Civil Liberties
3 lawsFirearms Control
Currently: Licensed ownership with background checks
Available Options
Total civilian firearms ban
Strict licensing, limited categories
Licensed ownership with background checks
Current
Broad right to own with light checks
Constitutional right to carry
Compulsory firearm ownership for national defence
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Progressive Conservatives
5 years ago
Licensed ownership with background checks
Broad right to own with light checks
Licensed ownership with background checks
Previous Law
Licensed ownership with background checks
Proposed Law
Broad right to own with light checks
National Identity Cards
Currently: Mandatory ID card
Live vote in progressAvailable Options
Mandatory biometric ID + central register
Mandatory ID card
Current
Voluntary ID card
No national ID card
Legislative History
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
1 month ago
Mandatory ID card
Voluntary ID card
Failed
Proposed by People Welfare Alliance
1 year ago
Voluntary ID card
Mandatory biometric ID + central register
Voluntary ID card
Failed
Proposed by Alianza Conservadora Popular
1 year ago
Voluntary ID card
Mandatory ID card
Voluntary ID card
Rejected
June 15, 2021
(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)
Failed
3 years ago
Voluntary ID card
Mandatory biometric ID + central register
Voluntary ID card
Previous Law
Voluntary ID card
Proposed Law
Mandatory biometric ID + central register
Right to Protest
Treaty-locked
Currently: Unrestricted right to assemble
Available Options
Restricted by: Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Unrestricted right to assemble
Current
Right to protest with prior notice
Permitted but regulated (noise/disruption limits)
Heavily restricted, easy to ban
Locked
Public protest effectively banned
Locked
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
2 years ago
Right to protest with prior notice
Unrestricted right to assemble
Failed
Proposed by Liberal
2 years ago
Right to protest with prior notice
Unrestricted right to assemble
Right to protest with prior notice
Passed
Proposed by National Union Of Costavela
2 years ago
Unrestricted right to assemble
Right to protest with prior notice
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
Right to protest with prior notice
Unrestricted right to assemble
Failed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
Right to protest with prior notice
Unrestricted right to assemble
Right to protest with prior notice
Failed
Proposed by Reform Costavela
5 years ago
Right to protest with prior notice
Permitted but regulated (noise/disruption limits)
Right to protest with prior notice
Previous Law
Right to protest with prior notice
Proposed Law
Permitted but regulated (noise/disruption limits)
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
6 years ago
Permitted but regulated (noise/disruption limits)
Right to protest with prior notice
Previous Law
Permitted but regulated (noise/disruption limits)
Proposed Law
Right to protest with prior notice
Defense
6 lawsArms Exports
Currently: Sell arms with minimal restriction
Live vote in progressAvailable Options
Sell arms with minimal restriction
Current
Licensed exports with end-use checks
Export only to close allies
Ban arms exports
Legislative History
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
1 month ago
Sell arms with minimal restriction
Export only to close allies
Passed
Proposed by People And Planet
1 year ago
Sell arms with minimal restriction
Export only to close allies
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
3 years ago
Licensed exports with end-use checks
Sell arms with minimal restriction
Previous Law
Licensed exports with end-use checks
Proposed Law
Sell arms with minimal restriction
Autonomous Weapons Systems
Currently: Permitted with mandatory human control
Available Options
Deploy fully autonomous lethal weapons
Permitted with mandatory human control
Current
Autonomous systems for defence only
Ban autonomous weapons outright
Legislative History
Rejected
June 18, 2021
(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)
Failed
3 years ago
Permitted with mandatory human control
Deploy fully autonomous lethal weapons
Permitted with mandatory human control
Previous Law
Permitted with mandatory human control
Proposed Law
Deploy fully autonomous lethal weapons
Military Service Policy
Currently: Volunteer professional army
Available Options
Abolish the military entirely; pacifist state
Volunteer professional army
Current
National service for those 18-20
Conscription from 18-25
Total war footing (all adults 18-60 subject to military call-up at any time)
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by National Au
11 years ago
Volunteer professional army
Total war footing (all adults 18-60 subject to military call-up at any time)
Volunteer professional army
Previous Law
Volunteer professional army
Proposed Law
Total war footing (all adults 18-60 subject to military call-up at any time)
Passed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
12 years ago
Conscription from 18-25
Volunteer professional army
Failed
Proposed by Neo-Nationalism
12 years ago
Conscription from 18-25
Total war footing (all adults 18-60 subject to military call-up at any time)
Conscription from 18-25
Previous Law
Conscription from 18-25
Proposed Law
Total war footing (all adults 18-60 subject to military call-up at any time)
Failed
Proposed by The People’s Coalition
12 years ago
Conscription from 18-25
Volunteer professional army
Conscription from 18-25
Failed
Proposed by One Nation
12 years ago
Conscription from 18-25
Total war footing (all adults 18-60 subject to military call-up at any time)
Conscription from 18-25
Previous Law
Conscription from 18-25
Proposed Law
Total war footing (all adults 18-60 subject to military call-up at any time)
Passed
Proposed by Reform Costavela
13 years ago
Volunteer professional army
Conscription from 18-25
Failed
Proposed by Frente Nacional Conservador
14 years ago
Volunteer professional army
Conscription from 18-25
Volunteer professional army
Nuclear Weapons
Currently: Retain weapons, pledge no first use
Available Options
Expand the nuclear arsenal
Maintain a minimal deterrent
Retain weapons, pledge no first use
Current
Unilateral nuclear disarmament
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Christian Conservative Alliance
2 years ago
Retain weapons, pledge no first use
Maintain a minimal deterrent
Retain weapons, pledge no first use
Failed
Proposed by National Union Of Costavela
2 years ago
Retain weapons, pledge no first use
Maintain a minimal deterrent
Retain weapons, pledge no first use
Rejected
June 18, 2021
(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)
Failed
3 years ago
Retain weapons, pledge no first use
Unilateral nuclear disarmament
Retain weapons, pledge no first use
Previous Law
Retain weapons, pledge no first use
Proposed Law
Unilateral nuclear disarmament
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
5 years ago
Maintain a minimal deterrent
Retain weapons, pledge no first use
Failed
Proposed by Peoples Alliance
6 years ago
Maintain a minimal deterrent
Expand the nuclear arsenal
Maintain a minimal deterrent
Veterans' Affairs
Currently: Guaranteed housing, healthcare, pensions for veterans
Available Options
Guaranteed housing, healthcare, pensions for veterans
Current
Dedicated veterans' services
Veterans use general public services
Minimal special provision
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
1 year ago
Dedicated veterans' services
Guaranteed housing, healthcare, pensions for veterans
Previous Law
Dedicated veterans' services
Proposed Law
Guaranteed housing, healthcare, pensions for veterans
Failed
Proposed by Christian Conservative Alliance
2 years ago
Dedicated veterans' services
Guaranteed housing, healthcare, pensions for veterans
Dedicated veterans' services
Previous Law
Dedicated veterans' services
Proposed Law
Guaranteed housing, healthcare, pensions for veterans
Women in the Armed Forces
Currently: This Is An Order — a mandatory quota for the proportion of women in the armed forces
Available Options
Women Barred — no women may serve in the armed forces
No Fighting for Thee — women may serve but are limited to non-combat roles
Armour Glass Ceiling — women may serve in combat but cannot be promoted to high rank
At Her Request — women may serve but are exempt from conscription
Equal Participation — women serve alongside men on equal terms
This Is An Order — a mandatory quota for the proportion of women in the armed forces
Current
Amazon Brigade — only women may serve in the armed forces
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Alianza Conservadora Popular
1 year ago
This Is An Order — a mandatory quota for the proportion of women in the armed forces
Equal Participation — women serve alongside men on equal terms
This Is An Order — a mandatory quota for the proportion of women in the armed forces
Previous Law
This Is An Order — a mandatory quota for the proportion of women in the armed forces
Proposed Law
Equal Participation — women serve alongside men on equal terms
Failed
Proposed by Christian Conservative Alliance
2 years ago
This Is An Order — a mandatory quota for the proportion of women in the armed forces
No Fighting for Thee — women may serve but are limited to non-combat roles
This Is An Order — a mandatory quota for the proportion of women in the armed forces
Previous Law
This Is An Order — a mandatory quota for the proportion of women in the armed forces
Proposed Law
No Fighting for Thee — women may serve but are limited to non-combat roles
Failed
Proposed by Liberal
2 years ago
This Is An Order — a mandatory quota for the proportion of women in the armed forces
Equal Participation — women serve alongside men on equal terms
This Is An Order — a mandatory quota for the proportion of women in the armed forces
Previous Law
This Is An Order — a mandatory quota for the proportion of women in the armed forces
Proposed Law
Equal Participation — women serve alongside men on equal terms
Failed
Proposed by National Union Of Costavela
2 years ago
This Is An Order — a mandatory quota for the proportion of women in the armed forces
Equal Participation — women serve alongside men on equal terms
This Is An Order — a mandatory quota for the proportion of women in the armed forces
Previous Law
This Is An Order — a mandatory quota for the proportion of women in the armed forces
Proposed Law
Equal Participation — women serve alongside men on equal terms
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
Equal Participation — women serve alongside men on equal terms
This Is An Order — a mandatory quota for the proportion of women in the armed forces
Previous Law
Equal Participation — women serve alongside men on equal terms
Proposed Law
This Is An Order — a mandatory quota for the proportion of women in the armed forces
Drugs
7 lawsAlcohol Regulation
Currently: Liberal policy (age 18; moderate tax; late opening permitted; public zones allowed)
Available Options
State-mandated alcohol rations for all adults (social cohesion programme)
No restrictions on alcohol (no age limit, no licensing, no taxes)
Liberal policy (age 18; moderate tax; late opening permitted; public zones allowed)
Current
Strict regulation (age 21; high excise; retail 10:00–20:00; public drinking banned)
Total prohibition (production and sale banned; medical/religious exemptions only)
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
3 years ago
Strict regulation (age 21; high excise; retail 10:00–20:00; public drinking banned)
Liberal policy (age 18; moderate tax; late opening permitted; public zones allowed)
Previous Law
Strict regulation (age 21; high excise; retail 10:00–20:00; public drinking banned)
Proposed Law
Liberal policy (age 18; moderate tax; late opening permitted; public zones allowed)
Passed
Proposed by Civic Progress+
9 years ago
Liberal policy (age 18; moderate tax; late opening permitted; public zones allowed)
Strict regulation (age 21; high excise; retail 10:00–20:00; public drinking banned)
Previous Law
Liberal policy (age 18; moderate tax; late opening permitted; public zones allowed)
Proposed Law
Strict regulation (age 21; high excise; retail 10:00–20:00; public drinking banned)
Passed
Proposed by Partido Social Democrata Costavelaño
14 years ago
Strict regulation (age 21; high excise; retail 10:00–20:00; public drinking banned)
Liberal policy (age 18; moderate tax; late opening permitted; public zones allowed)
Previous Law
Strict regulation (age 21; high excise; retail 10:00–20:00; public drinking banned)
Proposed Law
Liberal policy (age 18; moderate tax; late opening permitted; public zones allowed)
Depressants Policy
Currently: Legal for medical / supervised use only
Available Options
Full prohibition; possession criminalised, prison for repeat offences
Legal for medical / supervised use only
Current
Possession decriminalised; treatment-led
Legal, licensed, regulated retail
Fully legalised, no restrictions
State-distributed / managed supply programme
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Liberal
2 years ago
Legal for medical / supervised use only
Legal, licensed, regulated retail
Legal for medical / supervised use only
Previous Law
Legal for medical / supervised use only
Proposed Law
Legal, licensed, regulated retail
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
5 years ago
Full prohibition; possession criminalised, prison for repeat offences
Legal for medical / supervised use only
Previous Law
Full prohibition; possession criminalised, prison for repeat offences
Proposed Law
Legal for medical / supervised use only
Drug Treatment & Harm Reduction
Currently: Abstinence-based treatment programmes
Available Options
No treatment funding; enforcement only
Abstinence-based treatment programmes
Current
Publicly funded treatment on demand
Needle exchanges, safe consumption rooms, opioid substitution
Compulsory detention in treatment centres for all users
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Marijuana Policy
Currently: Legalization (age 21; licensed retail; THC tax; roadside impairment tests)
Available Options
Full prohibition (possession criminalized; prison possible for repeat offences)
Medical-only (prescription/caregiver card; licensed dispensaries)
Decriminalization (≤10g civil fine; no arrest; record expungement)
Legalization (age 21; licensed retail; THC tax; roadside impairment tests)
Current
All drugs fully legalized; no restrictions on any substance
State-distributed psychoactive substances mandatory for all citizens (social harmony programme)
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Youth Of Costa
7 months ago
Legalization (age 21; licensed retail; THC tax; roadside impairment tests)
Full prohibition (possession criminalized; prison possible for repeat offences)
Legalization (age 21; licensed retail; THC tax; roadside impairment tests)
Previous Law
Legalization (age 21; licensed retail; THC tax; roadside impairment tests)
Proposed Law
Full prohibition (possession criminalized; prison possible for repeat offences)
Passed
Proposed by Alliance
8 months ago
Medical-only (prescription/caregiver card; licensed dispensaries)
Legalization (age 21; licensed retail; THC tax; roadside impairment tests)
Previous Law
Medical-only (prescription/caregiver card; licensed dispensaries)
Proposed Law
Legalization (age 21; licensed retail; THC tax; roadside impairment tests)
Passed
Proposed by Alianza Conservadora Popular
1 year ago
Legalization (age 21; licensed retail; THC tax; roadside impairment tests)
Medical-only (prescription/caregiver card; licensed dispensaries)
Previous Law
Legalization (age 21; licensed retail; THC tax; roadside impairment tests)
Proposed Law
Medical-only (prescription/caregiver card; licensed dispensaries)
Passed
Proposed by Middle Alliance
3 years ago
Medical-only (prescription/caregiver card; licensed dispensaries)
Legalization (age 21; licensed retail; THC tax; roadside impairment tests)
Previous Law
Medical-only (prescription/caregiver card; licensed dispensaries)
Proposed Law
Legalization (age 21; licensed retail; THC tax; roadside impairment tests)
Passed
Proposed by Vox España
10 years ago
Decriminalization (≤10g civil fine; no arrest; record expungement)
Medical-only (prescription/caregiver card; licensed dispensaries)
Previous Law
Decriminalization (≤10g civil fine; no arrest; record expungement)
Proposed Law
Medical-only (prescription/caregiver card; licensed dispensaries)
Passed
Proposed by The People’s Coalition
12 years ago
Legalization (age 21; licensed retail; THC tax; roadside impairment tests)
Decriminalization (≤10g civil fine; no arrest; record expungement)
Previous Law
Legalization (age 21; licensed retail; THC tax; roadside impairment tests)
Proposed Law
Decriminalization (≤10g civil fine; no arrest; record expungement)
Failed
Proposed by Democratic Progressive Alliance
14 years ago
Legalization (age 21; licensed retail; THC tax; roadside impairment tests)
Decriminalization (≤10g civil fine; no arrest; record expungement)
Legalization (age 21; licensed retail; THC tax; roadside impairment tests)
Previous Law
Legalization (age 21; licensed retail; THC tax; roadside impairment tests)
Proposed Law
Decriminalization (≤10g civil fine; no arrest; record expungement)
Passed
Proposed by Partido Social Democrata Costavelaño
14 years ago
Medical-only (prescription/caregiver card; licensed dispensaries)
Legalization (age 21; licensed retail; THC tax; roadside impairment tests)
Previous Law
Medical-only (prescription/caregiver card; licensed dispensaries)
Proposed Law
Legalization (age 21; licensed retail; THC tax; roadside impairment tests)
Psychedelics Policy
Currently: Legal for medical / supervised use only
Available Options
Full prohibition; possession criminalised, prison for repeat offences
Legal for medical / supervised use only
Current
Possession decriminalised; treatment-led
Legal, licensed, regulated retail
Fully legalised, no restrictions
State-distributed / managed supply programme
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
5 years ago
Full prohibition; possession criminalised, prison for repeat offences
Legal for medical / supervised use only
Previous Law
Full prohibition; possession criminalised, prison for repeat offences
Proposed Law
Legal for medical / supervised use only
Stimulants Policy
Currently: Legal for medical / supervised use only
Available Options
Full prohibition; possession criminalised, prison for repeat offences
Legal for medical / supervised use only
Current
Possession decriminalised; treatment-led
Legal, licensed, regulated retail
Fully legalised, no restrictions
State-distributed / managed supply programme
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Youth Of Costa
5 months ago
Legal for medical / supervised use only
Full prohibition; possession criminalised, prison for repeat offences
Legal for medical / supervised use only
Previous Law
Legal for medical / supervised use only
Proposed Law
Full prohibition; possession criminalised, prison for repeat offences
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
5 years ago
Full prohibition; possession criminalised, prison for repeat offences
Legal for medical / supervised use only
Previous Law
Full prohibition; possession criminalised, prison for repeat offences
Proposed Law
Legal for medical / supervised use only
Tobacco & Vaping Regulation
Currently: Light regulation (age 18, designated smoking areas, health warnings)
Available Options
State-distributed free tobacco and cigarettes to all adults
No restrictions on tobacco sales or use (no age limit, no warnings)
Light regulation (age 18, designated smoking areas, health warnings)
Current
Heavy restrictions (plain packaging; indoor ban; age 21; advertising banned)
Total ban on tobacco and vaping products; possession criminalized
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Middle Alliance
3 years ago
Light regulation (age 18, designated smoking areas, health warnings)
