An Act to repeal and replace the Regency Act, 1699; to make comprehensive provisions for Regencies during the incapacity, minority, or absence of the Sovereign; to establish the powers and limitations of Regents; to create a Regency Oversight Board; to provide for financial support of Regents; to amend the Civil List Act, 1699; to integrate with the Royal Marriages Act, 1750 and the Counsellors of State Act, 1750; and for other purposes.
The Regency Act, 1750 is proposed legislation to repeal and replace the Regency Act, 1699, establishing a modern framework for Regencies during the incapacity, minority, or extended absence of the Sovereign. Introduced by President of the Government José Manuel Montero on 20.IV.1750AN, the bill addresses significant gaps in the existing Regency framework, particularly the lack of defined powers and limitations for Regents, absence of provisions for minority Regencies, and outdated succession provisions that name specific individuals rather than using relational titles.
The legislation establishes clear triggers for Regencies (incapacity, minority, extended absence), defines who may serve as Regent with consorts now eligible following passage of the Royal Marriages Act, 1750, creates a Regency Oversight Board to provide oversight and advice, specifies powers Regents may and may not exercise, provides financial support through amendments to the Civil List Act, 1699, establishes procedures for initiating and terminating Regencies, and distinguishes between full Regencies and temporary absences requiring Counsellors of State under the Counsellors of State Act, 1750. The Act ensures constitutional continuity while maintaining democratic oversight and preventing potential abuse of Regent powers.
The Regency Act, 1699 was enacted during the Federation's early years to provide basic framework for Regencies. While adequate for its time, the Act has proven increasingly inadequate as constitutional practice has developed. The 1699 Act lacks defined powers and limitations for Regents, creating potential for constitutional crisis if a Regent exceeded appropriate authority. It provides no framework for minority Regencies when the heir to the throne is a child. The Act names specific individuals (Prince Tupac, who died in 1742AN, and Princess Nayaraq, now approximately 86 years of age) in the succession to Regent rather than using relational titles, requiring amendment each time the royal family composition changes.
With Princess Sayari as heir apparent and married to Prince Janus of Neridia, the question of whether a Prince Consort could serve as Regent under the 1699 Act created legal uncertainty. The recently enacted Royal Marriages Act, 1750 established the constitutional position of consorts but did not address Regency eligibility. If Princess Sayari were to accede while any of her children were minors, or if she herself became incapacitated, clear provisions for Regency would be essential.
Premier José Manuel Montero identified Regency reform as a priority following passage of the Royal Marriages Act. A drafting committee examined Regency frameworks from Natopia, Constancia, and other Raspur Pact allies, consulted constitutional scholars and former government officials, and reviewed case studies of historical Regencies in other constitutional monarchies. The committee concluded that comprehensive replacement of the 1699 Act would be preferable to piecemeal amendments.
Key provisions
The Act establishes three circumstances triggering a Regency: incapacity (when the Sovereign cannot perform royal functions due to infirmity of mind or body), minority (when the Sovereign or heir is under 18 years of age), and extended absence (when the Sovereign is unavailable for more than six months). For incapacity Regencies, the consort, President of the Government, Speaker of the Federal Assembly, and Chief Justice must declare by majority that the Sovereign is incapable of performing functions, which declaration constitutes legal authorization for the Royal Order required by Article 29 of the Proclamation of Punta Santiago. For minority Regencies, the Regency begins automatically when a minor succeeds to the throne. For extended absence, the Sovereign may request a Regency or the Cortes Federales may establish one by two-thirds vote.
The order of succession to serve as Regent prioritizes the consort first (if competent adult), then the heir apparent or heir presumptive (if adult), then siblings of the Sovereign in order of succession, then the Lord President of the Chamber of Peers, then in emergency circumstances a person designated by the Cortes Federales meeting specific qualifications. The Act explicitly permits consorts to serve as Regent, reversing the 1699 Act's exclusion, but subjects consort Regents to enhanced oversight by the Regency Oversight Board.
