In order to secure incorruptibility in political activities by public officials, etc. and develop trust in politicians among the public, the Law Punishing a Person in Public Office Who Gains Profits by the Good Offices (Law No. 130 of 2000) was enacted on November 29, 2000. Under the law, a member or chairperson of the House of Representatives, the House of Councilors or local assemblies shall be punished for receiving pecuniary benefits as a reward for asking for actions by public officials through their good offices by using their influence based on their power, when requested, with respect to a sales contract to be concluded by the state or a local public entity or an administrative action against a particular person. Publicly-paid secretaries of a Diet member shall also be subject to the provisions of this law. This law came into force in March 2001.