A Bill to Ban Mandatory Minimum Sentencing for Non- Violent Drug Offenders

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1 A Bill to Ban Mandatory Minimum Sentencing for Non- Violent Drug Offenders 0 SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. All federal laws requiring a mandatory minimum sentence for non- violent drug offense are hereby repealed. A mandatory minimum sentencing law is a statute that restricts the judiciary to issue a minimum sentence for certain crimes, regardless of extenuating circumstances. A non- violent drug offender is a person convicted of a federal or state drug violation including, but not limited to, possession and distribution of a controlled substance. The United States Department of Justice will oversee implementation and enforcement of this bill. A. Current federal prosecutions shall continue under the new provisions of this bill. This bill will take effect immediately. Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by Montgomery High School

2 A Resolution to Allow Direct- to- Consumer Auto Sales 0 WHEREAS, A number of state legislatures have banned direct- to- consumer auto sales by requiring each dealership to have a franchise from the auto company itself; and WHEREAS, More states have pending legislation to further prevent direct- to- consumer auto sales; and WHEREAS, The current franchise sales model restricts competition and innovation in the auto sales marketplace; and WHEREAS, Franchisees are reluctant to promote cars reliant on new technologies; and WHEREAS, Companies dependent on the franchise model have less control of their brand when leaving it to franchisees, WHEREAS, The interdependence of franchises and auto companies leaves the economy more vulnerable to declines in sales; be it RESOLVED, That the UIL Congress here assembled call for direct- to- consumer auto sales by auto companies to be allowable in all 0 states. Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by Montgomery High School

3 A Bill to Change the Legal Drinking Age to 0 SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. Those years of age or older may be allowed to purchase and consume alcohol in private or in public areas. Anyone under the age of may not be in possession of any alcoholic substance inside or outside of the body or else they will face a punishment submitted by the county. The Food and Drug Administration shall oversee the production and guidelines in alcohol use. This legislation shall be enacted upon this st of January. Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by Oak Ridge High School

4 A Bill to Compensate Teachers Fairly 0 SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. Teacher salary increases for years of experience should be raised to reflect the increases in comparable fields. Comparable fields would include those positions that would require the same level of education and experience. The federal government would subsidize the initial increases with a five- year phase in for the states to increase their budgets to maintain these salaries. B. States that fail to maintain appropriate budgets to cover these salaries will have highway funds withheld to cover these salaries. This bill will go into effect with the 0-0 school year. Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by Magnolia High School

5 A Resolution to Grant Adolescents the Right to Make Autonomous Medical Decisions 0 WHEREAS, WHEREAS, WHEREAS, RESOLVED, Parents and society often breach their obligation to their children in regards to their medical health and decision- making; and In instances where the beliefs or ethics of the children do not align with that of the parent or when the parent is incapable of making informed medical decisions on behalf of the child, it is imperative that they are granted the right to make their own autonomous medical decisions; and Without this, children needlessly suffer from untreated medical harms and unnecessary identity crises that could otherwise be addressed should they be able to make their own informed decision; now, therefore, be it That the UIL Congress here assembled make the following recommendation for granting adolescents the right to govern their own bodies. Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by Magnolia High School.

6 A Resolution to Amend the Constitution to Give Congress and the States Explicit Power to Regulate Campaign Donations 0 0 RESOLVED, SECTION : SECTION : SECTION : SECTION : By two- thirds of the UIL Congress here assembled, that the following article is proposed as an amendment to the Constitution of the United States, which shall be valid to all intents and purposes as part of the Constitution when ratified by the legislatures of three- fourths of the several states within seven years from the date of its submission by the Congress: ARTICLE - - For federal elections, Congress has the just and right authority to set limits to donations by individuals, groups or businesses to campaigns of those running for federal office. For State and local elections, the States have the just and right authority to set limits to donations by individuals, groups or businesses to campaigns of those running for federal office. At no point does Congress have the ability or authority to set limits to donations by individuals, groups or businesses to campaigns of those running for state or local office. The UIL Congress shall have power to enforce this article by appropriate legislation. Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by Brenham High School.