Regents may exercise most royal functions including assenting to legislation, appointing officials, receiving foreign diplomats, and issuing royal decrees. However, Regents explicitly cannot alter the succession, dissolve the Cortes Federales except on advice of the President of the Government, grant titles of nobility, dismiss the President of the Government except through a vote of no confidence, declare war except as authorized by the Cortes, or amend the Constitution. All significant Regent actions require countersignature by the President of the Government or a competent Minister designated by the President, in accordance with Article 28 of the Proclamation of Punta Santiago.
The Act creates a Regency Oversight Board (distinct from the Council of State, which is the executive cabinet) consisting of the President of the Government, Speaker of the Federal Assembly, Lord President of the Chamber of Peers, Chief Justice, and two members appointed by the Cortes Federales. The Board meets monthly to review the Regent's actions, advises the Regent on constitutional matters, investigates complaints about the Regent's conduct, and may recommend to the Cortes Federales that a Regency be terminated or the Regent be replaced. For consort Regents, the Board has enhanced oversight authority including mandatory advance consultation on major decisions.
Regents receive financial support equal to the Sovereign's Civil List appropriation, with funds administered through the Royal Household Management Act, 1699 framework. The Act amends the Civil List Act, 1699 to authorize these appropriations. The Act establishes procedures for initiating Regencies through written declarations and oaths, for terminating Regencies when circumstances change, and for transitioning from Regency back to full royal functions. Temporary absences of less than six months are handled through Counsellors of State under the Counsellors of State Act, 1750 rather than full Regencies.
Ordered, by the Cortes Federales of Nouvelle Alexandrie,
to be Printed, 1750AN.
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WHEREASArticle 29 of the Proclamation of Punta Santiago provides that "Should H.M. the King is unable to perform his duties, the Crown Prince becomes Regent due to Royal Order" and that "If there is no Crown Prince, the King shall appoint a Regent and his powers during the Regency" and that "Further provisions for a Regency shall be provided by Act of the Cortes Federales"; AND WHEREAS the Regency Act, 1699 has proven inadequate to address modern constitutional requirements and the complexities of royal succession and consort status; AND WHEREAS comprehensive provisions for Regencies during incapacity, minority, and extended absence are necessary to ensure constitutional continuity; AND WHEREAS clear definition of Regent powers and limitations is essential to prevent constitutional crisis and maintain democratic governance; NOW THEREFORE, the Cortes Federales enacts as follows:
BE IT ENACTED by the King's Most Excellent Majesty, by and with the advice and consent of the Cortes Federales, in this present 12th session assembled, and by the authority of the same, as follows:-
PART I GENERAL PROVISIONS.
1. CITATION.
This Act shall be officially cited as the "Regency Act, 1750".
Article 29(1): "Should H.M. the King is unable to perform his duties, the Crown Prince becomes Regent due to Royal Order."
Article 29(2): "If there is no Crown Prince, the King shall appoint a Regent and his powers during the Regency."
Article 29(3): "Further provisions for a Regency shall be provided by Act of the Cortes Federales."
This Act implements Article 29 and establishes comprehensive provisions for Regencies in accordance with constitutional requirements and democratic principles.
3A. INTERPRETIVE PROVISION FOR GENDER-NEUTRAL APPLICATION.
Article 27(3) of the Proclamation of Punta Santiago provides that "Whenever this Proclamation makes a reference to H.M. the King, it shall be understood to also refer to future Queens and female holders of the Crown."
By analogy to Article 27(3), the term "Crown Prince" in Article 29(1) of the Proclamation shall be construed to include "Crown Princess" for purposes of this Act and the constitutional provisions governing Regencies.
Accordingly, when the heir apparent is female, she shall be entitled to become Regent by Royal Order in the same manner as a male Crown Prince under Article 29(1).
This interpretive provision ensures that the constitutional right to serve as Regent applies equally regardless of the gender of the heir apparent, consistent with the principle established in Article 27(3) that the Crown and its Powers are inherited by men and women equally.
4. DEFINITIONS.
"Regency" shall mean the exercise of royal functions in the name and on behalf of the Sovereign by a Regent during the Sovereign's incapacity, minority, or extended absence.
"Regent" shall mean the person appointed to exercise royal functions during a Regency.
