- Staff
- #1
Hello everyone,
Changes to the laws will be going live this evening following the motions published in March, as well as other changes that were decided upon internally. Please read about them below.
Motion Results
Theft of a Vehicle
- Option 1: Add this law as written - 60 votes (50.8%)
- Option 2: Add this law, but exempt passengers from committing an offence - 58 votes (49.2%)
- Option 3: Do not add this law - 8 votes (6.6%)
As per the vote, Option 1 has passed, meaning the law will be added as written.
Displayal of an Offensive Weapon (7.5)*
- Option 1: Change the law to the new wording - 94 votes (63.9%)
- Option 2: Do not change the law - 53 votes (36.1%)
The majority vote of Option 1 means the law has been updated to reflect the new wording.
Physical Assault (9.1) & Physical Assault with an Offensive Weapon (9.2)
- Option 1: Change the laws to the new wording - 88 votes (69.3%)
- Option 2: Do not change the laws - 39 votes (30.7%)
With Option 1 receiving the majority, both laws will be updated to the new wording. With this change, attempting physical assault with or without an offensive weapon will result in the same charges.
Additional Changes
Law 11.3 Buildings of Residence has been removed and will be replaced it with 11.3 Littering. Additionally, law 7.5, although voted on, will receive a new wording that respects the outcome of the vote (being able to display on private property, regardless of where you can be seen from), but with an additional provision about brandishing firearms or pointing them out of windows.
Law 10.1 will also be modified to raise the threshold of what is considered to be a violation of this law. This change aims to stop charges from being issued for petty insults, and introduces provisions for stalking. General insults will no longer be covered by this law, unless they are part of a larger pattern of behavior, or constitute repeated and severe verbal abuse or unwanted contact.
5.2 Bribery
No person shall attempt to offer or solicit personal payment in any form to any member of the emergency services or an elected official in order to receive immunity, preferential treatment or other such dishonest benefits.Felony - liable to 3 years maximum imprisonment and $4,000 maximum fine.
7.5 Brandishing an Offensive Weapon
It is an offence to brandish, aim, or point an offensive weapon whilst visible from a public area. Any person carrying an offensive weapon on private property and in a controlled manner does not commit an offence under this law.Felony - liable to 3 years maximum imprisonment, $4,000 maximum fine and asset forfeiture.
10.1 Causing Harrassment, Alarm or Distress
Any person who engages in persistent behavior likely to harassment, alarm, or distress commits an offence. This includes repeated and severe verbal abuse, persistent unwanted contact, or causing public disturbances. Any person who pursues another in a manner likely to induce fear of violence also commits an offence. General insults, criticism of government employees or institutions, and non-threatening remarks do not constitute an offence under this law.Misdemeanor - liable to 4 years maximum imprisonment and $3,000 maximum fine.
11.3 Littering
Any person who discards waste material on public or private property commits an offence, unless the property owner has permitted disposal on their property.Infraction - liable to $1,000 maximum fine.
12.14 Right of way
Where not overridden by road markings, signage or other such signals, vehicles must give way at intersections and junctions to vehicles approaching from their right.Vehicles intending to turn left at an intersection or junction must give way to vehicles approaching from their front.
Infraction - liable to $2,000 maximum fine.
Thank you to @A1L, who has been instrumental in helping make these changes, as well as publishing them on the website.
