Attorney General: /u/balrogath (Distributist)

Adjutant General: /u/SwissOCE2 (Independent)

Secretary of the Treasury: /u/SomeRealShit (Civic)

Secretary of Labor: /u/DoctorSeraphicus (Distributist)

Secretary of the Interior: /u/arcuballista (Democrat)

Secretary of Education: /u/ThatAssholeYahweh (Republican)

Secretary of Transportation and Infrastructure: /u/Ewart_Dunlop (Distributist)

Please take the following oath as proscribed by law:

I do solemnly swear (affirm) that I will support the Constitution of the United States, and the Constitution of the Midwestern State, and that I will faithfully discharge the duties of the office of [...] to the best of my ability, (so help me [...]).

You may ask for a copy of any book to swear in on, and will have 72 hours to do so. If you fail to do so within the allocated time, you will be barred from office for 120 days due to being remove for inactivity.

Are you interested in becoming the state clerk for this new state?

Go ahead and apply

I will not be even looking at these until after the break. The decision will come as we approach the elections.

There will likely be a second round of interviews, where I will ask some follow up questions to the best candidates. Good luck!

B058: The Ban of Circumcision at Birth

Whereas, circumcision is a unnecessary procedure in which the child has no reasonable consent in

Whereas, plenty of individuals who are circumcised at birth

Whereas, people who want to be circumcised can do so in the future

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Sacagawea, represented in the General Assembly.

Section 1: Title

a. This Bill shall be known as “The Ban of Circumcision at Birth”

Section II. Definitions

Circumcise: To remove the foreskin of (a male)

Circumcision: The act of Circumcising

Medically Necessary: A health service or treatment that is mandatory to protect and enhance the health status of a patient, and could adversely affect the patient’s condition if omitted, in accordance with accepted standards of medical practice.

Waver:

Section III: Restrictions

a. No child under the age of 16 shall have the surgical procedure of Circumcision done to them unless medically necessary.

b. After the age of 16 the individual may consent to the surgery of circumcision.

c. The individual must sign a waver saying they were not coerced by any other individual to have the procedure for any reason.

Section IV: Punishments

a. If a doctor performs the procedure of Circumcision on an individual under the age of 16 they may face criminal charges set by the MW court system.

Section V: Enactment

This bill will be enacted 30 days after passage.

This bill was authored and sponsored by /u/Jakethesnake98 (GSP).

This bill was rushed to the top by the Speaker.

Abortion Legalization Bill

Whereas during the first session of the Midwestern State General Assembly, the Midwestern Equal Rights Act became law, removing the right to abortion in all circumstances; and
Whereas that law removes the right for a woman to control her own body, especially when her life is at risk, or conception occurred due to rape or incest; and
Whereas that law unfairly and unjustly forces women to face death or face murder charges, should her life be at risk due to pregnancy,
Be it enacted by the People of Midwestern State, represented in the General Assembly,
Section 1. Repeal of Bill 005.2
Bill 005.2: The Midwestern Equal Rights Act is repealed in its entirety.
Section 2. Enactment
This Act will take effect immediately upon its passage into law.

This bill is written by citizen /u/madk3p (GSP)

Friends, people of Sacagawea, and people of our sister states:

Recently, we have experienced a great change in the way of foreign trade. President /u/Bigg-Boss has, with swift action removed our nation from NAFTA. This action affects us all, corporations, small businesses, workers and unions, business owners and CEO's.

In our sister state of Western, Governor /u/nonprehension sent out an executive order in which the Western State opened its own trade deal with Mexico and Canada. Prompting legal action from the U.S. Attorney General's office.

Today, I will come to you with a statement not meant to drive a wedge between our state, and the friendship with the Western State, and not to drive a conflict with our allies in the District. NAFTA comes with its pros and cons, the situation has evolved in that NAFTA is no more. Our workers, our business owners, may now come together in cooperation to form a more perfect way of doing business. I believe strongly that if we cooperate, we can be strong. Sacagawea is a state of hardy people and determined people.

We will not fall to partisan fights, we will adapt to the situation at hand and come out stronger than the day before. With that said, it is time for my office to get to work to create an environment that balances carefully, the rights of workers, and the ability of business owners to craft their businesses.

Sacagawea will respect the actions of the President, but, we will also do what is best for our people. I have spoken much about Sacagawea and the ability of her people to be great stewards. I believe that in times like these, the stewards of Sacagawea will be the example of how to adapt and come out on top, for we our the stewards of not only of Sacagawea but of each other.