"Regency Oversight Board" shall mean the body established by this Act to advise and oversee the Regent, as distinguished from the Council of State (the executive cabinet comprising the President of the Government and Ministers).
"Incapacity" shall mean inability of the Sovereign to perform royal functions due to infirmity of mind or body.
"Minority" shall mean the status of being under eighteen years of age.
"Extended absence" shall mean unavailability of the Sovereign to perform royal functions for a period exceeding six months.
"Royal functions" shall mean the constitutional duties and powers of the Sovereign as established in the Proclamation of Punta Santiago.
"Counsellors of State" shall mean persons appointed to exercise limited royal functions during temporary absence of the Sovereign, as established by the Counsellors of State Act, 1750.
"Royal Order" shall mean a formal instrument issued by or on behalf of the Sovereign, constituting an exercise of the royal prerogative. A Royal Order may be issued by the Sovereign personally, or may arise by operation of law upon the occurrence of conditions specified in this Act or other legislation.
"Countersignature" shall mean the signature of the President of the Government, or when appropriate, a competent Minister designated by the President of the Government, required to validate royal acts and decrees as mandated by Article 28 of the Proclamation of Punta Santiago.
"Council of State" shall mean the executive cabinet of the Federation, comprising the President of the Government and the Ministers, as distinguished from the Regency Oversight Board established by this Act.
PART II CIRCUMSTANCES REQUIRING A REGENCY.
5. REGENCY DURING INCAPACITY OF THE SOVEREIGN.
A Regency shall be established if the Sovereign is by reason of infirmity of mind or body incapable of performing royal functions.
Incapacity shall be declared when a majority of the following persons determine in writing that the Sovereign is incapable:
The consort of the Sovereign (if the consort is an adult and not themselves incapacitated);
The determination of incapacity shall be based on evidence including medical reports from at least two physicians appointed by the Council of State.
Upon a valid determination of incapacity under subsection (2):
The written declaration of incapacity shall constitute legal authorization for the Royal Order required by Article 29(1) of the Proclamation of Punta Santiago;
A Royal Order establishing the Regency shall be deemed to have been issued by operation of law upon the filing of the declaration;
The heir apparent (Crown Prince or Crown Princess) shall become Regent immediately upon the deemed issuance of the Royal Order, unless the heir apparent is disqualified under Section 10 or declines under Section 9(4).
If the Cortes Federales determines by two-thirds vote of both chambers that the persons listed in subsection (2) have erred in determining whether a Regency is required, the Cortes may establish or terminate a Regency by resolution.
The written declaration of incapacity and the deemed Royal Order shall be submitted to the Cortes Federales, the Council of State, and the High Court of Justice, and shall be published in the Federal Gazette.
6. REGENCY DURING MINORITY OF THE SOVEREIGN.
A Regency shall be established automatically if a person under the age of eighteen succeeds to the throne.
A minority Regency shall continue until the Sovereign attains the age of eighteen years.
Upon the Sovereign attaining eighteen years of age, the Regency shall terminate automatically and the Sovereign shall assume full royal functions.
The President of the Government shall issue a proclamation announcing the termination of the minority Regency and the Sovereign's assumption of full powers.
For the avoidance of doubt, the age of eighteen years is the age of majority for both Sovereigns and for eligibility to succeed to the Crown. The age of twenty-one years required for Regents under Section 9 is a separate and higher threshold intended to ensure that any Regent is at least three years older than a Sovereign who has just attained majority.
7. REGENCY DURING EXTENDED ABSENCE OF THE SOVEREIGN.
A Regency may be established if the Sovereign is unavailable to perform royal functions for an extended period exceeding six months.
The Sovereign may request establishment of a Regency during extended absence by written declaration to the Cortes Federales, which declaration shall constitute the Royal Order required by Article 29.
The Cortes Federales may establish a Regency during extended absence by two-thirds vote of both chambers if:
The Sovereign has been unavailable for more than six months; and
The unavailability is expected to continue for a substantial additional period; and
The public interest requires establishment of a Regency.
Extended absence Regencies shall terminate when the Sovereign returns and declares capacity to resume royal functions, or by vote of the Cortes Federales.
