SB 126 PUBLIC OFFICER REIMBURSEMENT RATES

Sen William Soules

Actions: [2] SCC/SHPAC/SFC-SCC-germane-SHPAC [4] DP-SFC [6] DP - PASSED/S (37-0) [9] HGEIC/HAFC-HGEIC [11] DP-HAFC [14] DP

Scheduled: Not Scheduled

 Senate Bill 126 (SB 126): This proposed legislation is specifically related to the reimbursement rates for travel by privately owned automobile and privately owned airplane for members, officers, and employees of the legislative branch of government. The text outlines the per diem rates, travel expenses, and reimbursement rules for both in-state and out-of-state travel. 

 Senate Bill 126 (SB 126):  Exemptions for Out-of-State Travel: 
•	The legislation outlines exemptions for out-of-state travel of legislative branch members, officers, and employees from requiring approval by any member of the executive branch.

Per Diem Rates: 
•	Members of the legislature serving on official business for interim committees within the state are entitled to per diem at the internal revenue service per diem rate. 
•	This includes travel time, and reimbursement for travel expenses by privately owned automobile or airplane at rates set by the United States General Services Administration.

Reimbursement for Out-of-State Travel:
•	The legislation specifies the reimbursement for out-of-state travel on committee business, including the cost of tickets on public transportation, mileage rates for automobiles or private airplanes, and per diem based on in-state rates.

Maximum Reimbursement Limit: 
•	There is a provision stating that the reimbursement for out-of-state travel should not exceed the dollar amount that would be due if the member had used first class public air transportation by the shortest, most direct route.

Per Diem and Mileage Rates for Public Officers: 
•	The legislation sets per diem and mileage rates for non-salaried public officers attending board or committee meetings within the state. 
•	Salaried public officers or employees traveling within or outside the state for official business are also entitled to reimbursement based on rates established by the Department of Finance and Administration.

Flat Subsistence Rate and Additional Provisions: 
•	The legislation allows for a flat subsistence rate in addition to in-state per diem. 
•	It also provides provisions for certain employees of the Department of Transportation and allows proration of per diem for specific circumstances.

The effective date for the provisions of this legislation is July 1, 2024.