Heavy restrictions (plain packaging; indoor ban; age 21; advertising banned)
Light regulation (age 18, designated smoking areas, health warnings)
Previous Law
Light regulation (age 18, designated smoking areas, health warnings)
Proposed Law
Heavy restrictions (plain packaging; indoor ban; age 21; advertising banned)
Failed
Proposed by Middle Alliance
3 years ago
Light regulation (age 18, designated smoking areas, health warnings)
Heavy restrictions (plain packaging; indoor ban; age 21; advertising banned)
Light regulation (age 18, designated smoking areas, health warnings)
Previous Law
Light regulation (age 18, designated smoking areas, health warnings)
Proposed Law
Heavy restrictions (plain packaging; indoor ban; age 21; advertising banned)
Rejected
July 30, 2021
(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)
Failed
3 years ago
Light regulation (age 18, designated smoking areas, health warnings)
Total ban on tobacco and vaping products; possession criminalized
Light regulation (age 18, designated smoking areas, health warnings)
Previous Law
Light regulation (age 18, designated smoking areas, health warnings)
Proposed Law
Total ban on tobacco and vaping products; possession criminalized
Rejected
June 15, 2021
(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)
Failed
3 years ago
Light regulation (age 18, designated smoking areas, health warnings)
Total ban on tobacco and vaping products; possession criminalized
Light regulation (age 18, designated smoking areas, health warnings)
Previous Law
Light regulation (age 18, designated smoking areas, health warnings)
Proposed Law
Total ban on tobacco and vaping products; possession criminalized
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
3 years ago
Heavy restrictions (plain packaging; indoor ban; age 21; advertising banned)
Light regulation (age 18, designated smoking areas, health warnings)
Previous Law
Heavy restrictions (plain packaging; indoor ban; age 21; advertising banned)
Proposed Law
Light regulation (age 18, designated smoking areas, health warnings)
Passed
Proposed by Civic Progress+
9 years ago
Light regulation (age 18, designated smoking areas, health warnings)
Heavy restrictions (plain packaging; indoor ban; age 21; advertising banned)
Previous Law
Light regulation (age 18, designated smoking areas, health warnings)
Proposed Law
Heavy restrictions (plain packaging; indoor ban; age 21; advertising banned)
Passed
Proposed by United Labour
11 years ago
Heavy restrictions (plain packaging; indoor ban; age 21; advertising banned)
Light regulation (age 18, designated smoking areas, health warnings)
Previous Law
Heavy restrictions (plain packaging; indoor ban; age 21; advertising banned)
Proposed Law
Light regulation (age 18, designated smoking areas, health warnings)
Failed
Proposed by United Labour
11 years ago
Heavy restrictions (plain packaging; indoor ban; age 21; advertising banned)
Light regulation (age 18, designated smoking areas, health warnings)
Heavy restrictions (plain packaging; indoor ban; age 21; advertising banned)
Previous Law
Heavy restrictions (plain packaging; indoor ban; age 21; advertising banned)
Proposed Law
Light regulation (age 18, designated smoking areas, health warnings)
Failed
Proposed by Homeland
12 years ago
Heavy restrictions (plain packaging; indoor ban; age 21; advertising banned)
Light regulation (age 18, designated smoking areas, health warnings)
Heavy restrictions (plain packaging; indoor ban; age 21; advertising banned)
Previous Law
Heavy restrictions (plain packaging; indoor ban; age 21; advertising banned)
Proposed Law
Light regulation (age 18, designated smoking areas, health warnings)
Economy
25 lawsAgricultural Market Regime
Currently: Mixed regime: tariffs on some staples, intervention only in a crisis
Available Options
State marketing board buys all farm output at fixed prices
Import quotas and price floors protect domestic farmers
Mixed regime: tariffs on some staples, intervention only in a crisis
Current
Open agricultural trade; intervention only in emergencies
No tariffs, marketing boards or price support of any kind
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Banking & Financial Regulation
Currently: Deregulated financial centre
Available Options
Capital controls, separated retail/investment banking
Strong prudential oversight
Light-touch regulation
Deregulated financial centre
Current
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Alliance
5 months ago
Capital controls, separated retail/investment banking
Strong prudential oversight
Previous Law
Capital controls, separated retail/investment banking
Proposed Law
Strong prudential oversight
Failed
Proposed by Costavela Democratic Union
6 months ago
Capital controls, separated retail/investment banking
Strong prudential oversight
Capital controls, separated retail/investment banking
Previous Law
Capital controls, separated retail/investment banking
Proposed Law
Strong prudential oversight
Failed
Proposed by Alliance
12 months ago
Capital controls, separated retail/investment banking
Strong prudential oversight
Capital controls, separated retail/investment banking
Previous Law
Capital controls, separated retail/investment banking
Proposed Law
Strong prudential oversight
Passed
Proposed by People Welfare Alliance
1 year ago
Deregulated financial centre
Capital controls, separated retail/investment banking
Previous Law
Deregulated financial centre
Proposed Law
Capital controls, separated retail/investment banking
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
Strong prudential oversight
Deregulated financial centre
Bankruptcy & Insolvency
Currently: Court-supervised repayment plans, discharge after several years
Available Options
Default is a crime; debts never expire and pass to heirs
Very strict bankruptcy; debts remain enforceable for decades
Court-supervised repayment plans, discharge after several years
Current
Fresh start: discharge after one year for individuals and small firms
Rapid debt discharge on request for individuals and small businesses
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Child Labour Law
Currently: Employment permitted from age 16 with restrictions; no work under 16
Available Options
No age restrictions on employment whatsoever
Children may work from age 10 (limited hours during school terms)
Light work permitted from age 14; full employment from 16
Employment permitted from age 16 with restrictions; no work under 16
Current
No employment of any kind until age 18
No employment until age 21; extended mandatory education
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
2 years ago
No employment of any kind until age 18
Employment permitted from age 16 with restrictions; no work under 16
Previous Law
No employment of any kind until age 18
Proposed Law
Employment permitted from age 16 with restrictions; no work under 16
Failed
Proposed by Liberal
2 years ago
No employment of any kind until age 18
Employment permitted from age 16 with restrictions; no work under 16
No employment of any kind until age 18
Previous Law
No employment of any kind until age 18
Proposed Law
Employment permitted from age 16 with restrictions; no work under 16
Failed
Proposed by Liberal
2 years ago
No employment of any kind until age 18
Light work permitted from age 14; full employment from 16
No employment of any kind until age 18
Previous Law
No employment of any kind until age 18
Proposed Law
Light work permitted from age 14; full employment from 16
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
Employment permitted from age 16 with restrictions; no work under 16
No employment of any kind until age 18
Previous Law
Employment permitted from age 16 with restrictions; no work under 16
Proposed Law
No employment of any kind until age 18
Failed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
Employment permitted from age 16 with restrictions; no work under 16
No employment of any kind until age 18
Employment permitted from age 16 with restrictions; no work under 16
Previous Law
Employment permitted from age 16 with restrictions; no work under 16
Proposed Law
No employment of any kind until age 18
Failed
Proposed by Civic Progress+
9 years ago
Employment permitted from age 16 with restrictions; no work under 16
Light work permitted from age 14; full employment from 16
Employment permitted from age 16 with restrictions; no work under 16
Previous Law
Employment permitted from age 16 with restrictions; no work under 16
Proposed Law
Light work permitted from age 14; full employment from 16
Passed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
12 years ago
Light work permitted from age 14; full employment from 16
Employment permitted from age 16 with restrictions; no work under 16
Previous Law
Light work permitted from age 14; full employment from 16
Proposed Law
Employment permitted from age 16 with restrictions; no work under 16
Passed
Proposed by Reform Costavela
12 years ago
Employment permitted from age 16 with restrictions; no work under 16
Light work permitted from age 14; full employment from 16
Previous Law
Employment permitted from age 16 with restrictions; no work under 16
Proposed Law
Light work permitted from age 14; full employment from 16
Failed
Proposed by National Costavela Congress
14 years ago
Employment permitted from age 16 with restrictions; no work under 16
No employment until age 21; extended mandatory education
Employment permitted from age 16 with restrictions; no work under 16
Previous Law
Employment permitted from age 16 with restrictions; no work under 16
Proposed Law
No employment until age 21; extended mandatory education
Competition & Monopolies
Currently: Active competition enforcement
Available Options
Proactively break up dominant firms
Active competition enforcement
Current
Permissive on mergers and scale
No competition intervention
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Alliance
12 months ago
Active competition enforcement
Permissive on mergers and scale
Active competition enforcement
Failed
Proposed by People's Congress Of Costavela
1 year ago
Active competition enforcement
Permissive on mergers and scale
Active competition enforcement
Enacted
June 15, 2021
(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)
Passed
3 years ago
Permissive on mergers and scale
Active competition enforcement
Previous Law
Permissive on mergers and scale
Proposed Law
Active competition enforcement
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
Active competition enforcement
Permissive on mergers and scale
Failed
Proposed by The Social Democrats
4 years ago
Active competition enforcement
Proactively break up dominant firms
Active competition enforcement
Consumer Protection
Currently: Multi-year warranties, no-quibble refunds for faulty goods, enforced safety standards
Available Options
Lifetime right to repair, mandatory long warranties, automatic recalls, class actions, a regulator that fines and bans products
Multi-year warranties, no-quibble refunds for faulty goods, enforced safety standards
Current
Statutory refund/replace for faulty goods within a set period; basic safety standards
Short statutory warranty only; disputes left to the courts
No statutory protection; all terms set by contract, buyer beware
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by People's Congress Of Costavela
1 year ago
Multi-year warranties, no-quibble refunds for faulty goods, enforced safety standards
Statutory refund/replace for faulty goods within a set period; basic safety standards
Multi-year warranties, no-quibble refunds for faulty goods, enforced safety standards
Previous Law
Multi-year warranties, no-quibble refunds for faulty goods, enforced safety standards
Proposed Law
Statutory refund/replace for faulty goods within a set period; basic safety standards
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
Statutory refund/replace for faulty goods within a set period; basic safety standards
Multi-year warranties, no-quibble refunds for faulty goods, enforced safety standards
Previous Law
Statutory refund/replace for faulty goods within a set period; basic safety standards
Proposed Law
Multi-year warranties, no-quibble refunds for faulty goods, enforced safety standards
Failed
Proposed by The Social Democrats
4 years ago
Statutory refund/replace for faulty goods within a set period; basic safety standards
Multi-year warranties, no-quibble refunds for faulty goods, enforced safety standards
Statutory refund/replace for faulty goods within a set period; basic safety standards
Previous Law
Statutory refund/replace for faulty goods within a set period; basic safety standards
Proposed Law
Multi-year warranties, no-quibble refunds for faulty goods, enforced safety standards
Foreign Investment & Takeovers
Currently: Large deals must be notified to the government; no veto
Available Options
No restrictions on foreign investment or takeovers
Large deals must be notified to the government; no veto
Current
Screening of sensitive sectors on national-security grounds
Government veto over foreign takeovers of strategic firms
Foreign stakes capped at 49% in every company
Foreign investment prohibited in all sectors
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Alliance
2 months ago
Screening of sensitive sectors on national-security grounds
Large deals must be notified to the government; no veto
Previous Law
Screening of sensitive sectors on national-security grounds
Proposed Law
Large deals must be notified to the government; no veto
Foreign Land Ownership
Currently: Foreign purchases require government approval
Available Options
Abolish all private land ownership; all land held by the state
Ban all foreign ownership of land and property
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Foreign purchases require government approval
Current
No restrictions on foreign land purchases
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Costavela Democratic Union
6 months ago
Foreign purchases require government approval
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Foreign purchases require government approval
Previous Law
Foreign purchases require government approval
Proposed Law
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Failed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
1 year ago
Foreign purchases require government approval
No restrictions on foreign land purchases
Foreign purchases require government approval
Previous Law
Foreign purchases require government approval
Proposed Law
No restrictions on foreign land purchases
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
3 years ago
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Foreign purchases require government approval
Previous Law
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Proposed Law
Foreign purchases require government approval
Passed
Proposed by Middle Alliance
3 years ago
Foreign purchases require government approval
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Previous Law
Foreign purchases require government approval
Proposed Law
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Failed
Proposed by Vox España
8 years ago
Foreign purchases require government approval
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Foreign purchases require government approval
Previous Law
Foreign purchases require government approval
Proposed Law
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Passed
Proposed by Costavela Democrats
9 years ago
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Foreign purchases require government approval
Previous Law
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Proposed Law
Foreign purchases require government approval
Passed
Proposed by Civic Progress+
10 years ago
Abolish all private land ownership; all land held by the state
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Previous Law
Abolish all private land ownership; all land held by the state
Proposed Law
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Failed
Proposed by Vox España
10 years ago
Abolish all private land ownership; all land held by the state
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Abolish all private land ownership; all land held by the state
Previous Law
Abolish all private land ownership; all land held by the state
Proposed Law
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Failed
Proposed by Civic Progress+
10 years ago
Abolish all private land ownership; all land held by the state
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Abolish all private land ownership; all land held by the state
Previous Law
Abolish all private land ownership; all land held by the state
Proposed Law
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Passed
Proposed by The People’s Coalition
12 years ago
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Abolish all private land ownership; all land held by the state
Previous Law
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Proposed Law
Abolish all private land ownership; all land held by the state
Failed
Proposed by The People’s Coalition
12 years ago
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Ban all foreign ownership of land and property
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Previous Law
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Proposed Law
Ban all foreign ownership of land and property
Failed
Proposed by Unity & Freedom
13 years ago
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
No restrictions on foreign land purchases
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Previous Law
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Proposed Law
No restrictions on foreign land purchases
Passed
Proposed by Partido Social Democrata Costavelaño
14 years ago
Foreign purchases require government approval
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Previous Law
Foreign purchases require government approval
Proposed Law
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Failed
Proposed by Partido Social Democrata Costavelaño
14 years ago
Foreign purchases require government approval
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Foreign purchases require government approval
Previous Law
Foreign purchases require government approval
Proposed Law
Foreign ownership limited to commercial property only; residential banned
Gig Economy & Platform Workers
Currently: Gig workers classified as employees with full rights (sick pay, holiday, pensions)
Available Options
Platform workers are independent contractors; no protections required
Basic protections (minimum pay, accident insurance) for gig workers
Gig workers classified as employees with full rights (sick pay, holiday, pensions)
Current
Gig platforms banned; all work must be traditional employment contracts
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Vox España
7 years ago
Gig workers classified as employees with full rights (sick pay, holiday, pensions)
Basic protections (minimum pay, accident insurance) for gig workers
Gig workers classified as employees with full rights (sick pay, holiday, pensions)
Previous Law
Gig workers classified as employees with full rights (sick pay, holiday, pensions)
Proposed Law
Basic protections (minimum pay, accident insurance) for gig workers
Enacted
July 12, 2010
(14 years ago)
(14 years ago)
Passed
14 years ago
Basic protections (minimum pay, accident insurance) for gig workers
Gig workers classified as employees with full rights (sick pay, holiday, pensions)
Previous Law
Basic protections (minimum pay, accident insurance) for gig workers
Proposed Law
Gig workers classified as employees with full rights (sick pay, holiday, pensions)
Maximum Working Hours
Currently: Mandatory four-day work week (28 hours maximum)
Available Options
No statutory limit on working hours
48-hour weekly maximum
40-hour weekly maximum with overtime controls
35-hour weekly maximum
Mandatory four-day work week (28 hours maximum)
Current
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Alliance
12 months ago
Mandatory four-day work week (28 hours maximum)
40-hour weekly maximum with overtime controls
