This bill amends existing laws regarding travel reimbursement rates for public officers in New Mexico, specifically addressing travel by privately owned automobiles and airplanes. It establishes that members of the legislative branch will no longer require executive branch approval for out-of-state travel. The bill specifies that legislators serving on official business within the state will receive per diem at the IRS rate and reimbursement for travel costs based on the standard mileage rate set by the United States General Services Administration for both privately owned automobiles and airplanes. Additionally, it clarifies that reimbursement for out-of-state travel will include costs for public transportation, mileage, and per diem, with a cap on total reimbursement not exceeding the cost of first-class public air transportation.

Furthermore, the bill modifies the per diem and mileage rates for nonsalaried and salaried public officers, ensuring that they receive reimbursement for actual expenses related to lodging, meals, and incidentals, with the rates established by the Department of Finance and Administration. The bill also includes provisions for the reimbursement of mileage at the standard rate set by the General Services Administration for travel in privately owned vehicles or airplanes. The effective date for these changes is set for July 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
introduced version: 2-1-9, 10-8-4