Sejong City Council Operation Committee Reviews Three Bills Including Code of Ethics Ordinance for Council Members

On October 16, the Council Operation Committee of the Sejong City Council held the second meeting of the 101st extraordinary session, where it reviewed and approved two ordinance bills and one rule bill as originally proposed.

First, the partial amendment ordinance bill on the Code of Ethics and Ethical Practice Standards for Members of the Sejong Special Self-Governing City Council, which reflects the recommendations of the Sejong Special Self-Governing City Council Code of Conduct Advisory Committee, was passed. This amendment raises the disciplinary standards for conflict of interest obligations, business promotion expenses, and abuse of authority, thereby enhancing the integrity and accountability of council members.

Next, the rule bill on the Prohibition of Workplace Bullying and Support for Victims in the Sejong Special Self-Governing City Council was enacted to specify procedures such as prevention, reporting, investigation, and recurrence prevention of workplace bullying. The bill aims to establish an institutional foundation for a healthy and respectful organizational culture.

The partially amended ordinance bill on travel expenses for public officials, proposed by a council member, stipulates that if a public official receives travel expenses through fraudulent means, an additional amount equivalent to five times the amount fraudulently received will be collected.

A representative of the Council Operation Committee stated, "By reflecting the recommendations for improvement from the Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission and clearly defining the additional amount to be collected in cases of improper receipt of travel expenses, we aim to prevent confusion in the operation of the system and enhance fairness. We will continue to monitor and improve the work and allowance system for public officials to ensure that citizens' taxes are spent transparently."

The ordinance bills and other items reviewed by the Council Operation Committee on this day will be finalized after a resolution at the second plenary session of the 101st extraordinary session, scheduled for October 24.