As Governor, I will be reviewing options with Federal officials to create trading partnerships that will create prosper for Sacagawea. I will also attempt to discuss with other states as to options we can take, to ensure that our states will be treated fairly, and most importantly that our workers and business owners do not go forgotten.

Thank you,

Governor Intrusive_man

Good morning,

First of all, thank you to the citizens of Sacagewea for allowing me the opportunity and the privilege to continue my service with this beautiful state.

Today begins a new day. I would like to set forth my goals for my administration, and the begin my relationship with our newly sworn assembly on a supportive note, and a direction for our state.

The Official Intrusive_Man Administration agenda, is as follows:

1. Create a Voluntary Public Service Corps. This Corps of citizen volunteers would bring our state to a better union. I believe a service to your fellow man and woman is a gift that should bestowed to all. I also believe that time serving others out of the goodness of your heart, creates a healthier person. I would like to see this Corps focus on 3 functions.

• Emergency Aid Assistance and Preparation

• Public Works i.e. infrastructure, public parks, and social assistance

• Environmental Learning, Stewardship, and Reclamation

2. Create a friendly working environment for all

Our citizens unified together will only come if our labor is tied together and pulling the great chain as one. It is my intention to create a state that aids in the creation and support of small business, local business, Co-ops, social entrepreneurs, and finally a state guild system that allows workers to be treated fairly, and business to not run rampant with no regard for environmental stewardship, or workers' lives, while also supporting our valuable business and entrepreneurial spirit.

3. A Sacagewea that comes together in an effort to create a safer, more compassionate society for our children and future.

• As executive, I will foster an effective and compassionate government focused on keeping Sacagewea safe, and beautiful. As an agenda point, this is my personal guiding philosophy as the State's executive officer. I wish to see the legislatures within the state match my efforts and work together.

As of now, this is my current agenda, as time continues and events transpire this agenda will grow larger, but our efforts and work ethic will not falter.

You can expect a full annoucement of my cabinet choices to help me with this agenda, as well my nominations for the Sacagewea Supreme Court within the upcoming week.

Thank you,

Governor Intrusive_Man

I am appointing myself to the Senate.

It's been an honor serving this state. I wish all parties running in Sacagawea the best of luck. Overall, I'm proud of the work we did to protect the unborn, create a State Health Service, end payday loans, and preserve religious freedom. I regret nothing.

Edit: I will remain in office until my confirmation or rejection by the Assembly.

-EFS

B055: LSD Legalization Act

Whereas LSD should be legal for people over the age of 18.

Whereas we must stop criminalization of people using and possession of LSD.

Be it enacted by the people of State of Sacagawea, represented in the General Assembly.

Section I: Definitions

a) LSD: a synthetic crystalline compound, lysergic acid diethylamide, that is a potent hallucinogenic drug.

b) Psychedelic drug: a drug whose primary action is to alter cognition and perception.

Section II: Taxation

a) A manufacturing tax of $25 per 100 grams, with exceptions for certain medical LSD sales and manufacturing.

b) A 15 percent tax on the retail price of LSD.

Section III: Consumption of LSD

a) Recreational use of LSD for adults aged 18 years or older, permitting usage in a private home or at a business licensed for on-site LSD consumption. LSD is to remain illegal while driving a vehicle.

b) Up to 250 grams of LSD IS legal to possess under this measure. However, usage on the grounds of a school, day care center, or youth center while children are present remains illegal.

Section IV: Regulation of LSD

a) The Bureau of Psychedelics Drug Control will be responsible for regulating and licensing LSD businesses.

b) Businesses need to acquire a state license by the Bureau of Psychedelics Drug Control in order to sell recreational and medical LSD.

c) Businesses are not authorized to sell LSD within 500 feet of a school, day care center, or youth center.

d) Businesses will require to renew their license every 2 years and pay a fee of $1000.

Section V: Penalties

a) Individuals under age 18 convicted of LSD use or possession are required to attend drug education or a counseling program and complete community service.

b) Selling LSD without a license is punishable by up to six months in a county jail, a fine up to $500, or both.

Section VI: Enactment

a) This bill will go into effect within the passage of this bill. After 120 days the state will begin to start taxing LSD.

This bill was authored and sponsored by /u/the_dark-knight (GSP).

