THE Senate unanimously passed on third reading a Bill requiring public officials to complete a certified course on government ethics, practices and government procedures.
Senate Bill No. 7-135, SD1 requires that within 60 days of taking office, all elected and appointed public officials on both state and national levels must attend a course dealing with ethical prohibitions of public office and introducing government practices and procedures.
The Bill says that Palau Community College would design and implement the course in consultation with appropriate governmental agencies such as the Ethics Commission, Office of the Special Prosecutor, the Olbiil Era Kelulau and the Office of the President.
The Bill, which is now in the House of Delegates for deliberation, requires that the fee for such a course must not exceed $50 per person.
The committee on health, education and social welfare in its report explained that the bill is an important legislative step towards ensuring Palau’s leaders are well versed in government ethics, practices and procedures.