7 A Resolution to Advance Desalination Beyond Reverse Osmosis 0 WHEREAS, Due to the water crisis across the United States; and WHEREAS, Reverse osmosis is not a feasible solution due to the overall fiscal and energy intensive burdens on its communities, states, and the nation; and WHEREAS, Because water is essential to health; and WHEREAS, New advancements in technology for desalination such as Forward Osmosis and the Water Chip by OKEANOS Technologies; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the UIL Congress here assembled will use desalination technology instead of reverse osmosis and, be it FURTHER RESOLVED, That the federal government will commit future investments in new desalination technology. Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by Leon HS

8 A Bill to Mandate the Increase of Digital Privacy 0 SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. In an effort to increase digital privacy, any and all usage and or storing of an individual s name and physical address will be deemed illegal, with the exclusion of law enforcement following proper search and seizure restrictions. According to the Maryland Law Review, digital privacy is distinct from the right of publicity protected by state common or statutory law, and a broader right of privacy has been inferred in the Constitution. Although not explicitly stated in the text of the Constitution, in 0 then to be Justice Louis Brandeis extolled a right to be left alone. This right has developed into a liberty of personal autonomy protected by the th amendment. The st, th, and th amendments also provide protection of privacy. The National Security Agency will oversee the increased rights of digital privacy. This bill shall go into effect immediately after its passage. Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by Leon High School.

9 A Bill to Implement Drug Testing for People on Welfare 0 SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. Every recipient that receives welfare will hereby, be obligated to random drug tests to buffer the abuse of the financial benefits and services of welfare. To buffer the abuse of financial benefits is to be defined as help that is protecting the government and its citizens from harm due to the improper use of the money and services one receives under certain stated circumstances by the government. The United States Department of Health and Human Services will enforce and oversee drug testing for people on welfare. This bill shall go into effect within six months of its passage. Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by Leon High School.

10 A Resolution to Mandate the Labeling of Genetically Modified Foods 0 WHEREAS, There has been an increasing concern over Genetically Modified Foods; and WHEREAS, This concern is spreading throughout the United States; and WHEREAS, According to the World Health Organization, genetically modified foods have had their genetic material unnaturally modified, which can potentially cause harm to those who consume it, and consumers are often unaware of the lasting effects it has on their health; and WHEREAS, Consumers have a right to know what items they are purchasing in order to make informed decisions about their health; now, therefore, be it, RESOLVED, That the UIL Congress here assembled mandate the labeling of genetically modified foods. Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by Leon HS

11 A Bill to Limit the Salary Paid to Government Employees 0 SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. The United States Government shall require that its officials and employees annual salaries are limited to no more than triple the median household income of the nation s general population. For the purposes of this bill, annual salary is defined as the amount an employee receives per year without regard to other benefits or allowances. For the purposes of this bill, the median household income shall be determined and defined by the findings of or official estimate based upon the findings of the United States Census Bureau. The United States Bureau of the Fiscal Service, an internal agency of the U.S. Department of the Treasury, shall be responsible for the enforcement of this policy. C. The U.S. Bureau of the Fiscal Service shall have the right to designate this responsibility to any other agency within the U.S. Department of the Treasury. This policy shall take effect 0 days after this bill s passage. Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by College Station High School.

12 A Resolution to Decrease Nuclear Power Plants and Increase Renewable Energy Production 0 WHEREAS, The fragile nature of nuclear power plants is unsafe to the environment of our nation; and WHEREAS, Nuclear energy produces toxic waste that will be harmful for more than 00,000 years; and WHEREAS, It is untenable now to secure and store all the waste, which creates a surplus of waste which is detrimental to everyone; and WHEREAS, Green energy is overall more efficient so, if we are to avoid the worst consequences, we need to develop and use renewable energy; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the UIL Congress here assembled mandates that the United States will increase renewable energy production and decrease nuclear energy production. Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by Leon High School.

13 A Resolution to Limit Gun Trafficking Between the United States and Mexico 0 WHEREAS, Current firearms trafficking statutes contain many loopholes; and WHEREAS, Most firearms used by Mexican drug cartels come from the United States; and WHEREAS, Our relationship with Mexico has been beneficial, and losing it would harm the United States; and WHEREAS, Restricting the flow of firearms into Mexico will bolster the United States support for the Inter- American Convention Against the Illicit Manufacturing of and Trafficking in Firearms (CIFTA); now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the UIL Congress here assembled takes steps toward limiting gun trafficking between the United States and Mexico. Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by Leon HS

14 A Bill to Give Legal Representation Nationwide to Victims of Human Trafficking Asking for Asylum 0 SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. The Federal Government will mandate that any person identifying themselves as a victim of human trafficking, will be given free representation in court. Human Trafficking will be defined as the illegal movement of people, typically for the purposes of forced labor or commercial sexual exploitation. The Department of Health and Human Services will be responsible for providing representation to those who identify themselves as human trafficking victims. The Justice Department will enforce the government s compliance to this bill. This bill shall go into effect immediately after its passage. Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by Leon High School