Mandatory four-day work week (28 hours maximum)
Previous Law
Mandatory four-day work week (28 hours maximum)
Proposed Law
40-hour weekly maximum with overtime controls
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
2 years ago
35-hour weekly maximum
Mandatory four-day work week (28 hours maximum)
Previous Law
35-hour weekly maximum
Proposed Law
Mandatory four-day work week (28 hours maximum)
Passed
Proposed by National Union Of Costavela
2 years ago
Mandatory four-day work week (28 hours maximum)
35-hour weekly maximum
Previous Law
Mandatory four-day work week (28 hours maximum)
Proposed Law
35-hour weekly maximum
Enacted
June 15, 2021
(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)
Passed
3 years ago
35-hour weekly maximum
Mandatory four-day work week (28 hours maximum)
Previous Law
35-hour weekly maximum
Proposed Law
Mandatory four-day work week (28 hours maximum)
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
40-hour weekly maximum with overtime controls
35-hour weekly maximum
Passed
Proposed by Vox España
7 years ago
35-hour weekly maximum
40-hour weekly maximum with overtime controls
Failed
Proposed by Vox España
8 years ago
35-hour weekly maximum
40-hour weekly maximum with overtime controls
35-hour weekly maximum
Failed
Proposed by Vox España
8 years ago
35-hour weekly maximum
40-hour weekly maximum with overtime controls
35-hour weekly maximum
Passed
Proposed by Vox España
10 years ago
40-hour weekly maximum with overtime controls
35-hour weekly maximum
Passed
Proposed by Civic Progress+
10 years ago
Mandatory four-day work week (28 hours maximum)
40-hour weekly maximum with overtime controls
Previous Law
Mandatory four-day work week (28 hours maximum)
Proposed Law
40-hour weekly maximum with overtime controls
Passed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
11 years ago
35-hour weekly maximum
Mandatory four-day work week (28 hours maximum)
Previous Law
35-hour weekly maximum
Proposed Law
Mandatory four-day work week (28 hours maximum)
Failed
Proposed by United Labour
11 years ago
35-hour weekly maximum
Mandatory four-day work week (28 hours maximum)
35-hour weekly maximum
Previous Law
35-hour weekly maximum
Proposed Law
Mandatory four-day work week (28 hours maximum)
Failed
Proposed by United Labour
12 years ago
35-hour weekly maximum
Mandatory four-day work week (28 hours maximum)
35-hour weekly maximum
Previous Law
35-hour weekly maximum
Proposed Law
Mandatory four-day work week (28 hours maximum)
Passed
Proposed by The People’s Coalition
12 years ago
40-hour weekly maximum with overtime controls
35-hour weekly maximum
Failed
Proposed by The People’s Coalition
12 years ago
40-hour weekly maximum with overtime controls
Mandatory four-day work week (28 hours maximum)
40-hour weekly maximum with overtime controls
Previous Law
40-hour weekly maximum with overtime controls
Proposed Law
Mandatory four-day work week (28 hours maximum)
Enacted
July 12, 2010
(14 years ago)
(14 years ago)
Passed
14 years ago
48-hour weekly maximum
40-hour weekly maximum with overtime controls
Previous Law
48-hour weekly maximum
Proposed Law
40-hour weekly maximum with overtime controls
Minimum Wage Policy
Currently: High living wage
Available Options
No minimum wage
Basic minimum wage
High living wage
Current
Maximum wage cap (no one may earn more than 10x the lowest-paid worker)
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Middle Alliance
3 years ago
High living wage
Maximum wage cap (no one may earn more than 10x the lowest-paid worker)
High living wage
Previous Law
High living wage
Proposed Law
Maximum wage cap (no one may earn more than 10x the lowest-paid worker)
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
6 years ago
Basic minimum wage
High living wage
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
9 years ago
Basic minimum wage
High living wage
Passed
Proposed by Civic Progress+
10 years ago
Maximum wage cap (no one may earn more than 10x the lowest-paid worker)
Basic minimum wage
Previous Law
Maximum wage cap (no one may earn more than 10x the lowest-paid worker)
Proposed Law
Basic minimum wage
Passed
Proposed by United Labour
11 years ago
High living wage
Maximum wage cap (no one may earn more than 10x the lowest-paid worker)
Previous Law
High living wage
Proposed Law
Maximum wage cap (no one may earn more than 10x the lowest-paid worker)
Failed
Proposed by United Labour
12 years ago
High living wage
Maximum wage cap (no one may earn more than 10x the lowest-paid worker)
High living wage
Previous Law
High living wage
Proposed Law
Maximum wage cap (no one may earn more than 10x the lowest-paid worker)
Failed
Proposed by The People’s Coalition
12 years ago
High living wage
Maximum wage cap (no one may earn more than 10x the lowest-paid worker)
High living wage
Previous Law
High living wage
Proposed Law
Maximum wage cap (no one may earn more than 10x the lowest-paid worker)
Failed
Proposed by The People’s Coalition
12 years ago
High living wage
Maximum wage cap (no one may earn more than 10x the lowest-paid worker)
High living wage
Previous Law
High living wage
Proposed Law
Maximum wage cap (no one may earn more than 10x the lowest-paid worker)
Online Retail & Marketplaces
Currently: Marketplaces liable for illegal or unsafe third-party goods; standard returns rights
Available Options
Online sales only through licensed domestic retailers; cross-border parcels blocked
Marketplaces need a state licence and a local presence
Marketplaces liable for illegal or unsafe third-party goods; standard returns rights
Current
Limited platform liability; minimal checks on small cross-border parcels
Digital-first: e-signatures, no local-presence rules, open cross-border selling
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Paid Annual Leave
Currently: 6+ weeks statutory paid leave
Available Options
6+ weeks statutory paid leave
Current
~4 weeks statutory paid leave
Minimal statutory leave
No statutory minimum; left to contract
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
3 years ago
~4 weeks statutory paid leave
6+ weeks statutory paid leave
Paid Sick Leave
Currently: Employers must pay statutory sick pay
Available Options
No statutory sick leave
Unpaid but job-protected sick leave
Employers must pay statutory sick pay
Current
State-funded sick pay from day one, employees and self-employed
Unlimited fully paid sick leave; no medical certificate required
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Price-Gouging Regulation
Currently: Temporary price caps on essentials in declared emergencies
Available Options
No restrictions; prices follow supply and demand, emergencies included
Sellers must justify large price rises publicly; no caps
Temporary price caps on essentials in declared emergencies
Current
Standing watchdog that fines unjustified price rises on essentials
State-controlled prices for essential goods
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Public Ownership of Key Industries
Currently: Privatise and lightly regulate
Available Options
Nationalise all key utilities and transport
Public ownership of natural monopolies
Private, with strong regulation
Privatise and lightly regulate
Current
Full privatisation, market discipline
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Costavela Workers' Front
3 months ago
Private, with strong regulation
Public ownership of natural monopolies
Private, with strong regulation
Previous Law
Private, with strong regulation
Proposed Law
Public ownership of natural monopolies
Failed
Proposed by Partido Brasil Avança (PBA)
1 year ago
Private, with strong regulation
Privatise and lightly regulate
Private, with strong regulation
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
2 years ago
Full privatisation, market discipline
Private, with strong regulation
Previous Law
Full privatisation, market discipline
Proposed Law
Private, with strong regulation
Failed
Proposed by The Social Democrats
4 years ago
Full privatisation, market discipline
Public ownership of natural monopolies
Full privatisation, market discipline
Previous Law
Full privatisation, market discipline
Proposed Law
Public ownership of natural monopolies
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
Private, with strong regulation
Full privatisation, market discipline
Previous Law
Private, with strong regulation
Proposed Law
Full privatisation, market discipline
Public Procurement Rules
Currently: Open competitive tendering on value for money
Available Options
Lowest-cost bidder wins; no other criteria may be applied
Open competitive tendering on value for money
Current
Social and environmental value weighed in every bid
Local-first: domestic suppliers preferred wherever possible
Social and environmental criteria required in all public contracts, with a public contracts database
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Retail Planning & Licensing
Currently: Planning permission required for large stores; otherwise open
Available Options
Every shop needs a state licence, with quotas per district
Legal caps on chain-store market share in each town
Out-of-town and large-format stores restricted to protect independents
Planning permission required for large stores; otherwise open
Current
Presumption in favour of new stores; no size limits
No planning or licensing controls on retail at all
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Right to Disconnect
Currently: Legal right to ignore out-of-hours contact
Available Options
Employers may demand availability at all hours; refusal is grounds for dismissal
No specific right; contracts decide
Non-binding code of practice on out-of-hours contact
Legal right to ignore out-of-hours contact
Current
Statutory right with fines for employers who demand out-of-hours work
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Costavela Workers' Front
1 month ago
No specific right; contracts decide
Legal right to ignore out-of-hours contact
Previous Law
No specific right; contracts decide
Proposed Law
Legal right to ignore out-of-hours contact
Right to Strike
Currently: Protected with a lawful ballot
Available Options
Unrestricted right to strike, incl. solidarity action
Protected with a lawful ballot
Current
Banned/limited in essential services
Strikes effectively banned
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Severance & Redundancy Pay
Currently: Statutory severance for long-serving staff
Available Options
Fire at will: no notice and no severance
Statutory notice period only
Statutory severance for long-serving staff
Current
Generous severance scaled to years of service, plus a mandatory retraining offer
Compulsory employer-funded redundancy insurance guaranteeing income while jobless
Job for life: dismissal only for gross misconduct
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Trade Union Rights
Currently: Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Available Options
Trade unions illegal; organizers face imprisonment
Unions permitted but strikes severely limited (cooling-off periods; binding arbitration)
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Current
Mandatory union membership for all workers (closed shop)
All enterprises must be majority worker-owned cooperatives
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Alianza Conservadora Popular
1 year ago
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Unions permitted but strikes severely limited (cooling-off periods; binding arbitration)
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Previous Law
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Proposed Law
Unions permitted but strikes severely limited (cooling-off periods; binding arbitration)
Failed
Proposed by National Democratic Movement
3 years ago
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Unions permitted but strikes severely limited (cooling-off periods; binding arbitration)
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Previous Law
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Proposed Law
Unions permitted but strikes severely limited (cooling-off periods; binding arbitration)
Rejected
July 30, 2021
(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)
Failed
3 years ago
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
All enterprises must be majority worker-owned cooperatives
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Previous Law
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Proposed Law
All enterprises must be majority worker-owned cooperatives
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
6 years ago
Unions permitted but strikes severely limited (cooling-off periods; binding arbitration)
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Previous Law
Unions permitted but strikes severely limited (cooling-off periods; binding arbitration)
Proposed Law
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Passed
Proposed by Vox España
7 years ago
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Unions permitted but strikes severely limited (cooling-off periods; binding arbitration)
Previous Law
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Proposed Law
Unions permitted but strikes severely limited (cooling-off periods; binding arbitration)
Failed
Proposed by Vox España
8 years ago
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Unions permitted but strikes severely limited (cooling-off periods; binding arbitration)
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Previous Law
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Proposed Law
Unions permitted but strikes severely limited (cooling-off periods; binding arbitration)
Failed
Proposed by New Democratic Front
8 years ago
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Mandatory union membership for all workers (closed shop)
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Previous Law
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Proposed Law
Mandatory union membership for all workers (closed shop)
Failed
Proposed by Vox España
9 years ago
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Unions permitted but strikes severely limited (cooling-off periods; binding arbitration)
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Previous Law
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Proposed Law
Unions permitted but strikes severely limited (cooling-off periods; binding arbitration)
Passed
Proposed by Civic Progress+
10 years ago
All enterprises must be majority worker-owned cooperatives
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Previous Law
All enterprises must be majority worker-owned cooperatives
Proposed Law
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Failed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
10 years ago
All enterprises must be majority worker-owned cooperatives
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
All enterprises must be majority worker-owned cooperatives
Previous Law
All enterprises must be majority worker-owned cooperatives
Proposed Law
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Passed
Proposed by United Labour
11 years ago
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
All enterprises must be majority worker-owned cooperatives
Previous Law
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Proposed Law
All enterprises must be majority worker-owned cooperatives
Failed
Proposed by United Labour
12 years ago
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
All enterprises must be majority worker-owned cooperatives
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Previous Law
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Proposed Law
All enterprises must be majority worker-owned cooperatives
Failed
Proposed by One Nation
12 years ago
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Unions permitted but strikes severely limited (cooling-off periods; binding arbitration)
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Previous Law
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Proposed Law
Unions permitted but strikes severely limited (cooling-off periods; binding arbitration)
Failed
Proposed by The People’s Coalition
12 years ago
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
All enterprises must be majority worker-owned cooperatives
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Previous Law
Full collective bargaining and strike rights
Proposed Law
All enterprises must be majority worker-owned cooperatives
Worker Representation on Company Boards
Currently: No requirement; boards are the shareholders' business
Available Options
Employee representatives barred from boards and works councils
No requirement; boards are the shareholders' business
Current
Works councils must be consulted on major decisions
Workers elect a third of board seats at large firms
Workers hold half of board seats at large firms
Majority worker representation on company boards
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Workplace Safety
Currently: Statutory safety standards enforced by a labour inspectorate
Available Options
No safety requirements; workers accept the risks of the job
Minimal duties; enforced only after a complaint
Statutory safety standards enforced by a labour inspectorate
Current
Strict standards, frequent unannounced inspections, heavy fines
Zero tolerance: employers criminally liable for any preventable death or injury
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Zero-Hour & On-Call Contracts
Currently: Right to request fixed hours after 12 weeks, plus an on-call pay premium
Available Options
Completely unrestricted; workers on call with no guaranteed hours or pay
Permitted, but exclusivity clauses banned
Permitted with minimum notice and pay for cancelled shifts
Right to request fixed hours after 12 weeks, plus an on-call pay premium
Current
Ban all unstable employment contracts
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Costavela Workers' Front
3 weeks ago
Permitted with minimum notice and pay for cancelled shifts
Right to request fixed hours after 12 weeks, plus an on-call pay premium
Previous Law
Permitted with minimum notice and pay for cancelled shifts
Proposed Law
Right to request fixed hours after 12 weeks, plus an on-call pay premium
Education
10 lawsHomeschooling Regulation
Currently: Unrestricted right to homeschool with no state oversight
Available Options
Homeschooling prohibited; all children must attend licensed schools
Homeschooling allowed with curriculum standards, testing, and inspections
Unrestricted right to homeschool with no state oversight
Current
No compulsory education; families decide whether children are schooled at all
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
2 years ago
Homeschooling prohibited; all children must attend licensed schools
Unrestricted right to homeschool with no state oversight
Previous Law
Homeschooling prohibited; all children must attend licensed schools
Proposed Law
Unrestricted right to homeschool with no state oversight
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
3 years ago
Homeschooling allowed with curriculum standards, testing, and inspections
Homeschooling prohibited; all children must attend licensed schools
Previous Law
Homeschooling allowed with curriculum standards, testing, and inspections
Proposed Law
Homeschooling prohibited; all children must attend licensed schools
Passed
Proposed by Costavela Democrats
10 years ago
Homeschooling prohibited; all children must attend licensed schools
Homeschooling allowed with curriculum standards, testing, and inspections
Previous Law
Homeschooling prohibited; all children must attend licensed schools
Proposed Law
Homeschooling allowed with curriculum standards, testing, and inspections
Failed
Proposed by Civic Progress+
10 years ago
Homeschooling prohibited; all children must attend licensed schools
Homeschooling allowed with curriculum standards, testing, and inspections
Homeschooling prohibited; all children must attend licensed schools
Previous Law
Homeschooling prohibited; all children must attend licensed schools