Temporary absences of less than six months shall be handled through Counsellors of State as provided in Part VIII and the Counsellors of State Act, 1750, not through full Regencies.
8. TERMINATION OF REGENCIES.
An incapacity Regency shall terminate when a majority of the persons listed in Section 5(2) determine in writing that the Sovereign has recovered capacity to perform royal functions.
The Cortes Federales may terminate any Regency by two-thirds vote of both chambers if circumstances warrant.
Upon termination of a Regency, the Regent shall immediately surrender all royal functions to the Sovereign.
The President of the Government shall issue a proclamation announcing termination of the Regency and the Sovereign's resumption of full powers.
PART III SUCCESSION TO THE OFFICE OF REGENT.
9. ORDER OF SUCCESSION TO REGENT.
The following persons shall be entitled to serve as Regent, in the following order of priority:
The consort of the Sovereign, provided the consort:
Is at least twenty-one years of age;
Is not themselves incapacitated or subject to legal disability;
Is willing and able to undertake the duties of Regent;
The person who is heir apparent or heir presumptive to the Crown (whether Crown Prince or Crown Princess), provided that person:
Is at least twenty-one years of age;
Is not themselves incapacitated or subject to legal disability;
The next person in the line of succession who meets the qualifications in subsection (1)(b)(i) and (ii);
The Lord President of the Chamber of Peers, provided that person meets the qualifications in subsection (1)(b)(i) and (ii);
In emergency circumstances where no person is available under subsections (a) through (d) and the Sovereign is deceased or totally incapacitated and unable to make an appointment under Article 29(2), a person designated by the Cortes Federales by resolution passed by two-thirds vote of both chambers.
Subsection (1)(e) shall operate only as a fallback measure of last resort when:
The Sovereign is deceased or totally incapacitated and therefore unable to appoint a Regent under Article 29(2) of the Proclamation; and
No person is eligible or available under subsections (1)(a) through (1)(d); and
No prior appointment of a Regent was made by the Sovereign before death or incapacity.
A person designated by the Cortes Federales under subsection (1)(e) must meet the following qualifications:
Be at least twenty-one years of age;
Be a citizen of Nouvelle Alexandrie domiciled in the Federation;
Not be subject to any legal disability or disqualification;
Possess the trust and confidence of the Cortes Federales.
If multiple persons are eligible under the same subsection of this section, priority shall be determined by proximity to the Sovereign in the line of succession.
A person who would otherwise be entitled to serve as Regent may decline the office by written declaration to the Cortes Federales.
The age requirement of twenty-one years for Regents under this section ensures that any Regent will be at least three years older than a Sovereign who has just attained the age of majority (eighteen years). For Sovereigns who are adults and fully capable, the appointment of a Regent of any adult age may be made by Letters Patent for extended absences under Section 7.
10. DISQUALIFICATIONS FOR SERVING AS REGENT.
A person shall be disqualified from serving as Regent if they:
Are under twenty-one years of age;
Are themselves incapacitated by reason of infirmity of mind or body;
Are subject to legal disability or criminal conviction;
Are not domiciled in the Federation of Nouvelle Alexandrie;
Hold allegiance to a foreign power in a manner incompatible with serving as Regent;
Have been determined by the Cortes Federales to be unsuitable for the office.
The Regency Oversight Board may determine that a person is disqualified under this section, subject to review by the Cortes Federales.
11. REMOVAL AND REPLACEMENT OF REGENT.
A Regent may be removed from office by resolution of the Cortes Federales passed by two-thirds vote of both chambers if the Regent:
Becomes incapacitated or subject to legal disability;
Fails to discharge the duties of Regent competently and faithfully;
Acts in a manner incompatible with the dignity of the office or the interests of the Federation;
Requests to be relieved of the duties of Regent.
Upon removal of a Regent, the next person in the order of succession under Section 9 shall become Regent.
The Regency Oversight Board may recommend removal of a Regent to the Cortes Federales, but may not itself remove a Regent.
PART IV POWERS AND LIMITATIONS OF THE REGENT.
