This week has seen a few happenings which may have slipped under the radar of some Citizens; yet their significance is paramount.
First of all, the Information Classification and Freedom of Information Act - which was originally proposed to the Chamber on the 9th February by Chancellor Hulldom. It was sponsored by the Prime Minister, as well as Senator Evile.
As the preamble states,
Hereby establishes a system whereby Departments can classify information and hereby establishes a system whereby interested individuals can appeal to gain access to said information.
the goal of this bill was to ensure there was a set of rules regarding what classifications of data exist in the Government, and what happens in the event data is mishandled. Section one details six levels of importance regarding information, with six being the highest (special access) and NDS (no danger to security) being the lowest.
Article 3 - Section 4 states that "Department Directors, the Emperor and the Prime Minister" will be able to decide how to classify information, and Article 4 proceeds to explain the repercussions of data leaks by a person of authority. For example, should the Prime Minister participate in a leak, the consequence would be "the triggering of an impeachment inquiry by the Senate" - this is likely to usher in a new sense of care regarding information, and this is the first time the issue has been brought to the senate in the form of a law.
The bill was voted in favour of unanimously, showing the extent of support it has enjoyed in the Senate, and presumably the Cabinet too.
Further on in the week came two shock ramifications for senators Carpia and Gorzi, both to be removed from their posts as Imperial Legislators as per the rule wherein multiple votes being missed with no given reason leads to expulsion. Citizens' Party (CTZ) Sen. Gorzi was the first to face a consequential vote, after failing to attend to legislative duties regularly. The removal was voted in by the 7 senators present.
Shockingly, within the span of a few days the Senate took another loss with the bill to remove Sen. Carpia (NF). Noticeably the resolution had received less support: 7-2-1, with Senators 3rd Swedish Empire (NF) and Bietzopolis (CTZ) opposed, and Tristandeuchna (GL) preferring to abstain -
Carpia's removal seems to be more controversial among Senators - one of the reasons could be Carpia's indication that they had some real life issues some time ago. Supporters argue that whatever the circumstances, Carpia had become inactive and not given reason for missing three Senate votes. Nonetheless, the vote passed with Chancellor Hulldom (CU) in favour - and two Senators gone in the matter of a week.
As for what happens next, Gorzi has already been replaced by fellow Citizens' list member Aldund - who ran in the last by-election some days ago. The newly-appointed Senator appears to be more active than his predecessor. As for what happens with Carpia's seat: matters are complicated. A by-election is due to occur soon, leaving us to wonder which candidates each party will put forth, or whether an independent can swoop in and succeed?
Comments