Bill > HB472

This bill modifies Alabama's state employee travel meal and per diem allowance regulations by increasing the meal allowance percentage for shorter trips from 15% to 17.5% of the regular per diem rate. The bill maintains the existing rule that no travel allowance is paid for trips less than six hours long, but provides specific allowance calculations for trips between six and 12 hours (partial meal allowance) and trips over 12 hours (one full meal allowance and one-fourth of the per diem allowance). The legislation also preserves existing provisions that limit per diem payments for employees stationed in the same location for more than two consecutive months, reducing the rate to 75% after that period. The bill provides flexibility for state agencies in certain situations, such as training sessions or emergency responses, allowing them to pay meal and per diem costs directly to service providers. For legislators, the bill specifies that travel reimbursement is subject to approval by the presiding officer and includes restrictions on receiving per diem during legislative sessions or when otherwise compensated. The changes will take effect on October 1, 2025, providing state agencies and employees advance notice of the updated travel allowance rules.

Budget and Finance

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