By the authority vested in me as Governor by the Constitution and laws of the Midwestern State, I hereby issue the following Executive Order to be enacted effective immediately:

Section 1: Measures

(a) The Midwestern State Department of Water Resources is tasked with creating a joint research facility with the Western State Water Development Board.

(b) The research facility shall be funded with already appropriated funds, and each State shall bear 50% of the costs.

(c) The research facility shall conduct research on how to optimize the usage of water resources shared by the Western and Midwestern States, how to reduce water waste, how to reduce the depletion of jointly used acquifiers and how to combat the effects of climate change, including increased droughts and increased bush-fires.

(d) The research facility shall report to the Governors of the Western and Midwestern State and state in the report, among other issues, what legislative and executive actions the States can take in particular to achieve the goals outlined in (c).

Section 2: Enactment

(a) Upon my signage, this order shall be immediately enacted.

Signed,

Governor /u/ExpensiveFoodstuffs

Solar Readiness Act

Be it enacted by the People of Midwestern State, represented in the General Assembly,

Section 1. Short Title. This act may be cited as the "Midwestern State Solar Readiness Act".

Section 2. Definitions.

(a) "Single-Family Residence" - A house that is meant to be occupied by at most one family.

(b) "Unshaded" - Receiving direct sunlight.

(c) "Solar Photovoltaic System" - A solar panel system that converts sunlight directly to electricity.

(d) "Solar Thermal System" - A solar panel system that converts sunlight directly into thermal energy.

Section 3. Scope.

Buildings in Midwestern State that meet the following qualifications are required to meet the building requirements as described in Sections 4 and 5:

1. Group R Occupancy Buildings that are at most 10 stories tall.

2. Group B, M, A, and I occupancy buildings that are 15000 gross square feet or more, and that are at most 10 stories tall.

Section 4. Solar Readiness

(a) All buildings that are constructed following the enactment of this act that meet the qualifications as described in Section 3, are required to create a solar zone, unless exceptions apply.

(b) The solar zone can be located at the following locations:

1. Single-family residences: The solar zone shall be located at either the roof or overhang of the building.

2. Other qualified buildings: The solar zone shall be located at the roof, the overhang, roof and/or overhang of another structure located within 250 feet of the primary building, or covered parking installed with the building project.

(c) The area the solar zone must occupy is described below:

1. Single-family residences: At least 200 continuous square feet must be designated as a solar zone.

2. Other qualified buildings: The solar zone must make up at least 15% of the total roof area of the building, with an absolute minimum area of 200 square feet. (d) The solar zone must be unshaded for a period that is long enough so that the solar zone could meet the requirements for solar panels outlined in Section 6. If no solar zone is able to be planned because the building is too shaded to meet the requirements outlined in Section 6, then the building is exempt from this act.

Section 5. Mandatory Solar.

Beginning 5 years after the enactment of this act, all buildings in the Midwestern State that have solar zones, as described in Section 4, will be required to have installed solar photovoltaic systems and/or solar thermal systems in the solar zone.

1. The area occupied by solar photovoltaic systems and solar thermal systems shall occupy the entire solar zone.

2. Solar photovoltaic systems and solar thermal systems shall be installed in accord with all applicable Midwestern State code requirements.

Section 6. Solar Panel Requirements.

The Solar photovoltaic systems and solar thermal systems installed shall meet local code requirements as well as the following requirements:

1. Solar photovoltaic systems: The total capacity of photovoltaic collectors shall be at least 10 Watts per hour per foot of roof area occupied to the photovoltaic collectors.

2. Solar thermal systems: Solar thermal systems shall annually generate at least 100 kBtu per square foot of roof occupied to the solar thermal collectors.

Section 7. Violation.

A person who violates this act is subject to a fine of not less than $50 and not more than $500. Every month that a violation occurs, a separate offense is committed.

Section 8. Enactment.

This act shall take effect immediately after its passage into law.

This bill is sponsored by /u/Drift-

As /u/NicholasNCS2 was removed as a legislator on April 17th, he was barred from holding office for 120 days. Therefore, should he be chosen as Governor, he will be immediately removed and his Lieutenant (/u/reckonerX) shall become governor.

B009- The Right to Die Act of 2016

Preamble:

Whereas citizens of the United States have certain natural rights that they are born with which include liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Whereas citizens have the right to end their life humanly if they so choose to.