15 A Bill to Implement a Flat Rate Tax to Simplify the Tax Code BE IT ENACTED BY THE CONGRESS HERE ASSEMBLED THAT: SECTION. SECTION. All United States citizens will pay a flat rate income tax of 0% of their gross annual income. The current tax code is too complicated and allows for errors and loopholes. Simplifying income tax to a flat rate of 0% of the gross annual income will benefit families of hard- working Americans. Gross annual income is defined as total revenue received before any deductions. Individuals can continue to pay monthly or in one lump sum. 0 SECTION. The Internal Revenue Service will ensure that everyone pays their 0% when filing their tax returns. The IRS may continue to collect data from employers and audits to enforce the 0% tax rate. SECTION. This bill will take effect January, 0. SECTION. Introduced for Congressional Debate by Magnolia West High School. We certify that the legislation submitted by this school for this Congress is the original work of the students of Magnolia West High School and

16 A Bill to Enforce Equal Pay for Women to Promote Gender Equality in the Workplace 0 SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. The United States of America will enforce equal pay in the workplace to eliminate the gender wage gap. Women make up almost half of the United States labor force and are a growing number of breadwinners in their families. More and more women are also working in positions and field jobs that have been traditionally occupied by men. When women are not paid fairly, not only do they suffer but so do their families. This bill shall be enacted to enforce equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender. On average, women are paid $0. for every $.00 paid to men in the USA. This wage gap is even greater for minority women. African American women get paid $0. for every dollar, and Hispanic women $0. for every dollar. The United States Department of Labor shall oversee and work with the Internal Revenue Service to audit company records to ensure equal pay for equal work. This bill will go into effect on April, 0 or within six months of being passed. Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by Magnolia West High School. We certify that the legislation submitted by this school for this Congress is the original work of the students of Magnolia West High School and

17 A Bill to Increase Funding for the National Aeronautics and Space Administration SECTION. The United States shall increase the yearly investment for NASA by % each year for the next five years. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. Investment is defined as the action or process of investing money for research and/or material results. The funding will be acquired through Federal Budget allocations and appropriations. This shall be overseen by the United States Congress. This bill will be implemented at the beginning of the next fiscal year. Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by Leon HS

18 A Bill to End Standardized Testing as a form of Teacher Evaluation to Utilize the Existing Accountability Systems 0 SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. This policy will eliminate the use of standardized test scores being the primary determining factor of the validity of the teacher s evaluation. Standardized Test is defined as: any form of test that requires all test takers to answer the same questions, or a selection of questions from common bank of questions, in the same way, and that is scored in a standard or consistent manner, which makes it possible to compare the relative performance of individual students or groups of students. The United States of America Federal Government will oversee this bill. A. Once enacted, the bill will ensure that the evaluation of teachers in all states and communities that utilize standardized test scores as the primary evaluation mechanism will no longer be effective. B. Schools nationwide will then utilize the existing mechanisms that are more subjective to individual communities i.e. local accountability systems. This bill will be enacted within 0 days of passing. Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by College Station High School.

19 A Resolution to Prohibit Direct to Consumer Advertising of Prescription Medications 0 WHEREAS, WHEREAS, WHEREAS, WHEREAS, RESOLVED, Prescription medications are, in many instances, wrongly prescribed to patients around the United States; and Nationwide spending on Prescription Medications has increased % in 0 alone to $ billion, perpetuating misuse of drugs with little oversight; and Pharmaceutical corporations are able to make false and scientifically unproven claims about their drugs, openly misleading consumers; and Discouraging abusive pharmaceutical corporations is the first step in regulating a legitimate medical economy; now, therefore, be it That the UIL Congress here assembled prohibit direct to consumer advertising of prescription medications Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by A&M Consolidated High School.

20 A Bill to Phase Out the Federal Use of Private Prisons 0 0 SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. The United States federal government will phase out the use of private prisons and/or for profit prisons. A private prison or for- profit prison shall be defined as a place in which individuals are physically confined or incarcerated by a third party that is contracted by a government agency. Phase out shall be defined as the act of discontinuing a project or process. The United States Department of Justice along with the Federal Bureau of Prisons shall be charged with the implementation of this bill. A. Every year the United States will reduce the use of private prisons by 0%. Therefore in 0 years the use of private prisons shall be completely phased out. B. These prisoners shall be transported to existing prisons or newly created prisons. C. These prisons must have a population under the max capacity, ensuring the civil rights of the prisoners. D. Considering the cost of building the average federal prison is twelve million dollars, 00 million dollars shall be given to fund this legislation. This bill shall be implemented immediately upon passage. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by A&M Consolidated High School.

21 A Bill to Ban Tobacco Smoking SECTION. SECTION. This legislation will ban tobacco smoking in the United States. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) will be tasked with carrying out the ban with the assistance of the US Department of Commerce and the Department of Justice. SECTION. This policy will take effect on January th, 0. SECTION. Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by The Woodlands High School.

