Relatio de ratione aestimationis provinciarum perpetua (Nova Roma)

A senatorial decree concerning the permanent system of provincial evaluation

I. In the latter part of the year Q. Arrio (II) T. Domitio (III) cos. ‡ MMDCCLXXIII a.u.c. the senate instituted the first comprehensive legislation on provincial evaluations and a system of assessment for the ongoing efficacy of provincial administration. Both leading up to this original legislation, and certainly many times after, new legislation has either duplicated, altered or added to the foundational provincial evaluation system. Whether incidentally or with intent, the increasing list of decrees, as well as the long list of demands for irregular reporting has created a legal quagmire. This burden is subsequently shouldered by the governors and has become increasingly difficult to deduce current requirements with efficiency.

II. This decree intends to redefine all provincial evaluation requirements into a single and perpetual decree. With this senatus consultum, all past senatus consulta pertaining to provincial reporting and provincial evaluations are considered lapsed an no longer in effect. It is important to stipulate that, by the enactment of this decree, all past requirements and assessments of provinces, since the passing of the senatus consultum de provinciis ordinandis of the Non. Oct. ‡ Q. Arrio (II) T. Domitio (III) cos. ‡ MMDCCLXXIII a.u.c. (7 Oct 2020), are considered effective, on record and active, up to their inclusion or modification in this decree. All past evaluations to date remain extant.

III. Drawing from the now lapsed senatus consultum de provinciis ordinandis, senatus consultum de relatione provinciali requirenda, and senatus consultum de relationibus praesidum provinciarum, the senate intends to motivate citizens globally with clear objectives to gain recognition as a province of Nova Roma. In this spirit, the senate has taken steps to maintain a more consistent provincial system by dissolving those provinces which don't satisfy set criteria for provincial status. However, provinces can be created (or dissolution reversed) at any time in the future if the provincial community produces the required level of activity.

IV. Defining and establishing a province. As a standard definition, the "provincia" is considered a country-level administrative unit of Nova Roma based on an active and functioning community of Nova Roman citizens of that country. A province shall serve as the organized collectivity of citizens within a macronational country. However, there are two exceptions or variations:

A. Given the vast variation in size that exists across countries, the senate should always consider the total area, ease of travel across the country in question, as well as the existing density of citizens. It may be warranted to reduce the provincial administrative borders to a smaller size, ideally following internal state boarders or regional boundaries.

B. More than one macronational country may make up a province if they share the same language and cultural characteristics, or the Nova Roman communities in these countries are closely cooperating with each other.

V. Conditions required for a new province. The establishment, or reestablishment of a province can only be achieved by the demonstration on set standards. A province is the demonstration of active community life for a considerable time which satisfies the senate that a noteworthy Nova Roman community exists in any given country or sub region. A Nova Roman community within a country or territory may be defined as a province if:

A. there are at least 15 Nova Roman citizens in the country (or territory) to become a province,

B there are at least one or more functioning (minimum 15 messages or posts per month, by at least 5 different citizens) online communication forums with 15 registered/subscribed resident participants,

C there are at least two gatherings of 5 resident Nova Roman citizens in a calendar year,

D. there is at least one officially recognized partnership established under law between Nova Roma and a Roman (or Roman themed or ancient) reenactment or living-history group in the region, and

E. there is at least one local candidate for governor.

VI. Establishing a province. The senate remains the only authority that can establish a province. A Nova Roman community, who meets the above conditions, is to select a representative to forward a petition for a province to the office of the consuls. The petition is to include the formal request and evidence of the country or territory meeting the set requirements. The senate is forbidden to accept any petition that does not satisfy the requirements. The senate may refuse petitions but any such refusal must contain a detailed justification and recommendations to achieve provincial status.

This decree does not effect, or intend to effect, the appointment or removal of governors by the senate. Even though this decree automates reporting, processing and assessment without direct senate intervention, it does not prohibit the senate from discussing and presenting provincial reports or assessment outcomes. For example, the senate may pass ad hoc exceptions or provide temporary easements. It also does not restrict any subsequent legislation considered that might separately aid or bolster provincial performance. This decree does not prohibit the senate from changing the requirements for provincial reporting and assessment in the future but it does express the intent that this decree should be repealed and replaced, not added to or modified.

Senatus consultum de provinciis ordinandis (7 Oct 2020), Senatus consultum de relatione provinciali requirenda (27 Feb 2022), Senatus Consultum De Relationibus Praesidum Provinciarum (7 Oct 2025)