Proposed Law
Homeschooling allowed with curriculum standards, testing, and inspections
Passed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
11 years ago
Homeschooling allowed with curriculum standards, testing, and inspections
Homeschooling prohibited; all children must attend licensed schools
Previous Law
Homeschooling allowed with curriculum standards, testing, and inspections
Proposed Law
Homeschooling prohibited; all children must attend licensed schools
Passed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
12 years ago
Unrestricted right to homeschool with no state oversight
Homeschooling allowed with curriculum standards, testing, and inspections
Previous Law
Unrestricted right to homeschool with no state oversight
Proposed Law
Homeschooling allowed with curriculum standards, testing, and inspections
Failed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
12 years ago
Unrestricted right to homeschool with no state oversight
Homeschooling allowed with curriculum standards, testing, and inspections
Unrestricted right to homeschool with no state oversight
Previous Law
Unrestricted right to homeschool with no state oversight
Proposed Law
Homeschooling allowed with curriculum standards, testing, and inspections
Passed
Proposed by Reform Costavela
13 years ago
Homeschooling allowed with curriculum standards, testing, and inspections
Unrestricted right to homeschool with no state oversight
Previous Law
Homeschooling allowed with curriculum standards, testing, and inspections
Proposed Law
Unrestricted right to homeschool with no state oversight
Mobile Phones in Schools
Currently: Smartphones banned on school grounds
Live vote in progressAvailable Options
Smartphones banned on school grounds
Current
Restricted to break times
Left to teacher discretion
No restrictions
Legislative History
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
1 month ago
Smartphones banned on school grounds
Left to teacher discretion
Passed
Proposed by Youth Of Costa
3 months ago
Restricted to break times
Smartphones banned on school grounds
Failed
Proposed by Christian Conservative Alliance
2 years ago
Restricted to break times
Smartphones banned on school grounds
Restricted to break times
Failed
Proposed by Middle Alliance
3 years ago
Restricted to break times
Left to teacher discretion
Restricted to break times
National Anthem in Schools
Currently: No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Available Options
National anthem played hourly in all public spaces; citizens must stand
Mandatory daily anthem (all students present; opt-out only for documented reasons)
Weekly assembly anthem (participation optional)
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Current
National anthem abolished; patriotic music banned in all state institutions
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Alianza Conservadora Popular
1 year ago
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Mandatory daily anthem (all students present; opt-out only for documented reasons)
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Previous Law
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Proposed Law
Mandatory daily anthem (all students present; opt-out only for documented reasons)
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
2 years ago
Weekly assembly anthem (participation optional)
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Previous Law
Weekly assembly anthem (participation optional)
Proposed Law
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Failed
Proposed by Liberal
2 years ago
Weekly assembly anthem (participation optional)
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Weekly assembly anthem (participation optional)
Previous Law
Weekly assembly anthem (participation optional)
Proposed Law
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Rejected
June 15, 2021
(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)
Failed
3 years ago
Weekly assembly anthem (participation optional)
Mandatory daily anthem (all students present; opt-out only for documented reasons)
Weekly assembly anthem (participation optional)
Previous Law
Weekly assembly anthem (participation optional)
Proposed Law
Mandatory daily anthem (all students present; opt-out only for documented reasons)
Passed
Proposed by Vox España
7 years ago
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Weekly assembly anthem (participation optional)
Previous Law
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Proposed Law
Weekly assembly anthem (participation optional)
Failed
Proposed by Vox España
9 years ago
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Weekly assembly anthem (participation optional)
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Previous Law
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Proposed Law
Weekly assembly anthem (participation optional)
Failed
Proposed by Neo-Nationalism
11 years ago
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Mandatory daily anthem (all students present; opt-out only for documented reasons)
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Previous Law
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Proposed Law
Mandatory daily anthem (all students present; opt-out only for documented reasons)
Failed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
12 years ago
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Previous Law
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Proposed Law
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Passed
Proposed by The People’s Coalition
12 years ago
Mandatory daily anthem (all students present; opt-out only for documented reasons)
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Previous Law
Mandatory daily anthem (all students present; opt-out only for documented reasons)
Proposed Law
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Passed
Proposed by Reform Costavela
13 years ago
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Mandatory daily anthem (all students present; opt-out only for documented reasons)
Previous Law
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Proposed Law
Mandatory daily anthem (all students present; opt-out only for documented reasons)
Passed
Proposed by Democratic Progressive Alliance
14 years ago
Weekly assembly anthem (participation optional)
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Previous Law
Weekly assembly anthem (participation optional)
Proposed Law
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Failed
Proposed by Democratic Progressive Alliance
14 years ago
Weekly assembly anthem (participation optional)
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Weekly assembly anthem (participation optional)
Previous Law
Weekly assembly anthem (participation optional)
Proposed Law
No anthem in schools (civics taught without ceremonies)
Personal, Health & Relationships Education
Currently: Left entirely to parents
Available Options
Comprehensive, mandatory, no opt-out
Mandatory with parental opt-out
Health basics only
Left entirely to parents
Current
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
6 years ago
Mandatory with parental opt-out
Left entirely to parents
Religious Education in Schools
Currently: Strictly secular education
Available Options
Anti-religious education (children taught that religion is superstition and harmful)
Strictly secular education
Current
Optional religious classes
Mandatory religious instruction
Theocratic curriculum (all subjects taught through religious framework; science optional)
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Costavela Democratic Union
8 months ago
Optional religious classes
Strictly secular education
Rejected
Nov. 11, 2023
(1 year ago)
(1 year ago)
Failed
1 year ago
Optional religious classes
Strictly secular education
Optional religious classes
Previous Law
Optional religious classes
Proposed Law
Strictly secular education
Passed
Proposed by National Union Of Costavela
2 years ago
Strictly secular education
Optional religious classes
Failed
Proposed by National Democratic Movement
3 years ago
Strictly secular education
Optional religious classes
Strictly secular education
Rejected
June 15, 2021
(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)
Failed
3 years ago
Strictly secular education
Mandatory religious instruction
Strictly secular education
Previous Law
Strictly secular education
Proposed Law
Mandatory religious instruction
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
Optional religious classes
Strictly secular education
Passed
Proposed by Civic Progress+
10 years ago
Anti-religious education (children taught that religion is superstition and harmful)
Optional religious classes
Previous Law
Anti-religious education (children taught that religion is superstition and harmful)
Proposed Law
Optional religious classes
Failed
Proposed by Vox España
10 years ago
Anti-religious education (children taught that religion is superstition and harmful)
Optional religious classes
Anti-religious education (children taught that religion is superstition and harmful)
Previous Law
Anti-religious education (children taught that religion is superstition and harmful)
Proposed Law
Optional religious classes
Passed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
11 years ago
Strictly secular education
Anti-religious education (children taught that religion is superstition and harmful)
Previous Law
Strictly secular education
Proposed Law
Anti-religious education (children taught that religion is superstition and harmful)
Passed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
12 years ago
Optional religious classes
Strictly secular education
Failed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
12 years ago
Optional religious classes
Strictly secular education
Optional religious classes
School Leaving Age
Currently: Compulsory education/training to 18
Available Options
Compulsory education/training to 18
Current
Compulsory to 16
May leave at 14 for work/apprenticeship
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
3 years ago
Compulsory to 16
Compulsory education/training to 18
School Selection
Currently: Comprehensive, no selection
Available Options
Selective grammar schools by exam
Some selective schools
Comprehensive, no selection
Current
Comprehensive, mixed-ability classes
State-Funded Faith Schools
Currently: State funds secular schools only
Available Options
Expand state-funded faith schools
Permit existing state-funded faith schools
No new state-funded faith schools
State funds secular schools only
Current
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
Permit existing state-funded faith schools
State funds secular schools only
Previous Law
Permit existing state-funded faith schools
Proposed Law
State funds secular schools only
University Tuition
Currently: Free higher education for all
Available Options
Ban universities
Tuition fees
Vocational training focus
Free higher education for all
Current
Compulsory higher education for all citizens until age 25
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by National Prosperity Alliance
15 years ago
Tuition fees
Free higher education for all
Tuition fees
Failed
Proposed by National Prosperity Alliance
15 years ago
Tuition fees
Free higher education for all
Tuition fees
Vocational & Technical Education
Currently: Employer-led apprenticeships alongside the academic route
Available Options
Academic route only; trades are learned on the job
Employer-led apprenticeships alongside the academic route
Current
Technical colleges and vocational qualifications parallel to university
Dual system: employers must offer apprenticeships and share training costs
Universal access to vocational and technical training, with a guaranteed apprenticeship place for every school-leaver
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Environment
13 lawsAgricultural Environmental Standards
Currently: Baseline standards for pesticides, fertiliser and animal density
Available Options
No restrictions on pesticides, fertiliser or livestock density
Voluntary stewardship schemes
Baseline standards for pesticides, fertiliser and animal density
Current
Strict limits on pesticides and nitrogen, with mandatory buffer strips
Synthetic pesticides phased out; organic-transition targets
Fully regulated sustainable agriculture: a state-approved plan for every farm
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Animal Welfare Standards
Currently: Regulated farming standards and anti-cruelty laws
Available Options
No animal welfare laws whatsoever
Basic anti-cruelty rules only (no regulation of farming practices)
Regulated farming standards and anti-cruelty laws
Current
Strict welfare (ban factory farming; mandatory free-range; fur farming banned)
Legal personhood for animals; all meat production and animal testing banned
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
12 years ago
Strict welfare (ban factory farming; mandatory free-range; fur farming banned)
Regulated farming standards and anti-cruelty laws
Previous Law
Strict welfare (ban factory farming; mandatory free-range; fur farming banned)
Proposed Law
Regulated farming standards and anti-cruelty laws
Passed
Proposed by The People’s Coalition
12 years ago
Basic anti-cruelty rules only (no regulation of farming practices)
Strict welfare (ban factory farming; mandatory free-range; fur farming banned)
Previous Law
Basic anti-cruelty rules only (no regulation of farming practices)
Proposed Law
Strict welfare (ban factory farming; mandatory free-range; fur farming banned)
Passed
Proposed by Reform Costavela
13 years ago
Regulated farming standards and anti-cruelty laws
Basic anti-cruelty rules only (no regulation of farming practices)
Previous Law
Regulated farming standards and anti-cruelty laws
Proposed Law
Basic anti-cruelty rules only (no regulation of farming practices)
Carbon Pricing
Currently: Low carbon price on heavy industry only
Available Options
No carbon price
Low carbon price on heavy industry only
Current
Economy-wide carbon price at a moderate rate
High carbon price with a border adjustment on imports
High carbon price returned to every citizen as a dividend
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Fossil Fuel Extraction
Currently: Managed wind-down
Available Options
Maximise domestic extraction
Licensed extraction with limits
Managed wind-down
Current
Ban all new extraction
Immediate ban on all extraction
Legislative History
Hunting & Field Sports
Currently: Licensed, regulated hunting
Available Options
Compulsory hunting & field-sports education for all schoolchildren
Unrestricted hunting and field sports
Licensed, regulated hunting
Current
Tightly restricted
Total ban on hunting for sport
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Industrial Pollution & Water
Currently: Basic emission and discharge limits
Available Options
Industry sets its own standards
Basic emission and discharge limits
Current
Strict air and water limits, actively inspected
Heavy penalties and criminal liability for executives
Zero discharge permitted; any polluting plant closed immediately
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Land Conservation & Rewilding
Currently: Expand protected areas
Available Options
Large-scale rewilding and new reserves
Expand protected areas
Current
Balanced land use
Prioritise development over protection
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Middle Alliance
3 years ago
Expand protected areas
Large-scale rewilding and new reserves
Expand protected areas
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
5 years ago
Balanced land use
Expand protected areas
Nuclear Power
Currently: Major nuclear build-out
Available Options
Major nuclear build-out
Current
Maintain existing nuclear only
Phase out nuclear power
Immediate nuclear shutdown
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
Maintain existing nuclear only
Major nuclear build-out
Failed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
Maintain existing nuclear only
Major nuclear build-out
Maintain existing nuclear only
Renewable Energy Mandates
Currently: Renewables priority
Available Options
No energy regulation (any fuel source permitted; no environmental standards)
Fossil fuels prioritized
Balanced energy mix
Renewables priority
Current
Nuclear-only energy policy (all fossil and renewable phased out for nuclear)
Ban industrial energy production (return to pre-industrial living)
Legislative History
Rejected
July 7, 2021
(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)
Failed
3 years ago
Renewables priority
Nuclear-only energy policy (all fossil and renewable phased out for nuclear)
Renewables priority
Previous Law
Renewables priority
Proposed Law
Nuclear-only energy policy (all fossil and renewable phased out for nuclear)
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
10 years ago
Renewables priority
Balanced energy mix
Failed
Proposed by United Labour
11 years ago
Renewables priority
Nuclear-only energy policy (all fossil and renewable phased out for nuclear)
Renewables priority
Previous Law
Renewables priority
Proposed Law
Nuclear-only energy policy (all fossil and renewable phased out for nuclear)
Passed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
12 years ago
Balanced energy mix
Renewables priority
Passed
Proposed by Democratic Progressive Alliance
14 years ago
Balanced energy mix
Renewables priority
Single-Use Plastics
Currently: Ban single-use plastics outright
Available Options
Ban single-use plastics outright
Current
Phased restrictions and charges
Voluntary industry targets
No restrictions
Ban paper straws
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
3 years ago
Voluntary industry targets
Ban single-use plastics outright
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
5 years ago
Phased restrictions and charges
Voluntary industry targets
Vehicle Emissions Standards
Currently: Emissions limits with gradual phase-in for new vehicles
Available Options
No vehicle emissions standards whatsoever
Emissions limits with gradual phase-in for new vehicles
Current
Strict emissions standards with immediate enforcement and heavy fines
Ban all new combustion engine vehicle sales
Ban private vehicle ownership entirely; state transport only
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Liberal
2 years ago
Emissions limits with gradual phase-in for new vehicles
No vehicle emissions standards whatsoever
Emissions limits with gradual phase-in for new vehicles
Previous Law
Emissions limits with gradual phase-in for new vehicles
Proposed Law
No vehicle emissions standards whatsoever
Passed
Proposed by Vox España
9 years ago
Strict emissions standards with immediate enforcement and heavy fines
Emissions limits with gradual phase-in for new vehicles
Previous Law
Strict emissions standards with immediate enforcement and heavy fines
Proposed Law
Emissions limits with gradual phase-in for new vehicles
Failed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
10 years ago
Strict emissions standards with immediate enforcement and heavy fines
Emissions limits with gradual phase-in for new vehicles
Strict emissions standards with immediate enforcement and heavy fines
Previous Law
Strict emissions standards with immediate enforcement and heavy fines
Proposed Law
Emissions limits with gradual phase-in for new vehicles
Passed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
11 years ago
Emissions limits with gradual phase-in for new vehicles
Strict emissions standards with immediate enforcement and heavy fines
Previous Law
Emissions limits with gradual phase-in for new vehicles
Proposed Law
Strict emissions standards with immediate enforcement and heavy fines
Passed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
12 years ago
Ban all new combustion engine vehicle sales
Emissions limits with gradual phase-in for new vehicles
Previous Law
Ban all new combustion engine vehicle sales
Proposed Law
Emissions limits with gradual phase-in for new vehicles
Passed
Proposed by The People’s Coalition
12 years ago