12. GENERAL POWERS OF THE REGENT.
During a Regency, the Regent shall exercise royal functions in the name and on behalf of the Sovereign.
The Regent may perform the following royal functions:
Give Royal Assent to legislation passed by the Cortes Federales;
Appoint and receive ambassadors and diplomatic representatives;
Receive credentials from foreign diplomatic representatives;
Appoint members of the Council of State on the advice of the President of the Government;
Appoint judges and officials as provided by law;
Issue royal decrees and proclamations as required by law;
Confer honors and decorations as provided by law;
Exercise the royal prerogative of mercy, including granting pardons and commutations;
Perform ceremonial and representational functions of the Sovereign;
Exercise such other powers as are necessary to perform royal functions during the Regency.
All significant actions of the Regent shall require countersignature by the President of the Government or, when appropriate, by a competent Minister designated by the President of the Government, in accordance with Article 28 of the Proclamation of Punta Santiago.
13. PROHIBITED ACTIONS OF THE REGENT.
The Regent shall not:
Alter the succession to the Crown;
Dissolve the Cortes Federales except on the advice of the President of the Government and in accordance with constitutional requirements;
Dismiss the President of the Government except following a vote of no confidence or other constitutional procedure;
Grant titles of nobility or create new peers;
Declare war or conclude peace except as authorized by the Cortes Federales;
Cede territory of the Federation or alter its boundaries;
Dispose of property of the Crown except as necessary for proper administration;
Interfere with the independence of the judiciary;
Take any action that would bind the Sovereign after the Regency ends beyond what is necessary for proper administration.
Any action taken by a Regent in violation of this section shall be void and of no effect.
If there is doubt whether a proposed action falls within the Regent's powers, the Regent shall consult the Regency Oversight Board before proceeding.
14. CONSTITUTIONAL LIMITATIONS ON REGENT POWER.
A Regent is subject to all constitutional limitations that apply to the Sovereign, including:
The requirement that royal acts be countersigned by the President of the Government or a competent Minister;
The prohibition on serving in the Executive (Article 42 of the Proclamation);
The requirement to act on the advice of the Government in matters of political significance;
The requirement to maintain political neutrality;
The requirement to uphold the Constitution and laws of the Federation.
A Regent has no power or authority beyond that possessed by the Sovereign under the Constitution and laws.
Actions of the Regent are subject to judicial review by the High Court of Justice to the same extent as actions of the Sovereign.
15. ENHANCED LIMITATIONS FOR CONSORT REGENTS.
When a consort serves as Regent, the following additional limitations apply:
The consort Regent shall consult the Regency Oversight Board before taking any action of major constitutional or political significance;
The consort Regent may not appoint or dismiss the Lord Steward of the Royal Household or other principal officers of the Royal Household without approval of the Regency Oversight Board;
The consort Regent may not dispose of property of the Crown beyond routine administration without approval of the Regency Oversight Board;
The consort Regent shall provide monthly reports to the Regency Oversight Board detailing all significant actions taken.
These enhanced limitations recognize that a consort Regent exercises power derived from marriage rather than blood succession and therefore requires greater oversight.
If the Regency Oversight Board determines that a consort Regent has exceeded proper authority, the Board shall report to the Cortes Federales and may recommend removal of the Regent.
PART V REGENCY OVERSIGHT BOARD.
16. ESTABLISHMENT OF REGENCY OVERSIGHT BOARD.
There is hereby established a Regency Oversight Board to advise and oversee the Regent during any Regency.
The Regency Oversight Board is a distinct body from the Council of State (the executive cabinet). The Council of State comprises the President of the Government and Ministers and exercises executive functions. The Regency Oversight Board exercises oversight of the Regent and has no executive authority.
The Regency Oversight Board shall consist of:
The President of the Government, who shall serve as chair;
The Speaker of the Federal Assembly;
The Lord President of the Chamber of Peers;
The Chief Justice of the High Court of Justice;
Two additional members appointed by the Cortes Federales by majority vote, who shall serve for the duration of the Regency or until replaced by the Cortes.
Members of the Regency Oversight Board shall serve without additional compensation but shall be reimbursed for reasonable expenses.
