This bill amends existing laws regarding travel expenses for state government officers and employees in Louisiana, specifically addressing meal and incidental expense reimbursements. It establishes a maximum reimbursement rate for meals and incidental expenses that aligns with the daily rates set by the United States General Services Administration for the judicial and legislative branches. The bill also modifies R.S. 39:231 to include provisions for maximum meal allowances and allows for increased reimbursement rates during declared states of emergency, which can exceed the standard rates by up to 75%.

Additionally, the bill specifies that the increased reimbursement rates during emergencies apply only to expenses incurred within designated emergency areas and during the period of the emergency declaration. It mandates that budget units maintain documentation to justify the increased expenses and submit this documentation to the commissioner of administration within a specified timeframe. The provisions of this Act will take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to expenses incurred on or after that date.

Statutes affected:
HB398 Original: 39:231(A)
HB398 Engrossed: 39:231(A)
HB398 Reengrossed: 39:231(A)
HB398 Enrolled: 39:231(A)
HB398 Act 799: 39:231(A)