NSG Senate Chamber [NSG Senate] - Version 3

[Battlion]

OOC: The government will have the votes to keep Ainin in office. This is a filibuster tactic in protest of the budget procedures bill that essentially removes the democratic process from approval of a budget.

OOC: Which isn't at vote or debate nor has been motioned to do so, if you have opposition to that you're gonna hate the Constitutional Convention.

This seems ridiculous and ICly we're going to slander you for it.

[Divitaen]

OOC: The government will have the votes to keep Ainin in office. This is a filibuster tactic in protest of the budget procedures bill that essentially removes the democratic process from approval of a budget.

OOC: Which isn't at vote or debate nor has been motioned to do so, if you have opposition to that you're gonna hate the Constitutional Convention.

This seems ridiculous and ICly we're going to slander you for it.

Which budget procedures bill is he referring to? I'm guessing we haven't voted on it yet...

[Belmaria]

OOC: The government will have the votes to keep Ainin in office. This is a filibuster tactic in protest of the budget procedures bill that essentially removes the democratic process from approval of a budget.

OOC: Which isn't at vote or debate nor has been motioned to do so, if you have opposition to that you're gonna hate the Constitutional Convention.

This seems ridiculous and ICly we're going to slander you for it.

OOC: This is true...

However, I mentioned before that I intended to motion. I would look bad to my supporters if I didn't keep my word.

[Battlion]

OOC: Which isn't at vote or debate nor has been motioned to do so, if you have opposition to that you're gonna hate the Constitutional Convention.

This seems ridiculous and ICly we're going to slander you for it.

Which budget procedures bill is he referring to? I'm guessing we haven't voted on it yet...

Something that has been submitted to the queue, and isn't likely to be voted on for a while.

Which reminds me, I should update the queue now

[Macedonian Grand Empire]

An attempt by the goverment in which it would allow the minister of finance to bring about a budget without vote in the senate if the budget fails 3 times. An attempt to bring budgets without any negotiations.

[Battlion]

An attempt by the goverment in which it would allow the minister of finance to bring about a budget without vote in the senate if the budget fails 3 times. An attempt to bring budgets without any negotiations.

Which isn't being debated or voted on, this is seemingly a petty motion from a sore Opposition figure.

OOC: Yep, not being debated on or voted and won't be...

[Belmaria]

Which budget procedures bill is he referring to? I'm guessing we haven't voted on it yet...

Something that has been submitted to the queue, and isn't likely to be voted on for a while.

Which reminds me, I should update the queue now

OOC: Very well. I will withdraw my motion for now. But if anyone motions to vote on that category, I will be back to motion again.

IC: In light of recent requests, I withdraw my motion.

[Soviet Canuckistan]

Something that has been submitted to the queue, and isn't likely to be voted on for a while.

Which reminds me, I should update the queue now

OOC: Very well. I will withdraw my motion for now. But if anyone motions to vote on that category, I will be back to motion again.

IC: In light of recent requests, I withdraw my motion.

I thank the honourable senator for his withdrawal.

[Ainin]

Good game and congratulations to the now fully functional Fifth Government of Aurentina.

Aye. Thank you, Senator.

[Phalnia]

This has enough sponsors, please add it to the queue at your earliest convenience.

Zoo and Aquarium Standards Act

Author: Timothy McAllister (CMP) | Urgency: Moderate | Category: Order
Sponsors: Wulukuno Maklohi Porunalakai (ND), Otto Karl Ludwig, Graf von Tyrannien (CMP), Miles Jay III (CMP), Titolli de Medici (CMP), Cengiz Harun (PDP), Rupert Weinthal (ALM), Zephiniah Nuckerberg (ND)

---

The Senate of Aurentina,

Recognizing, that institutions exist to keep, study, and exhibit animals.

Noting, that currently no regulations exist to ensure the safety and well-being of such animals.

Defines:
A Zoo as: an establishment that maintains a collection of animals, for study, conservation, or display to the public

An Aquarium as: an establishment that maintains a collection of marine animals study, conservation, or display to the public

Surroundings: habitat that a specimen is held in

Hereby, mandates:

---

1. A commission shall be established to oversee all zoos and aquariums(both public and private) within Aurentina, hereafter known as the Aurentine Zoo and Aquarium Commission(AZAC).
1a. This AZAC shall be under the purview of the Ministry of the Interior and its members shall be appointed by the Minister of the Interior.
1b. The membership of the AZAC shall be made up of no less than two veterinarians, two zoologists, two habitat specialists.
1c. Any other positions on the AZAC are optional and the Minister of the Interior shall have the power to add or remove any positions not mandated by this Act.