No vehicle emissions standards whatsoever
Ban all new combustion engine vehicle sales
Previous Law
No vehicle emissions standards whatsoever
Proposed Law
Ban all new combustion engine vehicle sales
Passed
Proposed by Reform Costavela
13 years ago
Emissions limits with gradual phase-in for new vehicles
No vehicle emissions standards whatsoever
Previous Law
Emissions limits with gradual phase-in for new vehicles
Proposed Law
No vehicle emissions standards whatsoever
Waste Management
Currently: Licensed landfill and incineration with basic recycling targets
Available Options
Private disposal: landfilling and burning permitted with no regulation
Licensed landfill and incineration with basic recycling targets
Current
Producers pay for recycling their packaging and products
Deposit-return schemes, compulsory household separation and landfill caps
State-run circular economy system with zero-waste targets
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Water Usage & Allocation
Currently: Abstraction licences for large users
Available Options
No restrictions on abstraction or use
Abstraction licences for large users
Current
Compulsory metering and conservation targets
Legal priority order in shortages: households first, farms and industry rationed
State-managed water allocation for every user
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Family
5 lawsAdoption & Fostering
Currently: Married couples and single parents
Available Options
Married couples only
Married couples and single parents
Current
Any adult who passes assessment
The state removes children from "unsuitable" homes and places them centrally
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Child Protection Services
Currently: Risk-based social-work intervention with court oversight
Available Options
Family responsibility: no state role unless a crime is reported
Intervention only after serious harm is reported
Risk-based social-work intervention with court oversight
Current
Proactive early-help services and mandatory reporting by teachers and doctors
Universal child-welfare monitoring: home visits and a national child register
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Childcare Provision
Currently: Universal free childcare
Available Options
Universal free childcare
Current
Means-tested subsidised childcare
Private market provision
Incentivise in-family care
Outside childcare prohibited — children belong at home with their mothers
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
Incentivise in-family care
Universal free childcare
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
6 years ago
Means-tested subsidised childcare
Incentivise in-family care
Divorce Law
Currently: No-fault divorce, standard process
Available Options
Quick no-fault divorce
No-fault divorce, standard process
Current
Fault must be proven
Divorce only in extreme circumstances
Only husbands may initiate divorce
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Parental Leave Policy
Currently: Shared, non-transferable parental leave (use-it-or-lose-it for each parent)
Available Options
State-mandated reproduction targets; penalties for childless couples
No state parental leave
Maternity leave for mothers only (optional)
Mandatory maternity leave for mothers only (fathers excluded)
Shared, non-transferable parental leave (use-it-or-lose-it for each parent)
Current
Mandatory one-year leave for both parents; employers may not contact them
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
1 year ago
Shared, non-transferable parental leave (use-it-or-lose-it for each parent)
No state parental leave
Shared, non-transferable parental leave (use-it-or-lose-it for each parent)
Previous Law
Shared, non-transferable parental leave (use-it-or-lose-it for each parent)
Proposed Law
No state parental leave
Rejected
May 15, 2021
(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)
Failed
3 years ago
Shared, non-transferable parental leave (use-it-or-lose-it for each parent)
Mandatory one-year leave for both parents; employers may not contact them
Shared, non-transferable parental leave (use-it-or-lose-it for each parent)
Previous Law
Shared, non-transferable parental leave (use-it-or-lose-it for each parent)
Proposed Law
Mandatory one-year leave for both parents; employers may not contact them
Passed
Proposed by Costavela Democrats
10 years ago
Mandatory one-year leave for both parents; employers may not contact them
Shared, non-transferable parental leave (use-it-or-lose-it for each parent)
Previous Law
Mandatory one-year leave for both parents; employers may not contact them
Proposed Law
Shared, non-transferable parental leave (use-it-or-lose-it for each parent)
Passed
Proposed by Reform Costavela
13 years ago
Shared, non-transferable parental leave (use-it-or-lose-it for each parent)
Mandatory one-year leave for both parents; employers may not contact them
Previous Law
Shared, non-transferable parental leave (use-it-or-lose-it for each parent)
Proposed Law
Mandatory one-year leave for both parents; employers may not contact them
Failed
Proposed by Unity & Freedom
14 years ago
Shared, non-transferable parental leave (use-it-or-lose-it for each parent)
Mandatory maternity leave for mothers only (fathers excluded)
Shared, non-transferable parental leave (use-it-or-lose-it for each parent)
Previous Law
Shared, non-transferable parental leave (use-it-or-lose-it for each parent)
Proposed Law
Mandatory maternity leave for mothers only (fathers excluded)
Gender
3 lawsBody Coverings for Women in Public
Treaty-locked
Currently: Individual discretion
Available Options
Restricted by: Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Women must cover their entire body in public
Locked
Women must cover their face
Locked
Women must cover their hair
Locked
Individual discretion
Current
Face and body coverings banned in public
Locked
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Equal Pay
Currently: Equal pay for equal work; enforced through individual claims
Available Options
Employers may lawfully pay women less than men for the same work
No legal requirement; pay is a matter for contract
Equal pay for equal work; enforced through individual claims
Current
Large employers must publish and explain their gender pay gaps
Mandatory salary transparency and audits, with penalties
State-set pay bands: every job has one legal rate
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Women & Driving
Treaty-locked
Currently: Both men and women may drive
Available Options
Restricted by: Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Both men and women may drive
Current
Women may drive, but with restrictions (e.g. daytime, no long-distance)
Locked
Women may drive only with a husband's/father's permission
Locked
Only men may drive
Locked
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Governance
8 lawsAnti-Corruption Commission
Treaty-locked
Currently: Commission appointed and directed by ministers
Available Options
Restricted by: Universal Declaration of Human Rights
No dedicated body; ordinary police handle corruption
Locked
Commission appointed and directed by ministers
Current
Independent commission with investigative powers
Independent commission with its own prosecutors and asset-seizure powers
Standing tribunal; officials must prove the lawful origin of their wealth or forfeit it
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Data Privacy & Digital Rights
Currently: Strict data rights (right to deletion; algorithmic transparency; heavy fines for violations)
Available Options
Citizens must share all personal data with the state; encryption banned
No data protection laws; companies may collect and sell any data
Basic data protection (consent required; breach notification; opt-out rights)
Strict data rights (right to deletion; algorithmic transparency; heavy fines for violations)
Current
Ban all personal data collection by private companies
Legislative History
Rejected
June 18, 2021
(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)
Failed
3 years ago
Strict data rights (right to deletion; algorithmic transparency; heavy fines for violations)
Citizens must share all personal data with the state; encryption banned
Strict data rights (right to deletion; algorithmic transparency; heavy fines for violations)
Previous Law
Strict data rights (right to deletion; algorithmic transparency; heavy fines for violations)
Proposed Law
Citizens must share all personal data with the state; encryption banned
Passed
Proposed by Vox España
9 years ago
Ban all personal data collection by private companies
Strict data rights (right to deletion; algorithmic transparency; heavy fines for violations)
Previous Law
Ban all personal data collection by private companies
Proposed Law
Strict data rights (right to deletion; algorithmic transparency; heavy fines for violations)
Passed
Proposed by Reform Costavela
13 years ago
Strict data rights (right to deletion; algorithmic transparency; heavy fines for violations)
Ban all personal data collection by private companies
Previous Law
Strict data rights (right to deletion; algorithmic transparency; heavy fines for violations)
Proposed Law
Ban all personal data collection by private companies
Failed
Proposed by Nationalist
14 years ago
Strict data rights (right to deletion; algorithmic transparency; heavy fines for violations)
Citizens must share all personal data with the state; encryption banned
Strict data rights (right to deletion; algorithmic transparency; heavy fines for violations)
Previous Law
Strict data rights (right to deletion; algorithmic transparency; heavy fines for violations)
Proposed Law
Citizens must share all personal data with the state; encryption banned
Passed
Proposed by Partido Social Democrata Costavelaño
14 years ago
Basic data protection (consent required; breach notification; opt-out rights)
Strict data rights (right to deletion; algorithmic transparency; heavy fines for violations)
Previous Law
Basic data protection (consent required; breach notification; opt-out rights)
Proposed Law
Strict data rights (right to deletion; algorithmic transparency; heavy fines for violations)
Emergency Preparedness
Currently: National framework with regional response teams
Available Options
Minimal government planning; respond as events unfold
Local authorities plan and organise their own emergency response
National framework with regional response teams
Current
National stockpiles, shelters and regular public drills
Fully centralised emergency-response system with powers to requisition property and restrict movement
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Government Transparency
Treaty-locked
Currently: Open by default; contracts, meetings and expenses all published
Available Options
Restricted by: Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Government business is secret by default; leaking is a serious crime
Locked
Ministers decide what is published
Locked
Freedom-of-information system with security exemptions
Open by default; contracts, meetings and expenses all published
Current
Every document published, including security and intelligence files
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Alliance
12 months ago
Freedom-of-information system with security exemptions
Open by default; contracts, meetings and expenses all published
Previous Law
Freedom-of-information system with security exemptions
Proposed Law
Open by default; contracts, meetings and expenses all published
Internet Freedom
Treaty-locked
Currently: Completely unregulated internet; no content restrictions of any kind
Available Options
Restricted by: Universal Declaration of Human Rights
State-controlled intranet only; global internet access blocked
Locked
Heavy internet censorship (state firewall; VPNs illegal; social media monitored)
Locked
Moderate regulation (illegal content removed; platforms must verify age; data rules enforced)
Light-touch regulation (net neutrality; limited takedown orders for serious crime only)
Completely unregulated internet; no content restrictions of any kind
Current
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
Moderate regulation (illegal content removed; platforms must verify age; data rules enforced)
Completely unregulated internet; no content restrictions of any kind
Previous Law
Moderate regulation (illegal content removed; platforms must verify age; data rules enforced)
Proposed Law
Completely unregulated internet; no content restrictions of any kind
Failed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
Moderate regulation (illegal content removed; platforms must verify age; data rules enforced)
Completely unregulated internet; no content restrictions of any kind
Moderate regulation (illegal content removed; platforms must verify age; data rules enforced)
Previous Law
Moderate regulation (illegal content removed; platforms must verify age; data rules enforced)
Proposed Law
Completely unregulated internet; no content restrictions of any kind
Passed
Proposed by Reform Costavela
13 years ago
Light-touch regulation (net neutrality; limited takedown orders for serious crime only)
Moderate regulation (illegal content removed; platforms must verify age; data rules enforced)
Previous Law
Light-touch regulation (net neutrality; limited takedown orders for serious crime only)
Proposed Law
Moderate regulation (illegal content removed; platforms must verify age; data rules enforced)
Enacted
July 12, 2010
(14 years ago)
(14 years ago)
Passed
14 years ago
Moderate regulation (illegal content removed; platforms must verify age; data rules enforced)
Light-touch regulation (net neutrality; limited takedown orders for serious crime only)
Previous Law
Moderate regulation (illegal content removed; platforms must verify age; data rules enforced)
Proposed Law
Light-touch regulation (net neutrality; limited takedown orders for serious crime only)
Lobbying & Political Donations
Currently: Strict caps and a public lobbying register
Available Options
Ban corporate/union donations, public-only funding
Strict caps and a public lobbying register
Current
Disclosure rules, few limits
Unrestricted donations and lobbying
Legislative History
Rejected
July 7, 2021
(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)
Failed
3 years ago
Strict caps and a public lobbying register
Disclosure rules, few limits
Strict caps and a public lobbying register
Previous Law
Strict caps and a public lobbying register
Proposed Law
Disclosure rules, few limits
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
Disclosure rules, few limits
Strict caps and a public lobbying register
Previous Law
Disclosure rules, few limits
Proposed Law
Strict caps and a public lobbying register
Failed
Proposed by Costavela Republic
4 years ago
Disclosure rules, few limits
Unrestricted donations and lobbying
Disclosure rules, few limits
Official Language Policy
Currently: Multilingual rights guaranteed (core services available in multiple languages)
Available Options
Mandatory new state-constructed language; all other languages banned in public life
Ban other languages in schools and government services
Single official language for all official documents and courts
No official language (agencies choose service languages pragmatically)
Multilingual rights guaranteed (core services available in multiple languages)
Current
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
5 years ago
Single official language for all official documents and courts
Multilingual rights guaranteed (core services available in multiple languages)
Previous Law
Single official language for all official documents and courts
Proposed Law
Multilingual rights guaranteed (core services available in multiple languages)
Passed
Proposed by Vox España
9 years ago
No official language (agencies choose service languages pragmatically)
Single official language for all official documents and courts
Previous Law
No official language (agencies choose service languages pragmatically)
Proposed Law
Single official language for all official documents and courts
Failed
Proposed by Vox España
9 years ago
No official language (agencies choose service languages pragmatically)
Single official language for all official documents and courts
No official language (agencies choose service languages pragmatically)
Previous Law
No official language (agencies choose service languages pragmatically)
Proposed Law
Single official language for all official documents and courts
Failed
Proposed by Vox España
10 years ago
No official language (agencies choose service languages pragmatically)
Single official language for all official documents and courts
No official language (agencies choose service languages pragmatically)
Previous Law
No official language (agencies choose service languages pragmatically)
Proposed Law
Single official language for all official documents and courts
Failed
Proposed by Vox España
10 years ago
No official language (agencies choose service languages pragmatically)
Single official language for all official documents and courts
No official language (agencies choose service languages pragmatically)
Previous Law
No official language (agencies choose service languages pragmatically)
Proposed Law
Single official language for all official documents and courts
Passed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
11 years ago
Single official language for all official documents and courts
No official language (agencies choose service languages pragmatically)
Previous Law
Single official language for all official documents and courts
Proposed Law
No official language (agencies choose service languages pragmatically)
Whistleblower Protection
Currently: Protection from dismissal and retaliation for reports to regulators
Available Options
Disclosing internal information is a crime; whistleblowers prosecuted
No specific protection; dismissal and lawsuits against whistleblowers permitted
Protection from dismissal and retaliation for reports to regulators
Current
Strong legal protection, free legal support and a share of recoveries for successful disclosures
Public-interest defence for any disclosure, including of state secrets
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Health
12 lawsAssisted Dying Policy
Currently: Broad right-to-die for chronic physical or psychological suffering
Available Options
Mandatory euthanasia at age 80
Mandatory euthanasia at age 90
Over-80s encouraged to "consider the next generation" (state counselling programme)
Broad right-to-die for chronic physical or psychological suffering
Current
Permitted for terminal illness with less than 6 months to live
Prohibited but compassionately enforced (prosecutions rare; judges lenient)
Assisted dying aggressively prosecuted; life sentences for those involved
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by New Democratic Front
8 years ago
Permitted for terminal illness with less than 6 months to live
Broad right-to-die for chronic physical or psychological suffering
Previous Law
Permitted for terminal illness with less than 6 months to live
Proposed Law
Broad right-to-die for chronic physical or psychological suffering
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
9 years ago
Broad right-to-die for chronic physical or psychological suffering
Permitted for terminal illness with less than 6 months to live
Previous Law
Broad right-to-die for chronic physical or psychological suffering
Proposed Law
Permitted for terminal illness with less than 6 months to live
Passed
Proposed by Partido Social Democrata Costavelaño
14 years ago
Permitted for terminal illness with less than 6 months to live
Broad right-to-die for chronic physical or psychological suffering
Previous Law
Permitted for terminal illness with less than 6 months to live
Proposed Law
Broad right-to-die for chronic physical or psychological suffering
Clinical Trials & Drug Approval
Currently: Standard phased trials and regulator approval
Available Options
Human trials banned; only drugs approved abroad may be imported
Long trials, independent review and post-market surveillance
