Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy Announces Legislative Notice for Amendment to 'Pohang Earthquake Damage Relief Act'

Establishment of Local Government Funding Basis, Reconsideration Regulations, and Special Statute of Limitations for Damage Relief Support Payments

[Asia Economy Reporter Moon Chaeseok] The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy announced on the 7th that it will publicly notify the partial amendment bill of the "Special Act on the Investigation of the Truth and Relief of Damage of the Pohang Earthquake" from the 8th until July 19.

This amendment is based on consultations with relevant local governments when the damage relief support fund standards were announced at the end of last month.

First, 100% of the damage amount will be supported for the victims. As the burden will be shared with 80% from the national budget and 20% from local budgets, the subject of the support fund will be revised from "the state" to "the state and relevant local governments."

A provision will be newly established to allow victims to request a re-examination regarding the recognition of victims and the decision on support funds by the Damage Relief Deliberation Committee. The re-examination decision period is two months, which can be extended by one month if necessary.

A special statute of limitations for compensation claims will be applied. Considering that victims may face restrictions in exercising their rights due to the short period until the statute of limitations expires when filing compensation lawsuits with the Deliberation Committee, the law has been amended.

The statute of limitations will be extended from 3 years to 5 years from the date the victim becomes aware of the damage and the perpetrator. A special provision will be prepared to suspend the statute of limitations from the application date to the notification of the decision when victims are recognized, support funds are paid, or re-examination is requested.

An official from the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy said, "During the public notice period, we plan to collect various opinions from victims and experts, consult with related organizations, and undergo review by the Ministry of Government Legislation to ensure the special act is promptly amended."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.