17. DUTIES OF THE REGENCY OVERSIGHT BOARD.
The Regency Oversight Board shall:
Advise the Regent on the exercise of royal functions and constitutional matters;
Review significant actions proposed or taken by the Regent;
Investigate complaints regarding the Regent's conduct or actions;
Monitor the Regent's compliance with this Act and constitutional requirements;
Provide regular reports to the Cortes Federales on the Regent's performance;
Recommend to the Cortes Federales whether the Regency should be continued, modified, or terminated;
Recommend to the Cortes Federales whether the Regent should be removed and replaced.
For consort Regents, the Board shall exercise enhanced oversight as provided in Section 15.
The Board shall meet at least monthly during a Regency, and more frequently as circumstances require.
18. POWERS OF THE REGENCY OVERSIGHT BOARD.
The Regency Oversight Board may:
Request information from the Regent regarding actions taken or proposed;
Require the Regent to consult the Board before taking specific actions;
Issue advisory opinions on constitutional questions arising during the Regency;
Recommend to the Cortes Federales that the Regent be removed;
Recommend to the Cortes Federales that the Regency be terminated;
Exercise such other oversight functions as are necessary to ensure proper conduct of the Regency.
The Board may not itself remove a Regent or terminate a Regency; these powers rest with the Cortes Federales.
Decisions of the Board shall be made by majority vote, except that recommendations for removal of a Regent or termination of a Regency require a two-thirds vote of the Board.
19. REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.
The Regency Oversight Board shall submit quarterly reports to the Cortes Federales detailing:
Significant actions taken by the Regent during the quarter;
The Board's assessment of the Regent's performance;
Any concerns or irregularities identified;
Recommendations for continuation, modification, or termination of the Regency.
Reports shall be submitted to both chambers of the Cortes Federales and shall be made available to the public, subject to appropriate redactions for security or privacy.
In addition to quarterly reports, the Board shall immediately report to the Cortes Federales any serious misconduct or constitutional violations by the Regent.
PART VI PROCEDURES FOR ESTABLISHING A REGENCY.
20. DECLARATION AND PROCLAMATION OF REGENCY.
Upon determination that a Regency is required under Part II, the person entitled to serve as Regent under Part III shall be notified immediately.
The prospective Regent shall, before entering into the execution of the Regency, take the following oath before the President of the Government, the Speaker of the Federal Assembly, and the Chief Justice, preferably in the presence of the Council of State or in open session of the Cortes Federales:
"I do solemnly swear that I, as Regent, will faithfully preserve and protect the Constitution and the laws of this Federation, and that I will uphold and ensure the sovereignty and integrity of the Federation. I will exercise royal functions only as authorized by law and will respect the rights and dignity of the Sovereign. So help me God."
The first act of the Regent shall be to issue a Proclamation of Regency, which shall:
State the grounds for establishing the Regency;
Identify the Regent and the authority under which they serve;
Declare that royal functions will be exercised in the name and on behalf of the Sovereign;
Be published in the Federal Gazette and announced to the public.
The written declarations establishing the Regency and the Proclamation of Regency shall be submitted to the Cortes Federales and read into the records of both chambers, submitted to the High Court of Justice and read into their records, and posted at the gates of royal residences.
20A. ALTERNATIVE OATH FOR NON-RELIGIOUS REGENTS.
Where the prospective Regent objects to the religious invocation at the conclusion of the oath in Section 20(2), the following alternative affirmation may be used:
"I do solemnly and sincerely affirm that I, as Regent, will faithfully preserve and protect the Constitution and the laws of this Federation, and that I will uphold and ensure the sovereignty and integrity of the Federation. I will exercise royal functions only as authorized by law and will respect the rights and dignity of the Sovereign."
The alternative affirmation shall have the same legal effect as the oath in Section 20(2).
21. TITLE AND STYLE OF REGENT.
A Regent shall be styled "His/Her Royal Highness [Name], Regent of Nouvelle Alexandrie."
If the heir apparent or heir presumptive serves as Regent, they may be styled "Prince Regent" or "Princess Regent."