Standard phased trials and regulator approval
Current
Conditional licences on early evidence; rapid regulator review
Single national ethics approval, patient opt-out consent and mutual recognition of foreign approvals
Any medicine may be sold on notification; the regulator only records adverse events
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Drug Patents & Generics
Currently: Standard patent term; generics on expiry and pharmacist substitution allowed
Available Options
Patents extended for new uses; generics blocked while any patent is live
Long patent term with data exclusivity
Standard patent term; generics on expiry and pharmacist substitution allowed
Current
Shorter exclusivity and mandatory generic substitution
Compulsory licences on request; the state promotes generic production
No patents on medicines; any manufacturer may make any drug
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Food Safety Regulation
Currently: Regular risk-based inspection and mandatory recalls
Available Options
Producers certify their own food safety
Light inspection, mainly after complaints
Regular risk-based inspection and mandatory recalls
Current
Strict standards, unannounced inspections and published hygiene ratings
Zero-tolerance enforcement: licence revoked on the first serious breach
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Healthcare System Model
Currently: Single public system, free at point of use
Available Options
Single public system, free at point of use
Current
Public system with private top-ups
Mandatory social insurance
Mainly private insurance
Fully marketised healthcare
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
5 years ago
Public system with private top-ups
Single public system, free at point of use
Previous Law
Public system with private top-ups
Proposed Law
Single public system, free at point of use
Healthcare for Non-Citizens
Currently: Emergency treatment only, billed afterwards
Available Options
No public treatment; proof of status before any care
Emergency treatment only, billed afterwards
Current
Free emergency and infectious-disease care for everyone
Full access to public healthcare regardless of status
Hospitals must report undocumented patients to immigration enforcement
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Mental Health Provision
Currently: Legal right to timely mental-health care
Available Options
Legal right to timely mental-health care
Current
Expanded but not guaranteed access
Crisis services only
Broad involuntary-detention powers
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
5 years ago
Expanded but not guaranteed access
Legal right to timely mental-health care
Previous Law
Expanded but not guaranteed access
Proposed Law
Legal right to timely mental-health care
Organ Donation
Currently: Presumed consent, opt-out register
Available Options
Legal commercial market in organs
Automatic donation, no opt-out
Presumed consent, opt-out register
Current
Explicit opt-in register
Donation only with family consent
Organ donation and transplantation prohibited
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
6 years ago
Explicit opt-in register
Presumed consent, opt-out register
Prescription Drug Pricing
Currently: Voluntary pricing agreements with industry
Available Options
Manufacturers set prices freely
Voluntary pricing agreements with industry
Current
State negotiates prices for public purchasing
Statutory price caps on all medicines
Seize the patents; the state manufactures all medicines
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Public Health & Nutrition
Currently: Public information campaigns only
Available Options
Bans on junk-food ads, mandatory reformulation
Labelling and ad limits for children
Public information campaigns only
Current
No state intervention
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
6 years ago
Labelling and ad limits for children
Public information campaigns only
Previous Law
Labelling and ad limits for children
Proposed Law
Public information campaigns only
Vaccination Policy
Currently: Entirely voluntary
Available Options
Mandatory, no exemptions
Mandatory with medical/conscience exemptions
Strongly recommended, not compelled
Entirely voluntary
Current
Vaccination prohibited outright
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
6 years ago
Strongly recommended, not compelled
Entirely voluntary
What Public Healthcare Covers
Currently: Dental and optical subsidised for low-income citizens
Available Options
Emergency and acute care only
Core medical care; dental and optical private
Dental and optical subsidised for low-income citizens
Current
Universal cover including dental and optical
Everything covered, cosmetic and elective included
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Solidarity Alliance
11 months ago
Core medical care; dental and optical private
Dental and optical subsidised for low-income citizens
Previous Law
Core medical care; dental and optical private
Proposed Law
Dental and optical subsidised for low-income citizens
Immigration
6 lawsAsylum & Refugees
Currently: Strict processing, limited support
Available Options
Generous resettlement and support
Meet international obligations only
Strict processing, limited support
Current
Offshore processing and detention
"Asylum seekers are economic migrants" - asylum claims closed
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by National Democratic Movement
2 years ago
Generous resettlement and support
Strict processing, limited support
Generous resettlement and support
Failed
Proposed by National Union Of Costavela
2 years ago
Generous resettlement and support
Strict processing, limited support
Generous resettlement and support
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
3 years ago
Meet international obligations only
Generous resettlement and support
Previous Law
Meet international obligations only
Proposed Law
Generous resettlement and support
Failed
Proposed by National Movement
6 years ago
Meet international obligations only
Offshore processing and detention
Meet international obligations only
Previous Law
Meet international obligations only
Proposed Law
Offshore processing and detention
Citizenship Requirements
Currently: Citizenship by birth; naturalisation after 2 years' residency
Available Options
No citizenship rights; everyone is a temporary resident at the state's pleasure
Citizenship by blood only (jus sanguinis); 15-year residency for naturalisation
Citizenship by birth on national soil and naturalisation after 5 years' residency
Citizenship by birth; naturalisation after 2 years' residency
Current
Automatic citizenship granted on arrival; no requirements whatsoever
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
Citizenship by birth on national soil and naturalisation after 5 years' residency
Citizenship by birth; naturalisation after 2 years' residency
Previous Law
Citizenship by birth on national soil and naturalisation after 5 years' residency
Proposed Law
Citizenship by birth; naturalisation after 2 years' residency
Failed
Proposed by Reform Costavela
8 years ago
Citizenship by birth on national soil and naturalisation after 5 years' residency
Citizenship by blood only (jus sanguinis); 15-year residency for naturalisation
Citizenship by birth on national soil and naturalisation after 5 years' residency
Previous Law
Citizenship by birth on national soil and naturalisation after 5 years' residency
Proposed Law
Citizenship by blood only (jus sanguinis); 15-year residency for naturalisation
Passed
Proposed by Vox España
10 years ago
Citizenship by birth; naturalisation after 2 years' residency
Citizenship by birth on national soil and naturalisation after 5 years' residency
Previous Law
Citizenship by birth; naturalisation after 2 years' residency
Proposed Law
Citizenship by birth on national soil and naturalisation after 5 years' residency
Passed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
11 years ago
Citizenship by birth on national soil and naturalisation after 5 years' residency
Citizenship by birth; naturalisation after 2 years' residency
Previous Law
Citizenship by birth on national soil and naturalisation after 5 years' residency
Proposed Law
Citizenship by birth; naturalisation after 2 years' residency
Passed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
11 years ago
Citizenship by blood only (jus sanguinis); 15-year residency for naturalisation
Citizenship by birth on national soil and naturalisation after 5 years' residency
Previous Law
Citizenship by blood only (jus sanguinis); 15-year residency for naturalisation
Proposed Law
Citizenship by birth on national soil and naturalisation after 5 years' residency
Failed
Proposed by United Labour
12 years ago
Citizenship by blood only (jus sanguinis); 15-year residency for naturalisation
Citizenship by birth on national soil and naturalisation after 5 years' residency
Citizenship by blood only (jus sanguinis); 15-year residency for naturalisation
Previous Law
Citizenship by blood only (jus sanguinis); 15-year residency for naturalisation
Proposed Law
Citizenship by birth on national soil and naturalisation after 5 years' residency
Passed
Proposed by Reform Costavela
12 years ago
Citizenship by birth on national soil and naturalisation after 5 years' residency
Citizenship by blood only (jus sanguinis); 15-year residency for naturalisation
Previous Law
Citizenship by birth on national soil and naturalisation after 5 years' residency
Proposed Law
Citizenship by blood only (jus sanguinis); 15-year residency for naturalisation
Failed
Proposed by Unity & Freedom
13 years ago
Citizenship by birth on national soil and naturalisation after 5 years' residency
Citizenship by birth; naturalisation after 2 years' residency
Citizenship by birth on national soil and naturalisation after 5 years' residency
Previous Law
Citizenship by birth on national soil and naturalisation after 5 years' residency
Proposed Law
Citizenship by birth; naturalisation after 2 years' residency
Deportation
Currently: Case-by-case with full appeal rights
Available Options
Automatic removal, limited appeals
Firm enforcement with appeals
Case-by-case with full appeal rights
Current
Strong protections against removal
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Alianza Conservadora Popular
1 year ago
Case-by-case with full appeal rights
Automatic removal, limited appeals
Case-by-case with full appeal rights
Previous Law
Case-by-case with full appeal rights
Proposed Law
Automatic removal, limited appeals
Failed
Proposed by National Movement
6 years ago
Case-by-case with full appeal rights
Automatic removal, limited appeals
Case-by-case with full appeal rights
Previous Law
Case-by-case with full appeal rights
Proposed Law
Automatic removal, limited appeals
Immigration Quota Policy
Currently: Annual quotas with caps
Available Options
Sealed borders (zero immigration; all foreign nationals expelled)
Severely limited immigration
Annual quotas with caps
Current
No quotas, open immigration
Abolish all border controls; free movement for anyone in the world
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
5 years ago
Severely limited immigration
Annual quotas with caps
Failed
Proposed by Vox España
7 years ago
Annual quotas with caps
Severely limited immigration
Annual quotas with caps
Failed
Proposed by Reform Costavela
8 years ago
Annual quotas with caps
Severely limited immigration
Annual quotas with caps
Failed
Proposed by Vox España
9 years ago
Annual quotas with caps
Severely limited immigration
Annual quotas with caps
Passed
Proposed by Vox España
10 years ago
Abolish all border controls; free movement for anyone in the world
Annual quotas with caps
Previous Law
Abolish all border controls; free movement for anyone in the world
Proposed Law
Annual quotas with caps
Passed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
11 years ago
Severely limited immigration
Abolish all border controls; free movement for anyone in the world
Previous Law
Severely limited immigration
Proposed Law
Abolish all border controls; free movement for anyone in the world
Passed
Proposed by Reform Costavela
12 years ago
Annual quotas with caps
Severely limited immigration
Failed
Proposed by Unity & Freedom
13 years ago
Annual quotas with caps
No quotas, open immigration
Annual quotas with caps
Failed
Proposed by Unity & Freedom
13 years ago
Annual quotas with caps
No quotas, open immigration
Annual quotas with caps
Integration Requirements
Currently: Light-touch, support-based integration
Available Options
Strict language + values tests, mandatory classes
Standard language/civics requirements
Light-touch, support-based integration
Current
No formal integration requirements
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by National Democratic Movement
2 years ago
Light-touch, support-based integration
Standard language/civics requirements
Light-touch, support-based integration
Previous Law
Light-touch, support-based integration
Proposed Law
Standard language/civics requirements
Failed
Proposed by Liberal
2 years ago
Light-touch, support-based integration
No formal integration requirements
Light-touch, support-based integration
Previous Law
Light-touch, support-based integration
Proposed Law
No formal integration requirements
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
5 years ago
Standard language/civics requirements
Light-touch, support-based integration
Previous Law
Standard language/civics requirements
Proposed Law
Light-touch, support-based integration
Tourist Visa Policy
Currently: Visa for most nationalities through a standard e-visa process
Available Options
Tourist entry banned except by state invitation
Visa required for every visitor, with interviews and deposits
Visa for most nationalities through a standard e-visa process
Current
Visa-free entry for allied and reciprocal countries
Visa-free entry for all visitors for up to 90 days
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Infrastructure
7 lawsBroadband & Digital Access
Currently: Subsidies for rural and hard-to-reach areas
Available Options
Entirely private; providers build where it pays
Subsidies for rural and hard-to-reach areas
Current
Universal service obligation; every home entitled to a connection
State-owned national broadband network
Free state broadband for all; private providers banned
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Eviction Protection
Currently: Notice periods and a court order required; no-fault eviction allowed
Available Options
Landlords may evict at will on short notice
Fixed-term tenancies; no-fault eviction at the end of a term
Notice periods and a court order required; no-fault eviction allowed
Current
Eviction only on listed grounds: arrears, breach or landlord's own use
Evictions allowed only under strict circumstances, with a duty to rehouse
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Housing Supply & Planning
Currently: Strong national housing targets
Available Options
Override local objections, build at scale
Strong national housing targets
Current
Balanced planning system
Market-led, deregulated planning
Strict protection, minimal new build
Legislative History
Public Transport Policy
Currently: Public transport priority (car restrictions in city centres; free transit)
Available Options
Ban public transport; only private vehicles permitted
Road-only infrastructure; no public transport subsidy
Mixed transport with subsidized public transit
Public transport priority (car restrictions in city centres; free transit)
Current
Ban private vehicles in all urban areas; free state transit network
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by The People’s Coalition
12 years ago
Public transport priority (car restrictions in city centres; free transit)
Ban private vehicles in all urban areas; free state transit network
Public transport priority (car restrictions in city centres; free transit)
Previous Law
Public transport priority (car restrictions in city centres; free transit)
Proposed Law
Ban private vehicles in all urban areas; free state transit network
Passed
Proposed by Democratic Progressive Alliance
14 years ago
Mixed transport with subsidized public transit
Public transport priority (car restrictions in city centres; free transit)
Previous Law
Mixed transport with subsidized public transit
Proposed Law
Public transport priority (car restrictions in city centres; free transit)
Rent Control
Currently: Rent increases capped to inflation
Available Options
Hard caps on rents
Rent increases capped to inflation
Current
Light stabilisation, mostly market rents
No controls; market sets rents
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Liberal
2 years ago
Rent increases capped to inflation
Light stabilisation, mostly market rents
Rent increases capped to inflation
Previous Law
Rent increases capped to inflation
Proposed Law
Light stabilisation, mostly market rents
Failed
Proposed by Liberal
2 years ago
Rent increases capped to inflation
Light stabilisation, mostly market rents
Rent increases capped to inflation
Previous Law
Rent increases capped to inflation
Proposed Law
Light stabilisation, mostly market rents
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
3 years ago
Light stabilisation, mostly market rents
Rent increases capped to inflation
Previous Law
Light stabilisation, mostly market rents
Proposed Law
Rent increases capped to inflation
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
6 years ago
Rent increases capped to inflation
Light stabilisation, mostly market rents
Previous Law
Rent increases capped to inflation
Proposed Law
Light stabilisation, mostly market rents
Social Housing
Currently: Small stock for the most vulnerable; right-to-buy for tenants
Available Options
Sell off the remaining state housing stock
Small stock for the most vulnerable; right-to-buy for tenants
Current
Large municipal housing programme; right-to-buy abolished
The state is the majority landlord; rents set to income
Abolish private landlords; all rental housing is state-owned
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Water Supply Ownership
Currently: Private water companies under a price regulator
Available Options
Private water market: prices set freely, no universal-service duty
Private water companies under a price regulator
Current
Municipally owned water utilities with regulated tariffs
National public water company; private operators only under contract
Fully public water supply with a free basic allocation for every household
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Justice
9 lawsAge of Criminal Responsibility
Currently: From 16
Available Options
Criminally responsible from age 10
From age 12
From age 14
From 16
Current
Legislative History
Bail & Pre-Trial Detention
Treaty-locked
Currently: Risk assessment decides release
Available Options
Restricted by: Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Detain everyone charged until trial
Locked
Cash bail; release on payment
Locked
Risk assessment decides release
Current
Presumption of release except for serious threats; cash bail abolished
No pre-trial detention under any circumstances
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Capital Punishment
Treaty-locked
Currently: Death penalty constitutionally prohibited; extradition refused to countries that use it
Available Options
Restricted by: Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Public execution for a wide range of crimes (murder, treason, drug trafficking, blasphemy)
Locked
Death penalty for murder, treason, and drug trafficking
Locked
Death penalty for premeditated murder only
No death penalty
Death penalty constitutionally prohibited; extradition refused to countries that use it
Current
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
3 years ago
No death penalty
Death penalty constitutionally prohibited; extradition refused to countries that use it
Previous Law
No death penalty
Proposed Law
Death penalty constitutionally prohibited; extradition refused to countries that use it
Passed
