'Ordinance on Supporting Litigation Costs' Passes Standing Committee
The ordinance on supporting litigation costs for the Gwangju Seo-gu Council, proposed by Council Chair Jeon Seungil, passed the review of the Council Operations Committee at the 329th extraordinary session held on the 21st.
This ordinance aims to guarantee proactive job performance by supporting litigation costs for council members and public officials who are investigated or sued in connection with their official duties.
According to the ordinance, council members and public officials may apply for support with litigation costs only if they are sued due to legislative activities or legitimate performance of official duties. The decision on whether to provide support is made by a review committee that includes external experts.
Those who receive support for litigation costs must submit a litigation result report at the end of each trial stage. However, if they lose a civil case due to intentional or gross negligence, or are sentenced to imprisonment or a heavier penalty in a criminal case, they must return the amount received as support.
Jeon Seungil stated, "It is necessary to protect council members who work on behalf of residents and public officials who support legislative activities from legal disputes that inevitably arise in the course of performing their duties," and added, "Based on this ordinance, I expect that clear standards and procedures for supporting litigation costs will allow council members and public officials to focus on regional development and the welfare of residents without being discouraged from actively performing their duties."
This ordinance is scheduled to be reviewed at the 3rd plenary session on the 27th, and if passed, will be implemented immediately upon promulgation.
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