2.The AZAC shall be responsible for establishing standards for all Zoos and Aquariums operating within Aurentina.
2a. When drafting these guidelines the Commission shall take into account the following:
I. The necessary nourishment for various species.
Ia. All specimens shall receive food and water appropriate in both quantity and quality.
II. The necessary space for various species.
IIa. All specimens shall be allotted enough room to move freely and without restraint.
III. The necessary surroundings for various species.
IIIa. The surroundings for anyone specimen shall be as near as possible to that which one would find in the wild.
IV. The appropriate treatment for various species.
IVa. All specimens shall be free from unnecessary handling and any form of cruelty as described in the Animal Protection Act.
V. The appropriate medical care for various species.
Va. All specimens shall receive medical treatment from a licensed veterinarian when needed.

3. The AZAC shall have the power to recruit Inspectors.
3a. Inspectors shall be charged with the following duties:
I. Inspecting Zoos and Aquariums.
II. Reporting failures to comply with AZAC standards.
III. Closing Zoos and Aquariums with poor records for following AZAC standards.
IV. Removing animals living in conditions which fail to meet AZAC standards.
3b. Inspectors shall be granted the following powers and rights:
I. The right to access areas normally off-limits to the public in Zoos and Aquariums operating within Aurentina in the performance of their duties.
II. The power to temporarily or permanently close Zoos and Aquariums operating within Aurentina.
III. The power to remove live and deceased animals from conditions which fail to meet AZAC standards.
3c. Inspectors must be fully trained and qualified so as to meet requirements, to be set by the AZAC.

4. The AZAC shall charged with following responsibilities:
4a. The AZAC shall contact and inform the Animal Protection Force of any failures to meet AZAC standards
I. The responsibility to determine if a crime has been committed shall rest with the Animal Protection Force.
II. The responsibility to seize animals shall be shared among AZAC Inspectors and Animal Protection Force Officers.
IIa. The decision as to who will take custody of animals shall be determined on site and is dependent on available facilities and training of personnel present.

5. The AZAC and AZAC Inspectors shall close Zoos and Aquariums operating in Aurentina that are found to be in repeated violation of AZAC standards
5a. Any Zoo or Aquarium operating in Aurentina that fails to meet AZAC standards in a one-year period shall be closed pending the correction of failures to meet AZAC standards
5b. Any Zoo or Aquarium closed by order of the AZAC or its Inspectors five-times shall be closed until such time as the AZAC determines the facility fit to open.
5c. During the closure of a Zoo r Aquarium by order of the AZAC or its Inspectors the care of animals present shall be supervised by AZAC appointed and qualified individuals.

Hereby passes the Zoo and Aquarium Standards Act

Code: Select all

[box][size=150][align=center]Zoo and Aquarium Standards Act[/align][/size]
[align=center]Author: Timothy McAllister (CMP) | Urgency: Moderate | Category: Order
Sponsors: Wulukuno Maklohi Porunalakai (ND), Otto Karl Ludwig, Graf von Tyrannien (CMP), Miles Jay III (CMP), Titolli de Medici (CMP), Cengiz Harun (PDP), Rupert Weinthal (ALM), Zephiniah Nuckerberg (ND)[/align]
[hr][/hr]

The Senate of Aurentina,

[i]Recognizing,[/i] that institutions exist to keep, study, and exhibit animals.

[i]Noting,[/i] that currently no regulations exist to ensure the safety and well-being of such animals.

[i]Defines:[/i]
A Zoo as: an establishment that maintains a collection of animals, for study, conservation, or display to the public

An Aquarium as: an establishment that maintains a collection of marine animals study, conservation, or display to the public

Surroundings: habitat that a specimen is held in

[i]Hereby,[/i] mandates:
[hr][/hr]

1. A commission shall be established to oversee all zoos and aquariums(both public and private) within Aurentina, hereafter known as the Aurentine Zoo and Aquarium Commission(AZAC).
1a. This AZAC shall be under the purview of the Ministry of the Interior and its members shall be appointed by the Minister of the Interior.
1b. The membership of the AZAC shall be made up of no less than two veterinarians, two zoologists, two habitat specialists.
1c. Any other positions on the AZAC are optional and the Minister of the Interior shall have the power to add or remove any positions not mandated by this Act.

2.The AZAC shall be responsible for establishing standards for all Zoos and Aquariums operating within Aurentina.
2a. When drafting these guidelines the Commission shall take into account the following:
I. The necessary nourishment for various species.
Ia. All specimens shall receive food and water appropriate in both quantity and quality.
II. The necessary space for various species.
IIa. All specimens shall be allotted enough room to move freely and without restraint.
III. The necessary surroundings for various species.
IIIa. The surroundings for anyone specimen shall be as near as possible to that which one would find in the wild.
IV. The appropriate treatment for various species.
IVa. All specimens shall be free from unnecessary handling and any form of cruelty as described in the [url=http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?p=15020124#p15020124]Animal Protection Act.[/url]
V. The appropriate medical care for various species.
Va. All specimens shall receive medical treatment from a licensed veterinarian when needed.

