China's top legislature Monday started discussing a draft law amendment that aims to further specify the rights and duties of lawmakers.

The draft amendment to the Law on Deputies to the National People's Congress (NPC) and Local People's Congresses at Various Levels was submitted to the bimonthly meeting of the NPC Standing Committee for its first reading, which runs from Monday to Saturday.

In most cases, a draft law will be read two or three times before being voted for adoption.

The draft proposes the government ensure the performance of the lawmakers by guaranteeing adequate funding for law making duties, including a provision that specifies the government must incorporate the funding into its budget.

It also says that lawmakers should participate in those group activities organized by legislatures when the law-making bodies are not in session.

A new clause forbids lawmakers using their position to interfere in legal cases or economic activities, to gain personally, stating that lawmakers must strictly separate their deputy work from personal work.

Lawmakers being detained, investigated or prosecuted on criminal charges could be dismissed from office by their electorate, said a revised clause.

Go to Forum >>0 Comments