Whereas physical assisted is a safe, reliable, more comfortable, and painless mean of committing suicide for people with terminal illnesses compared to the alternatives.

Section 1. Title

This Bill shall be known as the Right to Die Act of 2016

Section 2. Definitions

(a) Adult- an individual who is 18 years of age or older.

(b) Capable- means that in the opinion of a court or in the opinion of the patient's attending physician or consulting physician, psychiatrist or psychologist, a patient has the ability to make and communicate health care decisions to health care providers, including communication through persons familiar with the patient's manner of communicating if those persons are available.

(c) Terminal disease- an incurable and irreversible disease that has been medically confirmed and will, within reasonable medical judgment, produce death within six months.

(d) Attending physician- the physician who has primary responsibility for the care of the patient and treatment of the patient's terminal disease.

(e) Disability- a physical condition that limits a person's movements, senses, or activities.

Section 3. Death

(a) An adult who is capable, is a resident of the Midwestern State, is suffering from a terminal disease or disability, and who has voluntarily expressed his or her wish to die, may make a written request for medication for the purpose of ending his or her life in a humane and dignified manner.

(b) No one shall qualify for ending their life solely because of age.

Section 4. Written Request for Medication to End One’s Life

(a) A valid request for medication shall be signed and dated by the patient and witnessed by at least 2 individuals who, in the presence of the patient, attest that to the best of their knowledge and belief the patient is capable, acting voluntarily, consenting, and is not being forced to sign the request.

(b) Both of the witnesses shall be a person who is not:

A relative of the patient by blood, marriage or adoption; A person who at the time the request is signed would be entitled to any portion of the estate of the qualified patient upon death under any will or by operation of law; or An owner, operator or employee of a health care facility where the qualified patient is receiving medical treatment or is a resident.

(c) The patient's attending physician at the time the request is signed shall not be a witness.

(d) A patient may rescind his or her request at any time in any manner.

Section 5. Physician Immunity

(a) Any physician who administers medication for the purpose of ending the patient's life at the patient's request shall be be immune to civil or legal liability for administration of it.

Section 6. Enactment

(a) This act shall take effect 30 days after its passage into law.

This bill was written and sponsored by /u/justdefi (L) and /u/StyreotypicalLurker (D).

Chief Judge: /u/elevic

Associate Justice: /u/rainatur-rainehtion

Associate Justice: /u/Yellowwhy

You may ask any questions below that pertain to this hearing.

This hearing will only last for two days

It has come to the attention of the mod team that the recently ascended governor /u/Morbos_Windmill was serving as both lt. governor of this state (as sworn in on August 30th) and as an assemblyman in the legislature of the state of Great Lakes (as made official fourteen days ago). Since he accepted the assemblyman position, he is considered to have vacated the lt. governor position at that time, and thus will not be succeeding Governor /u/Intrusive_Man.

Due to the legislature not passing an amendment to the constitution in accordance with my decree nine months ago regarding governor succession (the new constitution keeps the near exact same wording and has the same line of succession, Governer -> Lt. Gov. -> AG), the Speaker of the outgoing legislature, /u/lsma, will take over from /u/Intrusive_Man as Governor of the State of Sacagawea.

Signed,

/u/Ed_San, Head Mod

/u/Didicet, Head State Clerk

/u/btownbomb, Head Federal Clerk

/u/gaidz, Head Censor

The triumvirate has recently de-canonized Hurricanes Harvey and Irma.

Just as a reminder we won't be canonizing extreme events like hurricanes Harvey and Irma because of the extreme amount of damage these events have caused to real people. It would not be proper to try and make a game out of such recent and still developing suffering. However, in the future we will try to use this to model any future natural disaster events

Therefore Governor EO #13 and Adj Gen Dir #1 are cancelled. Just wanted to document this for the subreddit. Thank you for your time.

As GuiltyAir is currently attempting to flee survive Hurricane Irma, he has entrusted me to maintain the state while he is away, therefore making me acting clerk effective today until whenever he comes back.

1 upvote = 1 prayer

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Sacagawea, represented in the General Assembly:

SECTION I: SHORT TITLE
The short title of this bill shall be the Concealed Carry Act of 2017.

