Bill > LD1968

This bill amends the laws regarding legislative reimbursement and compensation for Maine state legislators. The bill allows the Legislative Council (a governing body of legislative leadership) to set higher meal and housing allowances for legislators, with the requirement that at least 6 council members must vote in favor of any such increase at the beginning of a legislative session. These allowance increases are capped at the federal per diem rate for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses. The bill modifies existing provisions for daily meal and housing allowances, removing fixed dollar amounts and enabling more flexible rate-setting. Additionally, the bill changes how legislators are compensated if they vacate their office mid-term, replacing the previous complicated calculation with a prorated salary based on what they would have earned if seated at the start of the legislative biennium. The bill also clarifies mileage reimbursement rules, specifying that mileage will be calculated by the most reasonable direct route between a legislator's home and the place of service. These changes provide more flexibility in legislative compensation while maintaining fiscal constraints.

Government Affairs

https://legislature.maine.gov/legis/bills/display_ps.asp?LD=1968&snum=132