3. The AZAC shall have the power to recruit Inspectors.
3a. Inspectors shall be charged with the following duties:
I. Inspecting Zoos and Aquariums.
II. Reporting failures to comply with AZAC standards.
III. Closing Zoos and Aquariums with poor records for following AZAC standards.
IV. Removing animals living in conditions which fail to meet AZAC standards.
3b. Inspectors shall be granted the following powers and rights:
I. The right to access areas normally off-limits to the public in Zoos and Aquariums operating within Aurentina in the performance of their duties.
II. The power to temporarily or permanently close Zoos and Aquariums operating within Aurentina.
III. The power to remove live and deceased animals from conditions which fail to meet AZAC standards.
3c. Inspectors must be fully trained and qualified so as to meet requirements, to be set by the AZAC.

4. The AZAC shall charged with following responsibilities:
4a. The AZAC shall contact and inform the [url=http://forum.nationstates.net/viewtopic.php?p=15702109#p15702109]Animal Protection Force[/url] of any failures to meet AZAC standards
I. The responsibility to determine if a crime has been committed shall rest with the Animal Protection Force.
II. The responsibility to seize animals shall be shared among AZAC Inspectors and Animal Protection Force Officers.
IIa. The decision as to who will take custody of animals shall be determined on site and is dependent on available facilities and training of personnel present.

5. The AZAC and AZAC Inspectors shall close Zoos and Aquariums operating in Aurentina that are found to be in repeated violation of AZAC standards
5a. Any Zoo or Aquarium operating in Aurentina that fails to meet AZAC standards in a one-year period shall be closed pending the correction of failures to meet AZAC standards
5b. Any Zoo or Aquarium closed by order of the AZAC or its Inspectors five-times shall be closed until such time as the AZAC determines the facility fit to open.
5c. During the closure of a Zoo r Aquarium by order of the AZAC or its Inspectors the care of animals present shall be supervised by AZAC appointed and qualified individuals.

[i]Hereby[/i] passes the Zoo and Aquarium Standards Act[/box]

Edit: added Gothmogs, New Zepuha, and Beta Test as sponsors.

[Britanno]

Aurentine Education Act

Category: Domestic Development | Urgency: High | Author: Shadow Minister of Education - James Brit (ALM) | Co-Sponsors: Senator - Lucius Malleolus (IP), Senator - Alexander Palaiologos (ALM), Shadow Minister of Culture - Lazaros Pelle (CMP), Senator - Jennifer Coren, Shadow Minister of Telecommunications - Jonathan Smith (LPA)/align]
Applauding the Public Education Act for establishing a system in which the right to education is fulfilled and the young of our nation are permitted free education.

However Understanding the need for a more in depth bill that legislates the public education system in a more thorough way.

Acknowledging that after decades of British rule, a major reformation from the education system used in the days of British rule would disturb the lives of millions of children and thousands of teachers.

But Also Taking Recognition that some changes to the British system need to be made to modernise the system and make it more efficient.

[align=middle]Section I - Pre-Primary and Primary Education

1. Pre-Primary education shall be optional education provided in public educational institutions for children aged from three to four years of age.

a) There shall be just one year: Nursery.
b) The subjects of English, Mathematics, Physical Education and the Arts shall be taught in Nursery educational institutions.
c) The Ministry of Education shall be tasked with concluding the specific details of what shall be taught in each subject, and it is strongly recommended that it consults teachers before making any decisions.
d) Educational institutions shall be guaranteed flexibility in what specific details of each subject they teach, and the Ministry of Education shall be mandated to respect that at the time it concludes as to what should be taught in each subject.

2. Primary education shall be mandatory education provided in public educational institutions for children aged from four to eleven years of age.

a) There shall be seven years: Reception, Year One, Year Two, Year Three, Year Four, Year 5 and Year 6.
b) The subjects of English, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Modern Foreign Languages, Information Technology, Geography, History, Physical Education, the Arts and Citizenship shall be mandated to be taught at all public primary educational institutions.
c) The educational institution may choose from French, Spanish, German, Italian or Portuguese for a Modern Foreign Language.
d) The subject of Religious Education shall be offered free of charge in extra curriculum classes should pupils intend to study the subject.
e) A primary public educational institution shall be mandated to provide two hours of compulsory physical education but pupils who are unable to participate in the lesson due to medical issues shall be permitted to not participate, provided they receive authorisation from their guardians.
f) The Ministry of Education shall be tasked with concluding the specific details of what shall be taught in each subject, and it is strongly recommended that it consults teachers before making any decisions.
g) Educational institutions shall be guaranteed flexibility in what specific details of each subject they teach, and the Ministry of Education shall be mandated to respect that at the time it concludes as to what should be taught in each subject.
h) School years shall begin in September and end in July and shall consist of a minimum of one hundred and ninety five days and a maximum of two hundred days.