SECTION II: DEFINITIONS (a) CONCEALED CARRY - The carrying of a firearm on one's person not in plain sight.
(b) GOVERNMENT BUILDING - Any physical property used by State and Local government for conducting business, including school districts and state colleges and universities.
(c) MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONAL - Any state-licensed psychologist or psychiatrist.
(d) STATE-RECOGNIZED INSTRUCTOR - Any instructor that has completed an instructor course as defined by the state Department of Justice, or the government of a different state.
(e) STATE-RECOGNIZED FIREARMS ADVOCACY GROUP - Any firearms advocacy group that offers firearms use and safety training, as determined by the Department of Justice, or government of a different state.
(f) POST - Peace Officer Standards Training.
(g) DOMICILE - A person's residence, motor vehicle, or other real property.

SECTION III: PROVISIONS
(a) Concealed carry permits shall be issued to the residents of Sacagawea for a term not to exceed five (5) years.
(i) For a permit to be issued, the resident must meet the requirements set forth in Section IV.
(b) Concealed carry permit applications shall be handled by the resident's county sheriff's office or other designated local law enforcement agency.
(c) All permits shall be centrally issued by the state.
(d) The state shall charge $90 for application processing and background check.
(i) The law enforcement agency designated in accordance with Section III(b) may charge a processing and administrative fee not to exceed $60.
(e) All background checks shall be conducted by the state Department of Justice.
(i) If the background check does not return a result within ninety (90) days, the permit shall be issued.
(ii) If a background check returns results that would cause the permittee to be in violation of requirements set forth in Section IV, the permit shale immediate be revoked in accordance with Section IV(c).
(f) A concealed carry permit shall not be required for a person concealed carrying in their domicile.

SECTION IV: REQUIREMENTS
(a) To be issued a concealed carry permit, the applicant must meet the following requirements:
(i) Be a resident of the state of Sacagawea.
(ii) Be at least twenty-one (21) years of age.
(iii) Demonstrate firearms competency, defined as:
(1) Completed a live-fire concealed carry education course from a state-recognized instructor or firearms advocacy group in the last ten (10) years, OR
(2) Proof of honorable discharge from a branch of the United States armed forces that reflects pistol qualifications obtained in the last ten (10) years, OR
(3) Evidence of experience with a handgun through current military service, OR
(4) An active POST law enforcement officer or reserve law enforcement officer certification.
(iv) Have NOT been willingly or unwillingly admitted to an in-patient mental health institution, OR Have NOT been unwillingly admitted to an in-patient mental health institution, OR

(v) Have NOT been unwillingly subject to a mental health evaluation to determine if the applicant would pose a threat to themselves or others, UNLESS
(1) A mental health professional provides an affidavit stating that the applicant does not pose a risk to themselves or others due to mental illness.
(vi) Have NOT been convicted of a felony violent crime.
(vii) Have NOT been convicted of misdemeanor domestic violence.
(viii) Is not subject to any form of protection order against the applicant at the time of application.
(ix) Does not chronically or habitually use alcoholic beverages to the extent that the applicant's normal faculties are impaired.
(x) Is not an unlawful user of or addicted to a controlled substance.
(b) A sheriff, or other designated law enforcement official, may deny the application if they believe the applicant does not meet the criteria in Section IV(a), OR
(i) If the sheriff, or other designated law enforcement official, has a reasonable belief that documented previous behavior by the applicant makes it likely the applicant will present a danger to self or others if the applicant receives a concealed carry permit.
(c) In the case an application is denied, or a permit is revoked after-the-fact, the sheriff or other designated law enforcement official, shall notify the applicant or permittee in writing, stating the grounds for denial or revocation.
(i) All applicants or permittees subject to action in Section IV(c) shall have the right to receive a second review by the sheriff or other designated law enforcement official, receive a second review from the state Department of Justice, and/or seek judicial review.

SECTION VI: RECIPROCITY
(a) The State of Sacagawea shall recognize the concealed carry permits of other states if the following requirements are met:
(i) The issuing state recognizes permits issued by the State of Sacagawea.
(ii) The permittee is at least twenty-one years of age.
(iii) The issuing state issues a physical permit. Permitless concealed carry shall not be recognized by the state of Sacagawea.

SECTION VII: MISCELLANEOUS (a) Any person who, not being a peace officer, displays a deadly weapon, displays any article used or fashioned in a manner to cause a person to reasonably believe that the article is a deadly weapon, or represents verbally or otherwise that he or she is armed with a deadly weapon in a public place in a manner calculated to alarm, shall be charged with class 2 misdemeanor disorderly conduct.
(b) Any person who, by the use of a deadly weapon or any article used or fashioned in a manner to cause a person to reasonably believe that the article is a deadly weapon, shall be charged with class 5 felony menacing if, by any threat or physical action, he or she knowingly places or attempts to place another person in fear of imminent serious bodily injury.
(c) The above subsections (a) and (b) shall not apply if the actions performed are done in a nature of self-defense, as determined by the presiding district attorney or by a court of law.

