House Bill No. 398, introduced by Representative Zeringue, aims to regulate the reimbursement of meals and incidental expenses for state public officials and employees by establishing a maximum payment limit based on the rates set by the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA). The bill amends existing laws and introduces new provisions that apply to the judicial, legislative, and executive branches of state government. Specifically, it prohibits any agency or entity within these branches from exceeding the GSA rates for meal and incidental expenses unless explicitly authorized in writing by the commissioner of administration under certain conditions.

Additionally, the bill allows for increased reimbursement rates during a declared state of disaster or emergency, permitting payments to exceed the GSA rates by up to 75% for expenses incurred in designated emergency areas. This increased rate applies only during the emergency period and requires proper documentation to be submitted for reimbursement. The provisions of this act will take effect on July 1, 2026, and will apply to expenses incurred on or after that date, with prior expenses being reimbursed at the rates in effect at the time they were incurred.

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