Section II - Secondary Education

1. Lower Secondary Education shall be mandatory education provided in public educational institutions for children aged from eleven to thirteen years of age.

a) There shall be three years: Year Seven, Year Eight and Year Nine.
b) The subjects of English, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Modern Foreign Languages, Information Technology, Geography, History, the Arts, Physical Education, Citizenship, Music, Food Technology, Textiles, Graphic Design and Electronics shall be mandated to be taught at all public secondary educational institutions from years seven to nine.
c) The educational institution may choose from French, Spanish, German, Italian, Mandarin or Portuguese for a Modern Foreign Language.
d) The subject of Religious Education shall be offered free of charge in extra curriculum classes should pupils intend to study the subject.
e) A secondary public educational institution shall be mandated to provide two hours of compulsory physical education but pupils who are unable to participate in the lesson due to medical issues shall be permitted to not participate, provided they receive authorisation from their guardians.
f) The Ministry of Education shall be tasked with concluding the specific details of what shall be taught in each subject, and it is strongly recommended that it consults teachers before making any decisions.
g) Educational institutions shall be guaranteed flexibility in what specific details of each subject they teach, and the Ministry of Education shall be mandated to respect that at the time it concludes as to what should be taught in each subject.
h) School years shall begin in September and end in July and shall consist of a minimum of one hundred and ninety five days and a maximum of two hundred days.

2. Higher Secondary Education shall be mandatory education provided in public educational institutions for children aged from fourteen to sixteen years of age.

a) There shall be two years: Year Ten and Year Eleven.
b) Pupils shall be mandated to choose a minimum of seven of subjects (individual educational institutions may mandate that pupils choose more) to study from English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Modern Foreign Languages, Latin, Aurentine, Information Technology, Geography, History, Religious Education, the Arts, Physical Education, Music, Food Technology, Textiles, Graphic Design, Electronics, Business Studies, Economics, Politics.
c) A pupil shall be mandated to choose English Language, English Literature, Mathematics and one Science (chosen from Biology, Physics, Chemistry).
d) The pupil may choose from French, Spanish, German, Italian, Mandarin or Portuguese for a Modern Foreign Language.
e) All pupils shall be mandated to be taught Citizenship.
d) A higher secondary public educational institution shall be mandated to provide two hours of compulsory physical education, regardless of whether the pupil chose the subject or not but pupils who are unable to participate in the lesson due to medical issues shall be permitted to not participate, provided they receive authorisation from their guardians.
e) The Ministry of Education shall be tasked with concluding the specific details of what shall be taught in each subject, and it is strongly recommended that it consults teachers before making any decisions.
f) Educational institutions shall be guaranteed flexibility in what specific details of each subject they teach, and the Ministry of Education shall be mandated to respect that at the time it concludes as to what should be taught in each subject.
g) School years shall begin in September and end in July and shall consist of a minimum of one hundred and ninety five days and a maximum of two hundred days.

Section III - Higher Education

1. Advanced Education shall be mandatory education provided in public educational institutions for children aged from sixteen to eighteen years of age.

a) There shall be two years: Year Twelve and Year Thirteen.
b) Pupils shall be mandated to choose four subjects to study from English Language, English Literature, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Modern Foreign Languages, Latin, Aurentine, Information Technology, Geography, History, Religious Education, the Arts, Physical Education, Music, Food Technology, Textiles, Graphic Design, Electronics, Business Studies, Economics and Politics. Indicudal educational institutions shall be permitted to offer a wider range of subjects to pupils should they be granted that power by the Ministry of Education. Pupils shall have the opportunity to drop one subject as they progress into Year Thirteen.
c) The pupil may choose from French, Spanish, German, Italian, Mandarin or Portuguese for a Modern Foreign Language.
d) All pupils shall be taught Citizenship.
e) The Ministry of Education shall be tasked with concluding the specific details of what shall be taught in each subject, and it is strongly recommended that it consults teachers before making any decisions.
f) Educational institutions shall be guaranteed flexibility in what specific details of each subject they teach, and the Ministry of Education shall be mandated to respect that at the time it concludes as to what should be taught in each subject.
g) School years shall begin in September and end in July and shall consist of a minimum of one hundred and ninety five days and a maximum of two hundred days.

2. University Education shall be non-mandatory education provided in private educational institutions for those at and over the age of eighteen years.

a) Universities shall be responsible for offering various courses.
b) Universities shall have authority over the curriculum offered within their educational institution.
c) Universities shall be responsible for setting their own academic years.