Proposed by Vox España
8 years ago
Death penalty constitutionally prohibited; extradition refused to countries that use it
No death penalty
Previous Law
Death penalty constitutionally prohibited; extradition refused to countries that use it
Proposed Law
No death penalty
Passed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
11 years ago
No death penalty
Death penalty constitutionally prohibited; extradition refused to countries that use it
Previous Law
No death penalty
Proposed Law
Death penalty constitutionally prohibited; extradition refused to countries that use it
Failed
Proposed by Neo-Nationalism
12 years ago
No death penalty
Public execution for a wide range of crimes (murder, treason, drug trafficking, blasphemy)
No death penalty
Previous Law
No death penalty
Proposed Law
Public execution for a wide range of crimes (murder, treason, drug trafficking, blasphemy)
Failed
Proposed by One Nation
12 years ago
No death penalty
Death penalty for murder, treason, and drug trafficking
No death penalty
Previous Law
No death penalty
Proposed Law
Death penalty for murder, treason, and drug trafficking
Failed
Proposed by New Democratic Front
13 years ago
No death penalty
Death penalty constitutionally prohibited; extradition refused to countries that use it
No death penalty
Previous Law
No death penalty
Proposed Law
Death penalty constitutionally prohibited; extradition refused to countries that use it
Failed
Proposed by Frente Nacional Conservador
14 years ago
No death penalty
Death penalty for murder, treason, and drug trafficking
No death penalty
Previous Law
No death penalty
Proposed Law
Death penalty for murder, treason, and drug trafficking
Failed
Proposed by Frente Nacional Conservador
15 years ago
No death penalty
Death penalty for murder, treason, and drug trafficking
No death penalty
Previous Law
No death penalty
Proposed Law
Death penalty for murder, treason, and drug trafficking
Corporal Punishment
Currently: Constitutional ban on all physical punishment including by parents at home
Available Options
Public flogging for criminal offences; caning in schools for misbehaviour
Judicial corporal punishment (caning/birching) as court-ordered sentence
Corporal punishment permitted in schools only (parental consent required)
Corporal punishment banned in justice system and schools
Constitutional ban on all physical punishment including by parents at home
Current
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
3 years ago
Corporal punishment banned in justice system and schools
Constitutional ban on all physical punishment including by parents at home
Previous Law
Corporal punishment banned in justice system and schools
Proposed Law
Constitutional ban on all physical punishment including by parents at home
Failed
Proposed by One Nation
12 years ago
Corporal punishment banned in justice system and schools
Judicial corporal punishment (caning/birching) as court-ordered sentence
Corporal punishment banned in justice system and schools
Previous Law
Corporal punishment banned in justice system and schools
Proposed Law
Judicial corporal punishment (caning/birching) as court-ordered sentence
Plea Bargaining
Currently: Regulated: sentence discount capped, judge must approve
Available Options
Prohibited; every case goes to trial
Allowed for minor offences only, with judicial approval
Regulated: sentence discount capped, judge must approve
Current
Encouraged: prosecutors may offer deep discounts for early guilty pleas
Strongly encouraged to reduce prison numbers: guilty pleas earn non-custodial sentences
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Prison & Sentencing Philosophy
Currently: Rehabilitation and reintegration focus
Available Options
Austere prisons, hard labour
Punishment-focused regime
Balanced punishment and rehabilitation
Rehabilitation and reintegration focus
Current
Minimise prison; community sentences
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
3 years ago
Balanced punishment and rehabilitation
Rehabilitation and reintegration focus
Previous Law
Balanced punishment and rehabilitation
Proposed Law
Rehabilitation and reintegration focus
Rejected
July 30, 2021
(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)
Failed
3 years ago
Balanced punishment and rehabilitation
Austere prisons, hard labour
Balanced punishment and rehabilitation
Previous Law
Balanced punishment and rehabilitation
Proposed Law
Austere prisons, hard labour
Repeat Offender Sentencing
Currently: Judges set sentences case-by-case
Available Options
"Three strikes" — life on third serious offence
Escalating mandatory minimums
Judges set sentences case-by-case
Current
Reoffending triggers rehabilitation orders
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by National Democratic Movement
3 years ago
Judges set sentences case-by-case
Escalating mandatory minimums
Judges set sentences case-by-case
Rejected
June 15, 2021
(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)
Failed
3 years ago
Judges set sentences case-by-case
"Three strikes" — life on third serious offence
Judges set sentences case-by-case
Previous Law
Judges set sentences case-by-case
Proposed Law
"Three strikes" — life on third serious offence
State Surveillance Powers
Currently: Strict privacy protections (right to encryption; no bulk data collection; facial recognition banned)
Available Options
Total surveillance (mandatory home cameras; social credit scoring; all communications monitored)
Mass surveillance (warrantless wiretaps; facial recognition in public spaces)
Targeted surveillance (court order required; independent oversight commissioner)
Strict privacy protections (right to encryption; no bulk data collection; facial recognition banned)
Current
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by National Democratic Movement
2 years ago
Strict privacy protections (right to encryption; no bulk data collection; facial recognition banned)
Targeted surveillance (court order required; independent oversight commissioner)
Strict privacy protections (right to encryption; no bulk data collection; facial recognition banned)
Previous Law
Strict privacy protections (right to encryption; no bulk data collection; facial recognition banned)
Proposed Law
Targeted surveillance (court order required; independent oversight commissioner)
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
3 years ago
Targeted surveillance (court order required; independent oversight commissioner)
Strict privacy protections (right to encryption; no bulk data collection; facial recognition banned)
Previous Law
Targeted surveillance (court order required; independent oversight commissioner)
Proposed Law
Strict privacy protections (right to encryption; no bulk data collection; facial recognition banned)
Passed
Proposed by Costavela Democrats
10 years ago
Strict privacy protections (right to encryption; no bulk data collection; facial recognition banned)
Targeted surveillance (court order required; independent oversight commissioner)
Previous Law
Strict privacy protections (right to encryption; no bulk data collection; facial recognition banned)
Proposed Law
Targeted surveillance (court order required; independent oversight commissioner)
Passed
Proposed by Reform Costavela
12 years ago
Targeted surveillance (court order required; independent oversight commissioner)
Strict privacy protections (right to encryption; no bulk data collection; facial recognition banned)
Previous Law
Targeted surveillance (court order required; independent oversight commissioner)
Proposed Law
Strict privacy protections (right to encryption; no bulk data collection; facial recognition banned)
Failed
Proposed by One Nation
12 years ago
Targeted surveillance (court order required; independent oversight commissioner)
Mass surveillance (warrantless wiretaps; facial recognition in public spaces)
Targeted surveillance (court order required; independent oversight commissioner)
Previous Law
Targeted surveillance (court order required; independent oversight commissioner)
Proposed Law
Mass surveillance (warrantless wiretaps; facial recognition in public spaces)
Victims' Rights
Currently: Right to be informed and to make an impact statement
Available Options
Victims have no special standing; the state prosecutes on its own account
Right to be informed and to make an impact statement
Current
Statutory victim-support service, protective orders and compensation scheme
Victims are formal participants, heard on plea, sentence and parole
Victim veto: victims may block parole and sentence reductions
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Law And Order
6 lawsArmed Police
Currently: Police routinely carry military-grade weapons
Available Options
Police routinely carry military-grade weapons
Current
All frontline officers routinely armed
Mostly unarmed; specialist armed units on call
Unarmed except by special authorisation
Police never carry firearms
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Youth Of Costa
6 months ago
Mostly unarmed; specialist armed units on call
Police routinely carry military-grade weapons
Previous Law
Mostly unarmed; specialist armed units on call
Proposed Law
Police routinely carry military-grade weapons
Failed
Proposed by National Democratic Movement
2 years ago
Mostly unarmed; specialist armed units on call
All frontline officers routinely armed
Mostly unarmed; specialist armed units on call
Previous Law
Mostly unarmed; specialist armed units on call
Proposed Law
All frontline officers routinely armed
Rejected
June 15, 2021
(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)
Failed
3 years ago
Mostly unarmed; specialist armed units on call
All frontline officers routinely armed
Mostly unarmed; specialist armed units on call
Previous Law
Mostly unarmed; specialist armed units on call
Proposed Law
All frontline officers routinely armed
Failed
Proposed by National Movement
6 years ago
Mostly unarmed; specialist armed units on call
Police routinely carry military-grade weapons
Mostly unarmed; specialist armed units on call
Previous Law
Mostly unarmed; specialist armed units on call
Proposed Law
Police routinely carry military-grade weapons
Police Accountability
Currently: An independent body handles all misconduct allegations
Available Options
Police investigate their own complaints
Internal investigations with a right of appeal to an ombudsman
An independent body handles all misconduct allegations
Current
Civilian oversight board that can dismiss officers and open prosecutions
Officers personally liable for misconduct; no state indemnity, no immunity
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by People's Congress Of Costavela
1 year ago
Internal investigations with a right of appeal to an ombudsman
An independent body handles all misconduct allegations
Previous Law
Internal investigations with a right of appeal to an ombudsman
Proposed Law
An independent body handles all misconduct allegations
Police Body Cameras
Currently: Continuous recording for all frontline officers
Available Options
No cameras; filming the police is a criminal offence
No requirement; officers may record if they choose
Recording required during arrests and stops
Continuous recording for all frontline officers
Current
Continuous recording; any citizen may request footage of themselves
All patrols livestreamed to a public channel
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Alliance
4 months ago
Recording required during arrests and stops
Continuous recording for all frontline officers
Previous Law
Recording required during arrests and stops
Proposed Law
Continuous recording for all frontline officers
Police Powers
Currently: Focus on highest impact crimes
Available Options
Martial law (military policing; shoot-on-sight authorised for curfew violations)
Zero tolerance
Focus on highest impact crimes
Current
Community policing focused on prevention
Abolish police; communities handle their own disputes
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Christian Conservative Alliance
2 years ago
Focus on highest impact crimes
Martial law (military policing; shoot-on-sight authorised for curfew violations)
Focus on highest impact crimes
Previous Law
Focus on highest impact crimes
Proposed Law
Martial law (military policing; shoot-on-sight authorised for curfew violations)
Passed
Proposed by Vox España
9 years ago
Community policing focused on prevention
Focus on highest impact crimes
Previous Law
Community policing focused on prevention
Proposed Law
Focus on highest impact crimes
Failed
Proposed by Costavelan Liberal Movement
12 years ago
Community policing focused on prevention
Abolish police; communities handle their own disputes
Community policing focused on prevention
Previous Law
Community policing focused on prevention
Proposed Law
Abolish police; communities handle their own disputes
Failed
Proposed by One Nation
12 years ago
Community policing focused on prevention
Zero tolerance
Community policing focused on prevention
Failed
Proposed by Frente Nacional Conservador
14 years ago
Community policing focused on prevention
Zero tolerance
Community policing focused on prevention
Police Search & Seizure
Currently: Reasonable suspicion required; warrant needed for homes and devices
Available Options
Police may stop, search and seize without suspicion
Broad stop-and-search powers in designated zones
Reasonable suspicion required; warrant needed for homes and devices
Current
Judicial warrant needed for all searches and seizures except emergencies
Very strong privacy protection: warrants only for serious crime; unlawfully obtained evidence inadmissible
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Youth Curfew Policy
Currently: No youth curfew (standard public order laws only)
Available Options
Universal curfew (nobody leaves home between 20:00-06:00 without state permission)
Strict youth curfew (22:00–05:00; may not leave home without adult)
Limited curfew (Fri–Sat 00:00–04:00; exceptions for work/school events)
No youth curfew (standard public order laws only)
Current
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Frente Nacional Conservador
14 years ago
No youth curfew (standard public order laws only)
Universal curfew (nobody leaves home between 20:00-06:00 without state permission)
No youth curfew (standard public order laws only)
Previous Law
No youth curfew (standard public order laws only)
Proposed Law
Universal curfew (nobody leaves home between 20:00-06:00 without state permission)
Media
6 lawsMedia Censorship Policy
Treaty-locked
Currently: Free press (no prior restraints; narrow limits for direct incitement only)
Available Options
Restricted by: Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Total information control (all media state-produced; foreign media banned; internet filtered)
Locked
Strict censorship (pre-publication approval; bans on political dissent and 'immorality')
Locked
Targeted regulation (post-publication fines for incitement/defamation; independent regulator)
Free press (no prior restraints; narrow limits for direct incitement only)
Current
Legislative History
Rejected
June 18, 2021
(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)
Failed
3 years ago
Free press (no prior restraints; narrow limits for direct incitement only)
Total information control (all media state-produced; foreign media banned; internet filtered)
Free press (no prior restraints; narrow limits for direct incitement only)
Previous Law
Free press (no prior restraints; narrow limits for direct incitement only)
Proposed Law
Total information control (all media state-produced; foreign media banned; internet filtered)
Failed
Proposed by National Movement
6 years ago
Free press (no prior restraints; narrow limits for direct incitement only)
Targeted regulation (post-publication fines for incitement/defamation; independent regulator)
Free press (no prior restraints; narrow limits for direct incitement only)
Previous Law
Free press (no prior restraints; narrow limits for direct incitement only)
Proposed Law
Targeted regulation (post-publication fines for incitement/defamation; independent regulator)
Failed
Proposed by Alternative For Costavela
7 years ago
Free press (no prior restraints; narrow limits for direct incitement only)
Targeted regulation (post-publication fines for incitement/defamation; independent regulator)
Free press (no prior restraints; narrow limits for direct incitement only)
Previous Law
Free press (no prior restraints; narrow limits for direct incitement only)
Proposed Law
Targeted regulation (post-publication fines for incitement/defamation; independent regulator)
Failed
Proposed by Peoples Development Assosiation Of Costavela
9 years ago
Free press (no prior restraints; narrow limits for direct incitement only)
Strict censorship (pre-publication approval; bans on political dissent and 'immorality')
Free press (no prior restraints; narrow limits for direct incitement only)
Previous Law
Free press (no prior restraints; narrow limits for direct incitement only)
Proposed Law
Strict censorship (pre-publication approval; bans on political dissent and 'immorality')
Passed
Proposed by Reform Costavela
13 years ago
Targeted regulation (post-publication fines for incitement/defamation; independent regulator)
Free press (no prior restraints; narrow limits for direct incitement only)
Previous Law
Targeted regulation (post-publication fines for incitement/defamation; independent regulator)
Proposed Law
Free press (no prior restraints; narrow limits for direct incitement only)
Online Safety & Social Media
Currently: Targeted child-safety duties
Available Options
Strict legal duties, heavy fines, takedowns
Targeted child-safety duties
Current
Light-touch, self-regulation
Minimal duties, free-speech priority
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by People And Planet
1 year ago
Minimal duties, free-speech priority
Targeted child-safety duties
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
Targeted child-safety duties
Minimal duties, free-speech priority
Press Regulation
Treaty-locked
Currently: No press regulation at all
Available Options
Restricted by: Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Statutory press regulator with powers
Locked
State-recognised self-regulation
Locked
Purely voluntary self-regulation
No press regulation at all
Current
Legislative History
Rejected
June 18, 2021
(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)
Failed
3 years ago
No press regulation at all
Statutory press regulator with powers
No press regulation at all
Previous Law
No press regulation at all
Proposed Law
Statutory press regulator with powers
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
State-recognised self-regulation
No press regulation at all
Public Broadcasting Funding
Currently: No public broadcaster (privatize existing assets; advertising-only market)
Available Options
No public broadcaster (privatize existing assets; advertising-only market)
Current
Limited public broadcaster (news/education remit; funded by small household levy)
Major public broadcaster (multi-channel; ad-free; funded by general taxation)
All channels replaced by state propaganda; private media outlawed
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
Major public broadcaster (multi-channel; ad-free; funded by general taxation)
No public broadcaster (privatize existing assets; advertising-only market)
Previous Law
Major public broadcaster (multi-channel; ad-free; funded by general taxation)
Proposed Law
No public broadcaster (privatize existing assets; advertising-only market)
Failed
Proposed by Civic Progress+
9 years ago
Major public broadcaster (multi-channel; ad-free; funded by general taxation)
Limited public broadcaster (news/education remit; funded by small household levy)
Major public broadcaster (multi-channel; ad-free; funded by general taxation)
Previous Law
Major public broadcaster (multi-channel; ad-free; funded by general taxation)
Proposed Law
Limited public broadcaster (news/education remit; funded by small household levy)
Passed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