SECTION VIII: DATE OF EFFECT
(a) This law shall go in to effect ninety (90) days from it being signed in to law.

This bill was authored by /u/sousasmash (R)

Amended by Assembly here.

A copy of B.46 may be found here. A copy of B. 47 may be found here.

Statement: Some of you may be appalled that I have vetoed B.47. However, I felt there was good reason to, as the bill was riddled with redundancies and would result in a waste of government resources. Sections 1(a) through (c) was already covered by existing law, as abuse of any kind is unlawful and intolerable. 3(F) is likely unconstitutional as it regulates activity in other states (an excellent point raised by /u/Juteshire). 3(e) is a misuse of government resources, as victims of abuse can appeal to an advocacy group or law enforcement itself if they feel that their civil rights have been violated. I considered using a line item veto, however, I would have effectively stripped the law of all of its power. This being said, I fully believe that conversion therapy will die out naturally. The public, rather than the government should be the agent that delivers it its inevitable death blow. Personally, while I am not convinced of its effectiveness, I believe conversion therapy that does not harm emotionally, psychologically, or physically, should be allowed to exist.

It has been a great session, and I look forward to working with you all in the future, pending my re-election.

Thank You!

-EFS

A copy of the executive order may be found here.

Special thanks to Western State Governor /u/JerryLeRow for all of his help in making this project come to life!

The Midwestern State shall hereby secure a mother's right to abortion if, and only if, the life of the mother is deemed to be endangered should the pregnancy be carried to its completion as evaluated by a medical professional.

Signed Gov. /u/ExpensiveFoodstuffs

Midwestern Symbol Revision Act

Be it enacted by the Legislature of the Midwestern State,

SECTION 1. Repeal of the Previous Law

Public Law B011.2, "Midwestern State Symbols Act," is hereby repealed.

SEC. 2. State Flag

(a) A state flag shall be adopted to be used on all occasions when the state is officially and publicly represented. The width of the flag shall be seven-tenths (7/10) of its length. The field shall be blue (#002868), and in the center shall be a white silhouetted buffalo, the length of which shall be seventeen-fortieths (17/40) of the length of the flag; the other measurements of the buffalo shall be in proportion to its length. A green bar (#228921) one-twentieth (1/20) of the length of the flag shall run lengthwise along the upper portion of the flag, with a white fimbration (#FFFFFF) one-fortieth of the length of the flag immediately below the bar. An orange bar (#F58711) one-twentieth (1/20) of the length of the flag shall run lengthwise along the lower portion of the flag, with a white fimbration (#FFFFFF) one-fortieth of the length of the flag immediately above the bar.

(b) The symbolism of the flag shall be as follows:

(1) The blue shall represent the skies.

(2) The green shall represent the prairie lands.

(3) The orange shall represent the deserts.

(4) The white shall represent the peace and unity among the people of the state.

(c) The Federal Flag Code is adopted as the flag code for the Midwestern State.

SEC. 3. State Seal

(a) There shall be a great seal of the Midwestern State, which shall be of the following design: a circle on the outer edge or rim of which shall be engraved the words "Great Seal of the Midwestern State." The design shall conform substantially to the following description: The black silhouette of a buffalo stands on a field of green prairie land as the orange Sun sets behind it. Twelve white seven-pointed stars are positioned symmetrically above the Sun.

(b) This seal shall be set aside for use by the government of the Midwestern State alone.

SEC. 4. State Flora and Fauna

(a) The Bison bison, commonly called the American bison or buffalo, shall be the state mammal of the Midwestern State.

(b) The Apis mellifera, commonly called the European honey bee, shall be the state insect of the Midwestern State.

(c) The Populus deltoides, commonly called the Eastern cottonwood, shall be the state tree of the Midwestern State

(d) The Helianthus annuus, commonly called the common sunflower, shall be the state flower of the Midwestern State.

SEC. 5. State Motto

The official motto of the Midwestern State shall be "Pro familia et operariis," whose English translation is "For the family and workers."