Section IV - Examinations

1. There shall be no examinations in Pre-Primary Education.
2. There shall be examinations at the end of Year Two.

a) When a pupil reaches the end of Year Two, two examinations in the subjects of English and Mathematics shall take place.
b) Individual public primary educational institutions shall be responsible for setting dates for the examinations, but they shall be mandated to be in the month of July.
c) The individual examinations shall be marked and graded separately.
d) The grades shall range from A*, B, C, D, E and F, with A* being the highest grade possible to achieve, and F being the lowest.
e) The teachers of the pupils taking the examinations shall be responsible for marking and grading the examinations.
f) The teachers marking the examinations shall be mandated to do so in accordance with a mark scheme provided by the Ministry of Education.
g) Once the examinations have taken place and the results distributed each pupil will be awarded with an [Insert Relevant Grade] Lower Primary Educational Achievement Certificate.

3. Examinations shall take place during Year Six.

a) The modular examination system shall be used throughout Year Six, with the months of December, March and July being examination months in the subjects of English, Mathematics, Biology, Physics and Chemistry.
b) The Ministry of Education shall be responsible for setting the exact dates for the examinations.
c) The individual examinations shall be marked and graded separately.
d) The grades shall range from A*, B, C, D, E and F, with A* being the highest grade possible to achieve, and F being the lowest.
e) The Ministry of Education shall be responsible for marking and grading the examinations.
f) The individual markers of the examinations shall be mandated to do so in accordance with a mark scheme provided by the Ministry of Education.
g) Once the examinations have taken place and the results distributed each pupil will be awarded with an [Insert Relevant Grade] Higher Primary Educational Achievement Certificate.

4. Examinations shall take place during Year Nine.

a) The modular examination system shall be used throughout Year Nine, with the months of December, March and July being examination months in the subjects of English, Mathematics, Biology, Physics, Chemistry, Modern Foreign Languages, Information Technology, Geography, History, the Arts, Physical Education, Music, Food Technology, Textiles, Graphic Design and Electronics.
b) The Ministry of Education shall be responsible for setting the exact dates for the examinations.
c) The individual examinations shall be marked and graded separately.
d) The grades shall range from A*, B, C, D, E and F, with A* being the highest grade possible to achieve, and F being the lowest.
e) The Ministry of Education shall be responsible for marking and grading the examinations.
f) The individual markers of the examinations shall be mandated to do so in accordance with a mark scheme provided by the Ministry of Education.
g) Once the examinations have taken place and the results distributed each pupil will be awarded with an [Insert Relevant Grade] Lower Secondary Educational Achievement Certificate.

4. Examinations shall take place during Years Ten and Eleven.

a) The modular examination system shall be used throughout Years Ten and Eleven, with the months of December, March and July being examination months in the subjects that the pupil has chosen to study during Higher Secondary Education.
b) The Ministry of Education shall be responsible for setting the exact dates for the examinations.
c) The individual examinations shall be marked and graded separately.
d) The grades shall range from A*, B, C, D, E and F, with A* being the highest grade possible to achieve, and F being the lowest.
e) The Ministry of Education shall be responsible for marking and grading the examinations.
f) The individual markers of the examinations shall be mandated to do so in accordance with a mark scheme provided by the Ministry of Education.
g) Once the examinations have taken place and the results distributed each pupil will be awarded with an [Insert Relevant Grade] Higher Secondary Educational Achievement Certificate.

5. Examinations shall take place during Years Twelve and Thirteen.

a) The modular examination system shall be used throughout Years Twelve and Thirteen, with the months of December, March and July being examination months in the subjects that the pupil has chosen to study during Advanced Education.
b) The Ministry of Education shall be responsible for setting the exact dates for the examinations.
c) The individual examinations shall be marked and graded separately.
d) The grades shall range from A*, B, C, D, E and F, with A* being the highest grade possible to achieve, and F being the lowest.
e) The Ministry of Education shall be responsible for markin and grading the examinations.
f) The individual markers of the examinations shall be mandated to do so in accordance with a mark scheme provided by the Ministry of Education.
g) Once the examinations have taken place and the results distributed each pupil will be awarded with an [Insert Relevant Grade] Advanced Educational Achievement Certificate.

6. Examinations shall take place during University.

a) Universities shall be responsible for setting their own examination system in each course, provided each university offering said course around the country uses the same examination system for the individual course.
b) The Ministry of Education shall be responsible for marking and grading the examinations.
c) The individual markers of the examinations shall be mandated to do so in accordance with a mark scheme provided by the Ministry of Education.
d) There shall be a simple pass or fail system used rather than grading.
e) Should an individual pupil pass the relevant course, the pupil shall be awarded with a [Insert Relevant Course] Degree.