11 years ago
Limited public broadcaster (news/education remit; funded by small household levy)
Major public broadcaster (multi-channel; ad-free; funded by general taxation)
Previous Law
Limited public broadcaster (news/education remit; funded by small household levy)
Proposed Law
Major public broadcaster (multi-channel; ad-free; funded by general taxation)
Failed
Proposed by Homeland
12 years ago
Limited public broadcaster (news/education remit; funded by small household levy)
No public broadcaster (privatize existing assets; advertising-only market)
Limited public broadcaster (news/education remit; funded by small household levy)
Previous Law
Limited public broadcaster (news/education remit; funded by small household levy)
Proposed Law
No public broadcaster (privatize existing assets; advertising-only market)
Streaming & Content Regulation
Currently: Open entry with light local-content quotas
Available Options
Foreign streaming services banned; domestic licensed services only
Foreign platforms licensed with strict local-content quotas and prominence rules
Open entry with light local-content quotas
Current
No quotas or licensing of streaming services
Open market with foreign broadcaster ownership allowed and platform interoperability required
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Video Game Regulation
Currently: Mandatory age ratings enforced at sale
Available Options
Every game needs state approval before release; statutory playtime limits for minors
Mandatory age ratings, loot boxes banned and playtime limits for under-18s
Mandatory age ratings enforced at sale
Current
Industry self-rating; no statutory limits
No regulation of what is made or sold, including to minors
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Religion
4 lawsBlasphemy Law
Treaty-locked
Currently: Explicit legal right to criticise religion
Available Options
Restricted by: Universal Declaration of Human Rights
Strict blasphemy laws, severe penalties
Locked
Limited protection against religious insult
Locked
No blasphemy law
Explicit legal right to criticise religion
Current
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by National Union Of Costavela
2 years ago
Explicit legal right to criticise religion
No blasphemy law
Explicit legal right to criticise religion
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
No blasphemy law
Explicit legal right to criticise religion
Religious Observation Policy
Treaty-locked
Currently: Permit religion with no state support (neutral tax treatment; no grants)
Available Options
Restricted by: Universal Declaration of Human Rights
State atheism (religious believers placed in re-education programmes)
Locked
Ban organized religion (worship prohibited; institutions dissolved)
Locked
Permit religion with no state support (neutral tax treatment; no grants)
Current
Tax-exempt status for registered religious charities
Direct state grants to religious organizations for social services
Locked
Compulsory weekly worship attendance enforced by law
Locked
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Vox España
8 years ago
Permit religion with no state support (neutral tax treatment; no grants)
Tax-exempt status for registered religious charities
Permit religion with no state support (neutral tax treatment; no grants)
Previous Law
Permit religion with no state support (neutral tax treatment; no grants)
Proposed Law
Tax-exempt status for registered religious charities
Failed
Proposed by Vox España
8 years ago
Permit religion with no state support (neutral tax treatment; no grants)
Tax-exempt status for registered religious charities
Permit religion with no state support (neutral tax treatment; no grants)
Previous Law
Permit religion with no state support (neutral tax treatment; no grants)
Proposed Law
Tax-exempt status for registered religious charities
Failed
Proposed by Vox España
8 years ago
Permit religion with no state support (neutral tax treatment; no grants)
Tax-exempt status for registered religious charities
Permit religion with no state support (neutral tax treatment; no grants)
Previous Law
Permit religion with no state support (neutral tax treatment; no grants)
Proposed Law
Tax-exempt status for registered religious charities
Failed
Proposed by Vox España
9 years ago
Permit religion with no state support (neutral tax treatment; no grants)
Tax-exempt status for registered religious charities
Permit religion with no state support (neutral tax treatment; no grants)
Previous Law
Permit religion with no state support (neutral tax treatment; no grants)
Proposed Law
Tax-exempt status for registered religious charities
Failed
Proposed by Vox España
9 years ago
Permit religion with no state support (neutral tax treatment; no grants)
Tax-exempt status for registered religious charities
Permit religion with no state support (neutral tax treatment; no grants)
Previous Law
Permit religion with no state support (neutral tax treatment; no grants)
Proposed Law
Tax-exempt status for registered religious charities
Passed
Proposed by Costavela Democrats
10 years ago
State atheism (religious believers placed in re-education programmes)
Permit religion with no state support (neutral tax treatment; no grants)
Previous Law
State atheism (religious believers placed in re-education programmes)
Proposed Law
Permit religion with no state support (neutral tax treatment; no grants)
Failed
Proposed by Vox España
10 years ago
State atheism (religious believers placed in re-education programmes)
Tax-exempt status for registered religious charities
State atheism (religious believers placed in re-education programmes)
Previous Law
State atheism (religious believers placed in re-education programmes)
Proposed Law
Tax-exempt status for registered religious charities
Passed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
11 years ago
Permit religion with no state support (neutral tax treatment; no grants)
State atheism (religious believers placed in re-education programmes)
Previous Law
Permit religion with no state support (neutral tax treatment; no grants)
Proposed Law
State atheism (religious believers placed in re-education programmes)
Religious Symbols in Public Institutions
Currently: Officials neutral; citizens free
Available Options
Ban religious symbols in public institutions
Officials neutral; citizens free
Current
Full accommodation of religious symbols
Official religion's symbols displayed by the state
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Shop Trading Hours
Currently: Unrestricted trading every day
Available Options
Shops closed on the day of rest
Limited Sunday opening hours
Unrestricted trading every day
Current
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
Limited Sunday opening hours
Unrestricted trading every day
Failed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
Limited Sunday opening hours
Unrestricted trading every day
Limited Sunday opening hours
Social
4 lawsAdult Content
Currently: Legal with strict age verification
Available Options
Unrestricted adult content
Legal with strict age verification
Current
Heavily restricted distribution
Production and distribution banned
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Fireworks
Currently: Freely sold to the public
Available Options
Freely sold to the public
Current
Licensed sale, seasonal limits
Public/licensed displays only
Total ban on consumer fireworks
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by National Democratic Movement
3 years ago
Freely sold to the public
Licensed sale, seasonal limits
Freely sold to the public
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
Licensed sale, seasonal limits
Freely sold to the public
Gambling Regulation
Currently: Liberal gambling (online platforms, private casinos, sports betting all permitted)
Available Options
Compulsory weekly state lottery ticket for all adults (revenue programme)
All gambling prohibited; underground gambling heavily policed
State-run lottery only; all other gambling illegal
State-licensed casinos and lottery only
Liberal gambling (online platforms, private casinos, sports betting all permitted)
Current
Legislative History
Enacted
June 15, 2021
(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)
Passed
3 years ago
State-run lottery only; all other gambling illegal
Liberal gambling (online platforms, private casinos, sports betting all permitted)
Previous Law
State-run lottery only; all other gambling illegal
Proposed Law
Liberal gambling (online platforms, private casinos, sports betting all permitted)
Passed
Proposed by Alternative For Costavela
7 years ago
State-licensed casinos and lottery only
State-run lottery only; all other gambling illegal
Previous Law
State-licensed casinos and lottery only
Proposed Law
State-run lottery only; all other gambling illegal
Passed
Proposed by United Labour
11 years ago
Liberal gambling (online platforms, private casinos, sports betting all permitted)
State-licensed casinos and lottery only
Previous Law
Liberal gambling (online platforms, private casinos, sports betting all permitted)
Proposed Law
State-licensed casinos and lottery only
Failed
Proposed by United Labour
11 years ago
Liberal gambling (online platforms, private casinos, sports betting all permitted)
State-licensed casinos and lottery only
Liberal gambling (online platforms, private casinos, sports betting all permitted)
Previous Law
Liberal gambling (online platforms, private casinos, sports betting all permitted)
Proposed Law
State-licensed casinos and lottery only
Passed
Proposed by Unity & Freedom
14 years ago
State-licensed casinos and lottery only
Liberal gambling (online platforms, private casinos, sports betting all permitted)
Previous Law
State-licensed casinos and lottery only
Proposed Law
Liberal gambling (online platforms, private casinos, sports betting all permitted)
Sex Work
Currently: Legal, licensed and regulated
Available Options
Fully decriminalised and regulated
Legal, licensed and regulated
Current
Selling legal, buying criminalised
Selling illegal, buying legal
Fully criminalised
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Alianza Conservadora Popular
1 year ago
Legal, licensed and regulated
Fully criminalised
Legal, licensed and regulated
Failed
Proposed by Christian Conservative Alliance
2 years ago
Legal, licensed and regulated
Fully decriminalised and regulated
Legal, licensed and regulated
Technology
3 lawsAI Development & Safety
Currently: Balanced oversight
Available Options
Ban / moratorium on advanced AI development
Strict licensing, safety audits, liability
Balanced oversight
Current
Light-touch, pro-innovation
No restrictions; accelerate AI
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by People And Planet
1 year ago
No restrictions; accelerate AI
Balanced oversight
AI Surveillance & Predictive Policing
Currently: Ban AI surveillance & facial recognition
Available Options
Mass AI surveillance and social scoring
Broad facial recognition & predictive policing
Regulated, warrant-based, targeted use
Ban AI surveillance & facial recognition
Current
Legislative History
Rejected
June 18, 2021
(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)
Failed
3 years ago
Ban AI surveillance & facial recognition
Mass AI surveillance and social scoring
Ban AI surveillance & facial recognition
Previous Law
Ban AI surveillance & facial recognition
Proposed Law
Mass AI surveillance and social scoring
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
3 years ago
Regulated, warrant-based, targeted use
Ban AI surveillance & facial recognition
Previous Law
Regulated, warrant-based, targeted use
Proposed Law
Ban AI surveillance & facial recognition
Automation & the Workforce
Currently: Actively incentivise automation
Available Options
Ban automation that displaces workers; robot levy
Permit automation with strong retraining/transition rights
Market-led automation
Actively incentivise automation
Current
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Alliance
2 months ago
Permit automation with strong retraining/transition rights
Actively incentivise automation
Previous Law
Permit automation with strong retraining/transition rights
Proposed Law
Actively incentivise automation
Passed
Proposed by People And Planet
1 year ago
Actively incentivise automation
Permit automation with strong retraining/transition rights
Previous Law
Actively incentivise automation
Proposed Law
Permit automation with strong retraining/transition rights
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
4 years ago
Permit automation with strong retraining/transition rights
Actively incentivise automation
Previous Law
Permit automation with strong retraining/transition rights
Proposed Law
Actively incentivise automation
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
4 years ago
Market-led automation
Permit automation with strong retraining/transition rights
Previous Law
Market-led automation
Proposed Law
Permit automation with strong retraining/transition rights
Transport
5 lawsDrink & Drug Driving
Currently: Standard legal alcohol limit; roadside drug testing
Available Options
No drink or drug driving offence; only dangerous driving is punished
High legal alcohol limit; drugs are not tested for
Standard legal alcohol limit; roadside drug testing
Current
Near-zero alcohol limit, roadside drug testing and automatic driving bans
Zero tolerance for alcohol and drugs, with random testing at stops
Zero tolerance with vehicle confiscation and mandatory prison terms
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Driver Licensing & Testing
Currently: Standard test with a probationary period for new drivers
Available Options
No licence or test required; anyone may drive
One basic test; licence valid for life
Standard test with a probationary period for new drivers
Current
Graduated licensing: night-time and passenger limits for young drivers
Graduated licensing plus mandatory medical and driving retests from age 70
Periodic retesting for every driver at any age
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Seatbelts & Helmets
Currently: Seatbelts and motorcycle helmets compulsory
Available Options
No mandates; use is entirely a personal choice
Compulsory for children only
Seatbelts and motorcycle helmets compulsory
Current
Compulsory for all passengers and cyclists, with on-the-spot fines
Compulsory protective equipment for every road user, enforced by roadside checks and penalty points
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Speed Limits
Currently: Standard limits, lower in towns and near schools
Available Options
No speed limits on any road
Very high limits; enforcement only against reckless driving
Standard limits, lower in towns and near schools
Current
Strong traffic-calming: low limits in residential streets and around schools
Vision Zero: low limits in every built-up area and a national ceiling, enforced by cameras
Speed governors mandatory in all vehicles
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Traffic Enforcement
Currently: Fixed cameras and a points system leading to disqualification
Available Options
Officer discretion; warnings for most traffic offences
Police patrols only; no cameras
Cameras at accident blackspots only
Fixed cameras and a points system leading to disqualification
Current
Average-speed cameras on all major roads with automatic fines
Automated enforcement everywhere: every offence detected and fined automatically
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Welfare
6 lawsAccessibility Standards
Currently: Required in all new buildings and public transport
Available Options
No accessibility requirements
Required in new public buildings only
Required in all new buildings and public transport
Current
Public services, shops and offices must be retrofitted by a deadline
Universal accessibility mandatory across public and private sectors, including housing and digital services
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Alliance
3 months ago
Required in new public buildings only
Required in all new buildings and public transport
Previous Law
Required in new public buildings only
Proposed Law
Required in all new buildings and public transport
Disability Support
Currently: Means-tested disability benefits after a medical assessment
Available Options
No state disability support; families and charities cope
Institutional care only: disabled people housed in state facilities
Means-tested disability benefits after a medical assessment
Current
Independent-living support as of right: personal budgets, carers and assistive technology
Comprehensive system: universal disability cover, employer quotas and supported employment
Legislative History
This law has been in place since the beginning of recorded history.
Homelessness
Currently: Shelters and support services
Available Options
Guaranteed housing-first support
Shelters and support services
Current
Mix of support and enforcement
Criminalise rough sleeping/begging
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
2 years ago
Mix of support and enforcement
Shelters and support services
Failed
Proposed by The Social Democrats
4 years ago
Mix of support and enforcement
Guaranteed housing-first support
Mix of support and enforcement
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
4 years ago
Shelters and support services
Mix of support and enforcement
Retirement Age Policy
Currently: Retirement at 65
Live vote in progressAvailable Options
Retirement at 50
Retirement at 55
Retirement at 60
Retirement at 65
Current
Retirement at 70
No pensions
No retirement permitted; all citizens must work until physically incapable
Legislative History
Rejected
July 7, 2021
(3 years ago)
(3 years ago)
Failed
3 years ago
Retirement at 60
Retirement at 50
Retirement at 60
Previous Law
Retirement at 60
Proposed Law
Retirement at 50
Failed
Proposed by The Social Democrats
4 years ago
Retirement at 60
Retirement at 55
Retirement at 60
Failed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
10 years ago
Retirement at 55
Retirement at 50
Retirement at 55
Passed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
11 years ago
Retirement at 60
Retirement at 55
Passed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
11 years ago
Retirement at 65
Retirement at 60
Passed
Proposed by Progressive Alliance Of Costavela
11 years ago
Retirement at 55
Retirement at 65
Failed
Proposed by The People’s Coalition
12 years ago
Retirement at 55
Retirement at 50
Retirement at 55
Failed
Proposed by New Democratic Front
13 years ago
Retirement at 55
No retirement permitted; all citizens must work until physically incapable
Retirement at 55
Previous Law
Retirement at 55
Proposed Law
No retirement permitted; all citizens must work until physically incapable
Enacted
July 12, 2010
(14 years ago)
(14 years ago)
Passed
14 years ago
Retirement at 60
Retirement at 55
Previous Law
Retirement at 60
Proposed Law
Retirement at 55
Social Care for the Elderly
Currently: Free universal social care
Available Options
Free universal social care
Current
Capped lifetime care costs
Means-tested, self-funded above threshold
Care is the family's responsibility
Legislative History
Passed
Proposed by Liberal Union
2 years ago
Capped lifetime care costs
Free universal social care
Passed
Proposed by National Union Of Costavela
2 years ago
Free universal social care
Capped lifetime care costs
Passed
Proposed by Revolutionary Socialist Union
5 years ago
Capped lifetime care costs
Free universal social care
Welfare Conditionality
Currently: Light conditions, few sanctions
Available Options
Unconditional benefits
Light conditions, few sanctions
Current
Mandatory work-for-benefits
Strict time limits on benefits
Legislative History
Failed
Proposed by Youth Of Costa
4 months ago
Light conditions, few sanctions
Mandatory work-for-benefits
Light conditions, few sanctions
Failed
Proposed by The Social Democrats
4 years ago
Light conditions, few sanctions
Unconditional benefits
Light conditions, few sanctions
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