SEC. 6. Enactment

This Act shall take immediate effect after its passage into law.

This bill was sponsored by the Speaker of the House.

Bill 022: The Midwestern State Public Tuition Act of 2016

Whereas tuition has increased at a rate greater than inflation at public institutions of higher learning in Midwestern State;

Be it enacted by the People of Midwestern State, represented in the General Assembly

SECTION 1. Establishment of Inflation Rate

Subchapter A, Chapter 54, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 54.0095 to read as follows:

Sec. 54.0095. INFLATION RATE APPLICABLE TO CERTAIN TUITION OR FEE INCREASES. (a) Not later than January 31 of each year, or as soon thereafter as practicable, the Legislative Budget Board shall publish and certify to the governing board of each institution of higher education the inflation rate to be used for purposes of Section 54.0513 or 54.5001 for the next academic year.

(a-1) For purposes of applying Section 54.5001 for the 2016-2017 academic year, the Legislative Budget Board shall publish and certify the applicable inflation rate as soon as practicable after this section takes effect. This subsection expires September 1, 2017.

(b) The inflation rate is the percentage increase, if any, as expressed in decimal form rounded to the nearest thousandth of one percent, in the consumer price index, as defined by Section 341.201, Finance Code, for the preceding calendar year as compared to the consumer price index for the year preceding that year.

SECTION 2. Limiting of Tuition Increase

Section 54.0513, Education Code, is amended by adding Subsections (g), (h), and (i) to read as follows:

(g) The amount of tuition the governing board of a public institution of higher education charges under this section to a student for an academic year may not exceed the total amount of tuition that the governing board would have charged under this section to a similarly situated student for the preceding academic year, as that amount is adjusted for each academic year for inflation according to the inflation rate determined under Section 54.0095. The governing board may not increase the amount of tuition charged under this section to a student more than once in any academic year. For purposes of this subsection, students are similarly situated if they share the same residency status, degree program, course load, course level, tuition exemption status, and other circumstances affecting the tuition charged to the student.

(h) Notwithstanding Subsection (g), for the 2016-2017 academic year, the amount of tuition charged to a student under this section may not exceed the total amount of tuition that the institution would have charged under this section to a similarly situated student for the 2015-2016 academic year, except that if the institution's governing board, before January 1, 2016, gave final approval to increased tuition rates to be charged under this section for the 2016-2017 academic year, the institution may charge tuition under this section for that year at those increased rates. For purposes of this subsection, students are similarly situated if they share the same residency status, degree program, course load, course level, tuition exemption status, and other circumstances affecting the tuition charged to the student. This subsection expires September 1, 2017.

(i) If a student has paid an amount of tuition charged under this section for the 2016 fall semester in excess of the maximum amount permitted by this section, the institution, not later than January 1, 2017, shall refund to the student the excess amount of tuition paid. This subsection expires September 1, 2017.

SECTION 3. Student vote for tuition

Subchapter E, Chapter 54, Education Code, is amended by adding Section 54.5001 to read as follows:

Sec. 54.5001. LIMITATIONS ON FEE INCREASES WITHOUT STUDENT APPROVAL. (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this subchapter or other law and except as provided by Subsection (b), the governing board of an institution of higher education may not increase the amount of a fee charged under this subchapter to an amount that is greater than the amount charged by the institution in the preceding academic year as adjusted for inflation according to the inflation rate determined under Section 54.0095.

(b) Subsection (a) does not apply to an increase in the amount of a fee if the increase is approved by a vote of the students of the institution voting in a student election authorized by law for that purpose.

(c) This section does not:

(1) provide independent authority for the governing board of an institution of higher education to increase the amount of a fee or to call a student election to approve an increase in the amount of a fee; or

(2) authorize the governing board of an institution of higher education to increase the amount of a fee charged under this subchapter to an amount that exceeds the maximum amount prescribed by the law authorizing the fee's imposition, if that law prescribes a maximum amount.

SECTION 4. Applicability

(a) Section 54.0513, Education Code, as amended by this Act, applies beginning with tuition charged by public institutions of higher education for the 2016-2017 academic year. Tuition charged by an institution of higher education for an academic year before that academic year is covered by the law in effect before the effective date of this Act, and the former law is continued in effect for that purpose.

(b) Section 54.5001, Education Code, as added by this Act, applies beginning with fee increases for the 2016 fall semester.