Section V - Educating Standards

1. An individual must meet the following requirements in order to become an educator at a public school.

a) Achieved a Grade C, B, A or A* Higher Secondary Educational Achievement Certificate in English or the equivalent at the time in which the individual sat the examinations.
b) Achieved a Grade C, B, A or A* Higher Secondary Educational Achievement Certificate in Mathematics or the equivalent at the time in which the individual sat the examinations.
c) Should the individual seek to teach those at secondary education, the individual must have achieved a minimum of a Grade C, B, A or A* Higher Secondary Educational Achievement Certificate in Biology, Physics or Chemistry or the equivalent at the time in which the individual sat the examinations.
d) Passed an Educator Training Course.
e) Should the individual seek to teach those at secondary education, the individual must have achieved a C, B, A or A* Advanced Educational Achievement Certificate.

2. An individual must pass an Educator Training Course in order to be permitted the right to teach at a public school.

a) There shall be three categories for an Educator Training Course: Primary, Secondary and Specialist.
b) Primary Educator Training Courses shall be for individuals who seek to teach at primary level while Secondary Educator Training Courses shall be for individuals who seek to teach at a secondary level and Specialist Educator Training Courses shall be for individuals who seek to teach children with special education needs.
c) The Educator Training Courses shall be placed under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education.
d) The Ministry of Education shall be tasked with training and assessing individuals who seek to become teachers at public schools on all skills needed to become an educator, and shall come to a conclusion whether an individual is fit to become an educator or not through the courses.
e) The courses shall be funded from the Ministry of Education's portion of the government budget.

3. All public schools shall be mandated to have Educator Training Days throughout the year.

a) Should an Educator Training Day occur at a school, the children that study at that school shall not attend school that day.
b) The Ministry of Education shall be responsible for organising childcare for children who's guardians are not able to arrange childcare. Children who are able to receive childcare from family or friends will not be offered childcare. The childcare shall not be free unless the child belongs to a family that has an annual income of twenty thousand pound sterling or less (£20,000 or less) in which case the childcare shall be free of charge. Children who attend secondary education shall not be eligible to receive childcare.
c) A minimum of five and a maximum of six training days shall be held at every school per school year.
d) Educators shall receive training on these days that will aim to increase their ability and understanding of teaching methods.

Free Aurentine Language Education Act

[box]

Free Aurentine Language Education Act

Category: Domestic Development | Urgency: High | Author: Shadow Minister of Education - James Brit (ALM) | Co-Sponsors: Shadow Minister of Culture - Lazaros Pelle, Senator - Jonathan Bates, Senator - Michael Kelly (NDP)

Applauding passed legislation that has led to a public education system being established, such as the Public Education Act and the Aurentine Education Act.

However Understanding that education in the language of Aurentine was never made mandatory, and that this could lead to a vital part of Aurentine culture being wiped out.

Hereby:

1. Education in the language of Aurentine shall be offered to all children between the ages of four and sixteen years of age.
2. Those below the poverty line shall be offered education in the language of Aurentine until the age of eighteen.
3. Education in the language of Aurentine shall be placed under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education.
4. The education shall be jointly paid for by the Ministry of Culture and the Ministry of Education.

I'm unsure who this is directed at, as I believe the Secretary of the Senate has resigned, but please could these acts be added to the queue.

[Next Washington]

I would like to add this to the queue.

First Amendment to the Financial Act of 2013

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Category: Business and Finance | Urgency: Paramount | Sponsors: Belmaria (LPA), Alexei Tipalov (LPA), Kalmath (Independant), Corenea (REFORM), Phalnia (CMP)

---

Foreword
Aurentina does currently neither have a budget, nor deposits in the National Bank to pay its liabilities, enactable by a CR, with money out of his vaults. The National Bank has not been established yet. It will be lead by a President, who can make short-term decisions, recognizing that "short-term" in financial matters means less than one year effects, on his own decisions.
To limit the President's power, this amendment creates the Governors Council, consisting of 5 Governors, and also defines how exactly the President may be impeached.

---

Amendment to Article 1. C.
The report must be approved by the National Bank's President and the Governors.
Amendment to Article 1. D.
"The President may be impeached with a simple majority vote in the Senate o.t.A.C.."
New Article 1. E.
"All references to President are related to the President of the National Bank of the Aurentine Commonwealth (President of the N.B.o.t.A.C., President of the National Bank o.t.A.C).
A council of 5 people shall be created under the name "Governors Council of the National Bank of the Aurentine Commonwealth". This council shall consist of 5 Governors, each one appointed by the President of the Aurentine National Bank.
The Governors must swear their independence from the Aurentine government concerning the monetary policy of the National Bank of the Aurentine Commonwealth.
The Governors must develop the short (one month or less), medium (between one month and 4 months) and long-term (more than four months) monetary policy of the National Bank o.t.A.C. together with the President of the N.B.o.t.A.C..
The Governors can overrule short-term measurements of the President of the N.B.o.t.A.C. with a 3/5 vote, medium-term with a 3/5 vote, and long term with a 4/5 vote.
Every Governor may serve infinitive times.
Every Governor is impeachable by the Senate of t.A.C. with a simple majority vote.
No Governor must hold another political office.
The 5 Governors shall elect a Vice President. He shall lead the bank when the President is out of office or impeached."

