raise tuition beyond the 2,000 Ð a semester?
Other than that question, no problems at all.

RoFA:
I like the changes to the RoFA. Thanks for adding the Antiquated Arms section; 10 years & 10 hours should not be much of an impediment.

ESHTA:
Although I do accept the fact that temporary tax exemptions may be a plus for the local economy, giving grants to corporations, which is little more than government-provided welfare, is not sound economic or fiscal practice.

HERB:
OOC: Private Universities in Eutopia is a bit misleading. Currently they are fully funded by the state and charge no tuition. They have a bit more freedom regarding cirruculum and a few other things maybe.

This bill cuts into their federal funding and allows helps them to fund themselves. And yes their tuition would still be capped at 2,00 a semester.

RoFA:
Thank you for your assistance into crafting this into a comprehensive and common sense piece of legislation.

ESHTA:
If you haven't, please take some time to read the ECB's report on the ESHTA and its projected impact. The grants provided in the bill are not corporate welfare, but are an infusion of capital to help create a new sector to the Eutopia economy.

Tax cuts alone are not enough to stimulate growth in such a costly sector. The ECB projects that for a mere investment of 165 million ducats in start up grants and training programs, we will see a net impact of 2.7 billion ducats to the the government's revenues this term! The overall impact to the economy will be much higher. This bill will create not only new jobs, but high paying ones at that. It will help to retrain workers from sectors of the economy that are struggling.

This bill will do wonders to help our economy recover and to help stem the federal deficit which has grown due to neglect from previous administrations.

 

[Erc]

It seems that I misinterpreted the wording of the appropriate section for ESHTA, and was thus under the impression that spending on such grants would come to nearly a billion dollars.

Despite the ECB's great numbers, in my opinion, it still seems a bit too "pie in the sky"-ish: too much revenue for too little expenditure. If the projected profits are so great, then why aren't local investors chipping in? If one of these startup hightech corporations simply thought of giving an IPO, considering the ECB's projections for their profits look so good, I'm sure they'd get much more capital than we could ever offer them on our 55 million dollar budget.

If, of course, these numbers do turn out to be accurate predictions, then so much so the better.

 

[jacob-Lundgren]

so about the police bill, can we get an agreement and vote soon?

 

[Erc]

Hear hear! [OOC: or is it "here! here!"?] Unless anyone has anything further to say on the PSA, ESHTA, HERB, RoFA, or the PCB, I move that they be put to a vote by either Dr. Glasser or Mr. Borgman.

 

[phelbas]

even if anyone has anything to say they should be put to a vote. Debate can't go on for ever or we will never get anything done.

And what are we going to do about Miss Cook, she is going to find it difficult to vote or particapate now she is held by the military, and even if they let her go she has breached bail conditions so will be locked up by MILE. Can a sitting MNA be renmoved from office by the assembly?

 

[Erc]

I don't think that there are any provisions for such a removal. This could certainly pose problems, now or in the future, considering how often MoNA's have been incarcerated. Col. Haynes, I believe, was incarcerated just before he became a MoNA, Per Josephus was incarcerated shortly after he left his seat...

Although there are no specific constitutional provisions for a removal of an indisposed MoNA, I cannot see any reason why they would not be treated the same way as a missing or otherwise indisposed MoNA can be. If they don't show up at rollcall, which I believe the Speaker can call at any time, they are for all intents and purposes missing and thus unable to fulfill their functions as a MoNA. Although I do not think it would be prudent for the speaker to call a rollcall at this time, it might become necessary in order to maintain full attendance.

 

[phelbas]

i suppose the assembly could always pass an act to remove a specifc member if it became neccesary. i'm not saying Miss Cook needs to be removed, her incarceration just brought the issues up in my head.

On the issue of a roll call, i think it would be a good idea at this time as numerous peices of legislation are coming up for a vote pretty soon.

 

[Kurek]

The old General's workload has eased off for a few days so he spends some time tending to his other duties

So many bills and amendments its easy to get lost
I second the Popular Responsibility of the Executive Branch Amendment (PREBA), surely this amendment will ensure that our nation will continue to function adequately in any unfortunate event.

And bah! to bloody gun laws, if some druged up lunatic attacked me whilst I was walking down the street I know I'd feel a lot safer with a pistol in my pocket...

Brig. Gen. haynes

 

[unmerged(1522)]

Roll-calls and absent MNAs: see Article X of the Constitution.

"X. [Replacing MNAs and Assembly roll-calls] (1) If an MNA is going to be absent for more than fourteen days, s/he will have to resign his/her seat, to be replaced with another candidate from their party or alliance. If an MNA resigns or loses his/her seat for any other reason, s/he will be replaced in the same manner.
(2) Half-way through a term, the Speaker will hold a roll-call; all MNAs are required to respond to that roll-call within one week. MNAs who fail to respond will lose their seat."

Regarding Art. X(2): "half-way" is just about now.