Bill > SB135

This bill amends the New Mexico Per Diem and Mileage Act to modify rules governing travel reimbursement for public officials and employees. The key changes include clarifying language around advance travel funding, allowing more flexible approval processes for travel expenses, and modifying restrictions on out-of-state travel reimbursement for elected officials. Specifically, the bill removes the requirement that legislators' out-of-state travel must be approved by a three-fourths vote of the New Mexico Legislative Council, instead simply referring to "members of the legislature" without additional restrictions. The bill also adjusts language about reimbursement limits, stipulating that individuals who receive over $1,500 in reimbursements in a year must provide detailed, itemized travel statements to their department head, the governor, or the Legislative Council (depending on their position) in order to continue receiving reimbursements. Additionally, the bill provides more discretion to state agencies, local public bodies, and educational institutions to reduce per diem and mileage rates when deemed in the public interest, while maintaining that such reductions cannot be used to provide additional compensation.

Government Affairs

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=S&legtype=B&legno=135&year=25