---

Epilogue
This amendment decreases the power of the President of the N.B.o.t.A.C. and increases control and share of power by founding the Governors Council.

[Ainin]

Crimes Against Humanity Act
“Justice for crimes against humanity must have no limitations.”
― Simon Wiesenthal
Author: Ainin [NDP] | SIMBEDS: Order | Urgency: Medium
Sponsors: Central and Eastern Visayas, Battlion [NDP], Malgrave [MSP], Macedonian Grand Empire [RefP]

---

The Senate of the Aurentine Commonwealth,

Whereas crimes committed towards the goal of the elimination of a group of persons is reprehensible and has no place in modern society,

Whereas such crimes are violations of the principles of the established international community,

Whereas persons who commit such crimes mustn't be allowed to escape justice by fleeing to nations where they have not committed crimes,

Hereby enacts the following statute:

Section 0 - Index
This act may be cited as the Crimes Against Humanity and Ex Post Facto Prosecution Act, shortened as the Crimes Against Humanity Act.

Genocide uses the definition given by Article 6 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (see: International Law Act).
Crime against humanity uses the definition given by Article 7 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (see: International Law Act).
War crimes uses the definition given by Article 8 of the Rome Statute of the International Criminal Court (see: International Law Act).

Section I - Ex Post Facto Prosecution

1. As allowed by Section 15.2 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which states that ex post facto prosecution is permitted for acts that were "criminal according to the general principles of law recognized by the community of nations", persons may be prosecuted for war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity committed after 26 January 1910, the date the Hague Convention of 1907 came into force, in Aurentina's courts of law.

Section II - Universal Jurisdiction

1. Courts of law in the Aurentine Commonwealth may prosecute persons for war crimes, genocide, and crimes against humanity committed in any location in the world.
2. All suspects wanted by the International Criminal Court or INTERPOL that enter Aurentine soil, airspace, or waters, may be arrested, detained and extradited to the respective organisation without warrant nor hearing in a court of law.

Section III - Crimes Against Humanity

1. Genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity are recognised as felonies, as defined by the Judicial Act.

[Maklohi Vai]

Due to the inactivity of Martin Vebussy, I hereby remove him from his office and appoint his replacement, Senator Alexander Mackay of the Red-Greens (The Licentian Isles), as the new Vice President of Aurentina pending his resignation from the cabinet.

[The Licentian Isles]

Due to the inactivity of Martin Vebussy, I hereby remove him from his office and appoint his replacement, Senator Alexander Mackay of the Red-Greens (The Licentian Isles), as the new Vice President of Aurentina pending his resignation from the cabinet.

I would like to confirm that I have resigned from the Cabinet, and I would like to thank President Porunalakai for entrusting me with this position, for however long I shall hold it; I have no intention of letting him, nor the people of Aurentina, down.

[Belmaria]

Due to the inactivity of Martin Vebussy, I hereby remove him from his office and appoint his replacement, Senator Alexander Mackay of the Red-Greens (The Licentian Isles), as the new Vice President of Aurentina pending his resignation from the cabinet.

I would like to confirm that I have resigned from the Cabinet, and I would like to thank President Porunalakai for entrusting me with this position, for however long I shall hold it; I have no intention of letting him, nor the people of Aurentina, down.

So now we need a new Transportation Minister...

[Minarchist States]

I would like to confirm that I have resigned from the Cabinet, and I would like to thank President Porunalakai for entrusting me with this position, for however long I shall hold it; I have no intention of letting him, nor the people of Aurentina, down.

So now we need a new Transportation Minister...

I suggest Costa Algeria

[Belmaria]

So now we need a new Transportation Minister...

I suggest Costa Algeria

Indeed.

[Unicario]

Due to the inactivity of Martin Vebussy, I hereby remove him from his office and appoint his replacement, Senator Alexander Mackay of the Red-Greens (The Licentian Isles), as the new Vice President of Aurentina pending his resignation from the cabinet.

Well that's nice considering the Red-Green party never even discussed whom we were going to support, but whatever.