SECTION 5. Implementation

This Act takes effect September 1, 2016.

This bill was sponsored by /u/SovietChef (Dist).

Midwestern State Prison Reform Act

Preamble:

As witnessed through readily available data the United States makes up around 5% of the world's population yet contains 25% of the world's prison population, many of whom have been convicted of nonviolent crimes. This has contributed to the massive overcrowding of the Midwestern State prison systems, a significant burden on Midwestern taxpayers who bear the cost of caring for these inmates. This bill would seek to alleviate that burden by releasing nonviolent drug offenders from prison and investing a portion of those savings into inmate programs and services designed to improve the lives of inmates and reduce recidivism rates.

Section 1:

(1) From the enactment of this bill and so forth the maximum sentence of someone convicted of a low level, drug related criminal charge in Midwestern State court will be a sentence of five years. In order to be considered a low level offender, they must meet the following requirements:

(a) The offender has no previous criminal convictions

(b) The offender has no recorded involvement in organized crime

(i)Organized crime shall be defined as any group having some manner of a formalized structure and whose primary objective is to obtain money through illegal activities

Section 2:

(1) All low level, drug related offenders who meet the requirements laid out under Section I and are currently incarcerated in the Midwestern State prison system, provided they have not committed any crimes whilst incarcerated, shall have the right to apply in the appropriate court of their jurisdiction for parole, a sentence reduction, or retroactive ameliorative relief, depending on the following conditions:

(a) If they have served half of a sentence less than or equal to 10 years, they may apply for parole.

(b) If they have served two years of a sentence longer than ten years and less than a life sentence, they may apply for a reduced sentence.

(c) If they have served eleven years of a life sentence, they may apply petition the court for parole or a reduced sentence.

Section 3:

(1) This bill shall be enacted 180 days after its’ passage into law

Sponsored by /u/anyhistoricalfigure (D)

The Midwestern State Divorce Reform Act of 2016

An Act to repeal no-fault divorce, to reform the action of legal divorce in the Midwestern State, and for other purposes. * Whereas a broad consensus of studies has found that divorce has serious psychological consequences on children, and*

*Whereas no-fault divorce allows citizens to violate the promises of legal marriage without reason or repercussion, and * Whereas the purpose of marriage is to secure and preserve the benefits of marriage for our society and for future generations of children.

The people of the Midwestern State, through their representatives, do enact as follows:

Section 1. Title.

This Act shall be known as the "Divorce Reform Act", or D.R.A. It may also be referred to as the "Divorce Reform Act of 2016" to differentiate it from any other divorce reform acts in the future.

Sec. 2. Definitions.

In this Act:

(a) "Divorce" is the legal ending or dissolution of a marriage.

(b) "No-fault divorce" is the ending of marriage without either spouse proving that the other violated the promises of marriage.

(c) "Promises of marriage" are the vows two spouses take when getting married. Such promises include vows to not harm the other, to remain faithful to them and them alone, et cetera.

Sec. 3. No-Fault Divorce Repeal.

(a) No-fault divorce shall no longer be permitted and spouses, when filing for divorce, must prove that the other spouse has violated the promises of marriage.

Sec. 4. Reform of Divorces involving Minor Children.

(a) Before filing for divorce, parents of minor children will be required to participate in four to eight hours of face-to-face divorce education classes that provide information on the effects of divorce on children and adults, and teach research-based communication and other relationship skills that help strengthen marriages. These classes shall be offered by a licensed marriage counselor trained in the above skills.

(b) Parents of minor children must wait six months from the completion date of the classes to file for divorce. This period should serve as a time for healing and reconciliation.

(c) Exceptions to this section shall be made to spouses in proven cases of the following situations: Spouse-on-spouse physical, mental, or sexual abuse; Spousal abandonment exceeding one year; One spouse has been incarcerated for over five years; One spouse has severe addiction issues and refused to seek aid and rehabilitation; One spouse has abused their children or the children of the other spouse; or One or both spouses have engaged in rampant infidelity as determined by a court.

(d) All classes required under this Act shall be paid in full by the divorcing parties. The cost should be modest and not exceed one hundred dollars, indexed to inflation as in the Consumer Price Index (CPI) as of the First of February, Anno Domini Nostri Jesu Christi Two Thousand and Sixteen.

Sec. 5. Implementation.

This Act shall take effect ninety days after becoming law.

This bill was written and submitted by /u/MoralLesson (Dist).