22 A Bill to Increase Implementation of Solar Panel Roadways SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. The Federal and State governments will increase production and implementation of solar panel roadways. The implementation will be at a 0:0 ratio with the repair and construction of traditional roadways. The Department of Transportation will oversee the enforcement of the bill along with the ratio percentages. This bill shall go into effect immediately after its passage. Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by Leon High School.

23 A Bill to Legalize Sports Gambling 0 SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. Sports gambling becomes legal in the United States for citizens over the age of. Sports gambling will be understood and defined as wagers made on the outcome of sporting events; it includes sports lotteries, and head- to- head sports betting as well as pastimes such as hockey drafts as well as fantasy leagues. The Federal Trade Commission will regulate and oversee sports gambling in the United States. The Internal Revenue System will oversee the collection of taxes and revenue from sports gambling. This bill shall go into effect two months after its passage. Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by Leon High School.

24 A Bill to Raise the Refugee Ceiling to Allow Syrian Refugees Admittance into the United States SECTION. SECTION. The Syrian refugee crisis is expanding rapidly, with over million currently displaced from their homes. The U.S. has admitted only a small portion of these refugees, around,00. 0 SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. The United States Refugee Assistance Program (USRAP) will oversee the implementation of this bill. A. They will raise the refugee ceiling from 0,000 to 0,000 to accommodate the crisis. B. The Federal Government will allocate $00 million to the effort. This bill shall be enacted immediately. All laws in conflict with this legislation are hereby declared null and void Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by A&M Consolidated High School.

25 A Bill to Require Drug Testing for Federal Welfare Applicants 0 0 SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. The United States Federal Government shall require that in order to qualify for federal welfare/aid, all applicants must submit to a standardized drug test. A negative result will grant eligibility for aid, while a positive result will subsequently require a second test, the failure of which will require that the applicant attend free, government- provided rehabilitation meetings while qualifying for % of the aid that would otherwise be granted. After the rehabilitation is complete, another drug test will be required, after which a second positive result will end all welfare qualification for two years, while a negative result will result in full qualification for federal aid. For the purposes of this bill, Federal Welfare and Federal Aid are defined as any form of assistance received from the United States Department of Health and Human Services Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program, Temporary Assistance for Needy Families Program, and Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program. The United States Department of Health and Human Services will be responsible for the enforcement of this policy. This bill shall take effect 0 days after its passage. Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by College Station High School.

26 A Resolution to Ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women 0 WHEREAS, To incorporate the principle of equality of men and women in their legal system, abolish all discriminatory laws and adopt appropriate ones prohibiting discrimination against women; and WHEREAS, To establish public institutions to ensure the effective protection of women against discrimination; and WHEREAS, To ensure elimination of all acts of discrimination against women by persons, organizations, or enterprises; and WHEREAS, The Convention is the only human rights treaty which affirms the reproductive rights of women and targets culture and tradition as influential forces shaping gender roles and family relations; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the UIL Congress here assembled make the following recommendation to ratify the Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination against Women. Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by Leon High School.

27 A Resolution to Improve Smarts and Hearts 0 WHEREAS, Academic achievement in our high schools is declining; and WHEREAS, Schools have tried implementing a wide variety of programs that have relatively little impact on student achievement; and WHEREAS, These programs have accomplished little more than frustrating teachers and students; and WHEREAS, Recent studies have shown that start time adjustments to synchronize with the circadian rhythm have a significant impact on student learning; and WHEREAS, The studies have also shown that start time adjustments to synchronize with the circadian rhythm also have a significant impact on student health; now, therefore, be it RESOLVED, That the UIL Congress here assembled make the following recommendation that high schools should not begin classes prior to 0 A.M. Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by Magnolia High School.

28 A Bill to Outlaw the Private Ownership of Constrictor Snakes 0 0 SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. SECTION. The United States Federal Government shall outlaw the import, export, and private ownership of all species and subspecies of constrictor snakes without a government- issued permit in order to protect children and other vulnerable people that may potentially be harmed by the aforementioned animals. Failure to comply shall be considered a Class C federal misdemeanor. For the purposes of this bill, the term constrictor snakes is defined as: All species and subspecies of snakes that belong to the genetic family of Pythonidae or Boidae For the purposes of this bill, the term private ownership is defined as: The possession of the banned animals by any private entity not overseen by the state. The United States Department of Justice shall be responsible for the enforcement of this bill upon its passage. A. The United States Department of Justice shall be responsible for the inspection of applicants, and issuing of official permits of ownership in order to allow possession of the aforementioned animals. This bill shall be take effect 0 days after its passage. Introduced for UIL Congressional Debate by College Station High School.