[Beta Test]

Due to the inactivity of Martin Vebussy, I hereby remove him from his office and appoint his replacement, Senator Alexander Mackay of the Red-Greens (The Licentian Isles), as the new Vice President of Aurentina pending his resignation from the cabinet.

Well that's nice considering the Red-Green party never even discussed whom we were going to support, but whatever.

Now don't be bitter.

[Unicario]

Well that's nice considering the Red-Green party never even discussed whom we were going to support, but whatever.

Now don't be bitter.

Not bitter, just confused because the party never made a decision.

[Beta Test]

Now don't be bitter.

Not bitter, just confused because the party never made a decision.

Indeed. I would have thought there would be some kind of election process for the decision.

[HumanSanity]

Due to the inactivity of Martin Vebussy, I hereby remove him from his office and appoint his replacement, Senator Alexander Mackay of the Red-Greens (The Licentian Isles), as the new Vice President of Aurentina pending his resignation from the cabinet.

Well that's nice considering the Red-Green party never even discussed whom we were going to support, but whatever.

I also take issue with this. The three active leaders of the Red-Greens, myself, Oneracon, and Unicario met to discuss this issue given the short deadline with which our President gave us.

Unicario and I both agreed on a different candidate but, out of courtesy to our acting Chairman, decided to wait for his input.

[Unicario]

Well that's nice considering the Red-Green party never even discussed whom we were going to support, but whatever.

I also take issue with this. The three active leaders of the Red-Greens, myself, Oneracon, and Unicario met to discuss this issue given the short deadline with which our President gave us.

Unicario and I both agreed on a different candidate but, out of courtesy to our acting Chairman, decided to wait for his input.

...He also hasn't been active in the party since October 26 (12 days), despite us trying to get the party members together to vote on the Chairman.

[Geilinor]

Parental Leave Act(PLA)
Urgency: High | Author: Geilinor [LD] | Category: Business and Finance
Co-sponsors: Britanno(ALM), Ainin(NDP), Seitonjin(NLP), Malgrave(USLP), Beta Test(ALM), Maklohi Vai(NDP), Yanalia(RG), Polvia(RG), Glasgia(MSP)

---

Preamble
Parents must be able to take time off from work after the birth of a child to care for it and to build stronger emotional bonds. It is also important for mothers to be able to rest while pregnant. Raising a child is expensive and a paid parental leave system can help offset some of these costs and replace income during leave.

Definitions
1. "Parent" shall be defined as a birth parent, an adoptive parent (whether or not the adoption has been legally finalized or a person who is in a relationship of some permanence with a parent of the child and who plans on treating the child as his or her own.
2. "Parental leave" shall be defined as an employee benefit that provides paid or unpaid time off work to care for a child or make arrangements for the child's welfare.

Section 1-Applying for leave
1. Employees shall provide 45 days notice prior to taking parental leave.
2. Employers shall notify the Ministry of Work when employees express a desire to take parental leave.

Section 2-Duration and Payment
1. The earliest a parental leave can begin is 17 weeks before the employee's due date.
2. When an employee has a live birth more than 17 weeks before the due date, she will be able to begin her pregnancy leave on the date of the birth.
2. Parental leave shall be available to both parents, who may divide up leave as they wish. The parental leave can be taken by either of the parents or by both at the same time.
3. 52 weeks of paid parental leave shall be provided in total, paid at 80% of prior gross income, up to a limit of £20,000.
4. 6 months of unpaid leave will also be provided.

Section 3-Stillbirths and Miscarriages
1. The pregnancy leave of an employee who has a miscarriage or stillbirth ends on the date that is the later of:
a. 26 weeks after the leave began
or
b. 13 weeks after the stillbirth or miscarriage.

Section 4-Right to Reinstatement
1. An employee who takes a parental leave is entitled to the same job the employee had before the leave began or a comparable job, if the employee's old job no longer exists.
2. An contracted employee whose contract has expired shall not be entitled to reinstatement.

Section 5-Right to Continue on Employee Benefits
1. Employees on pregnancy or parental leave have a right to continue to take part in certain benefit plans that their employer may offer, including pension plans, life insurance plans, accidental death plans, extended health plans, and dental plans.
2. The employer must continue to pay its share of the premiums for any of these plans that were offered before the leave, unless the employee tells the employer in writing that he or she will not continue to pay his or her own share of the premiums.
3. If employee premiums for such benefits are present, employees must continue to pay their share of the premiums in order to continue to participate in these plans.

Section 6-Freedom from Penalty
1. Employers cannot penalize an employee in any way because the employee took a pregnancy or parental leave, plans to take a parental leave, is eligible to take a parental leave or will become eligible to take a pregnancy or parental leave.

Section 7-Budget
1. The provisions of this bill shall be funded from the Ministry of Work's budget.

I'd like to resubmit this to the queue. It failed last time, so I made some changes.