If the consort serves as Regent, they shall be styled "His/Her Royal Highness [Name], Prince Consort and Regent" or "Her Majesty [Name], Queen Consort and Regent" as appropriate.
The Regent shall rank in precedence immediately after the Sovereign (even though the Sovereign may be incapacitated or a minor) and before all other persons, including any Queen Mother or Queen Dowager for the duration of the Regency.
22. GUARDIANSHIP OF INCAPACITATED SOVEREIGN.
During an incapacity Regency, the consort of the Sovereign (if not serving as Regent) shall be the legal guardian of the Sovereign for personal and medical matters not related to royal functions.
If the consort is not available or capable of serving as guardian, the Regent shall serve as guardian.
The guardian shall:
Make decisions regarding the Sovereign's medical treatment and personal care;
Protect the Sovereign's privacy and dignity;
Facilitate communication between the Sovereign's medical providers and the Regency Oversight Board;
Ensure the Sovereign is not exploited or subject to undue influence.
The guardian shall provide regular medical bulletins to the Regency Oversight Board and the Cortes Federales regarding the Sovereign's condition.
The Regent, President of the Government, Speaker of the Federal Assembly, Chief Justice, and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff shall not be denied access to the Sovereign during a Regency, subject to reasonable medical restrictions.
23. TRANSITION FROM REGENCY TO FULL ROYAL FUNCTIONS.
Upon termination of a Regency under Section 8, the Regent shall immediately surrender all royal functions to the Sovereign.
The Sovereign shall issue a proclamation announcing resumption of full royal functions and thanking the Regent for their service.
The Regency Oversight Board shall prepare a final report documenting the Regency and submit it to the Cortes Federales and the Sovereign.
Former Regents shall be entitled to the gratitude of the Federation and may be granted honors or recognition by the Sovereign for their service.
PART VII FINANCIAL PROVISIONS.
24. CIVIL LIST FOR THE REGENT.
During a Regency, the Regent shall receive financial support equal to the amount that would otherwise be appropriated for the Sovereign through the Civil List Act, 1699 as amended by this Act.
If the Regent is the consort and already receives a consort's Civil List appropriation under the Royal Marriages Act, 1750, the Regent shall receive only the difference between the consort's appropriation and the Sovereign's appropriation.
If the Regent is a person other than the consort or heir, the Regent shall receive the full Civil List appropriation for the duration of the Regency.
The Regent's Civil List appropriation shall cover:
Salaries for staff supporting the Regent in royal functions;
Operating costs for official offices and residences used by the Regent;
Costs of official travel, ceremonial engagements, and representational duties;
Administrative expenses necessary to discharge royal functions;
Such other reasonable expenses as are necessary for the Regent to perform royal functions.
25. FINANCIAL ACCOUNTABILITY.
The Regent's expenditures from the Civil List shall be subject to the same accountability mechanisms that apply to the Sovereign's expenditures, including:
The Regency Oversight Board shall review the Regent's expenditures and may investigate any irregular or questionable spending.
26. FINANCIAL PROVISIONS FOR INCAPACITATED SOVEREIGN.
During an incapacity Regency, the Sovereign shall continue to receive a personal allowance from the Civil List sufficient to cover medical care, personal needs, and maintenance of dignity.
The amount of the personal allowance shall be determined by the Council of State in consultation with the Regent and the Sovereign's guardian.
Expenditures for the incapacitated Sovereign's care shall be separate from the Regent's official expenditures.
A new section authorizing appropriations for Regents during Regencies as established by the Regency Act, 1750, including allowances equal to the Sovereign's Civil List appropriation;
A new section authorizing appropriations for the care and maintenance of an incapacitated Sovereign during a Regency;
A new section authorizing appropriations for the administrative costs of the Regency Oversight Board.
The appropriations authorized by this section shall be included in the annual Civil List budget submitted to the Cortes Federales and shall be subject to the oversight and accountability provisions of the Civil List Act, 1699.
These appropriations shall be in addition to and separate from the appropriations authorized by Section 48A of the Royal Marriages Act, 1750 for consort-related expenses.
PART VIII TEMPORARY ABSENCE AND COUNSELLORS OF STATE.
27. DISTINCTION BETWEEN REGENCY AND TEMPORARY ABSENCE.
A Regency under this Act is required only for:
Incapacity of the Sovereign;
Minority of the Sovereign;
Extended absence exceeding six months.
Temporary absences of the Sovereign for periods of less than six months, including for travel, vacation, medical treatment, or other temporary unavailability, shall not require establishment of a Regency.
28. TEMPORARY ABSENCE PROCEDURES.
When the Sovereign undertakes a temporary absence expected to exceed two weeks but not exceed six months, the Sovereign shall:
Notify the Council of State of the absence, including expected duration and dates of departure and return;
Issue a Royal Decree, countersigned by the President of the Government, appointing Counsellors of State to perform limited royal functions during the absence in accordance with the Counsellors of State Act, 1750;
Provide for any other necessary arrangements to ensure continuity of government.
The processes for implementing a full Regency under this Act are not required for temporary absences handled under this section.
29. COUNSELLORS OF STATE FRAMEWORK.
Counsellors of State may perform limited royal functions during temporary absence of the Sovereign as provided in the Counsellors of State Act, 1750, including:
Signing routine documents and royal instruments;
Receiving diplomatic credentials;
Attending ceremonial functions on behalf of the Sovereign;
Such other limited functions as the Sovereign may delegate in accordance with the Counsellors of State Act, 1750.
Counsellors of State may not:
Give Royal Assent to legislation;
Dissolve the Cortes Federales;
Create peers or grant titles of nobility;
Exercise the prerogative of mercy;
Take any action of major constitutional or political significance.
The Counsellors of State Act, 1750 establishes the comprehensive framework for the appointment, powers, and oversight of Counsellors of State.
In the event of any conflict between this Act and the Proclamation of Punta Santiago, the Proclamation shall prevail.
This Act implements Article 29 of the Proclamation and provides comprehensive statutory framework for Regencies.
In the event of any conflict between this Act and the Royal Marriages Act, 1750 regarding consort matters, this Act shall prevail as the more specific legislation governing Regency situations.
30A. LEGISLATIVE HIERARCHY.
For purposes of interpreting and applying the monarchy legislation package of 1750 AN, the following hierarchy shall apply in the event of any conflict not otherwise resolved by specific provisions:
This Act may be amended by the Cortes Federales in accordance with ordinary legislative procedures.
Any amendment substantially altering the circumstances requiring a Regency, the order of succession to Regent, or the powers of Regents shall require:
A two-thirds vote in the Federal Assembly; and
The assent of the reigning Sovereign (or Regent, if a Regency is in effect).
32. JUDICIAL REVIEW.
Questions regarding the interpretation or application of this Act may be submitted to the High Court of Justice for resolution.
The High Court shall have jurisdiction to:
Determine whether a Regency has been properly established or terminated;
Determine whether a Regent's actions comply with this Act;
Resolve disputes regarding succession to the office of Regent;
Interpret ambiguous provisions of this Act.
Decisions of the High Court regarding this Act shall be final and binding.
33. REGULATIONS.
The President of the Government, in consultation with the Council of State, may promulgate regulations necessary to implement this Act, including:
Detailed procedures for declarations of incapacity;
Protocols for Regency ceremonies and transitions;
Administrative procedures for the Regency Oversight Board;
Such other matters as are necessary for effective implementation.
All regulations shall be published in the Federal Gazette and subject to review by the Cortes Federales.
34. COMMENCEMENT.
This Act shall come into force thirty days after receiving Royal Assent.
Upon commencement, the Regency Act, 1699 shall cease to have effect.
Any Regency in effect under the Regency Act, 1699 at the time of commencement shall continue under this Act without interruption.
This Act shall apply to all of the Federation of Nouvelle Alexandrie.
This Act shall not become law unless it has been given Royal Assent.
This Act shall be published and made publicly available through the Federal Gazette and through official publications of the Cortes Federales.
In the event any provision of this Act is found to be invalid or unenforceable, only that particular provision, and not the entire Act, shall be inoperative.
