1-1 By: Armbrister S.B. No. 495
1-2 (In the Senate - Filed February 7, 1997; February 12, 1997,
1-3 read first time and referred to Committee on State Affairs;
1-4 February 24, 1997, reported favorably by the following vote: Yeas
1-5 12, Nays 0; February 24, 1997, sent to printer.)
1-6 A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
1-7 AN ACT
1-8 relating to travel expenses incurred by state officers and
1-9 employees.
1-10 BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS:
1-11 SECTION 1. Section 660.002, Government Code, is amended to
1-12 read as follows:
1-13 Sec. 660.002. DEFINITIONS. In this chapter:
1-14 (1) "Appropriated funds" means funds appropriated
1-15 under the General Appropriations Act.
1-16 (2) "Board" means a board, commission, committee,
1-17 council, governing body, or similar entity in the executive,
1-18 legislative, or judicial branch of state government that is
1-19 composed of two or more members.
1-20 (3) "Cancellation charge" means a fee, charge, or
1-21 payment that a provider of travel services assesses or retains
1-22 because of the cancellation of a travel reservation or other travel
1-23 plan.
1-24 (4) "Chief administrator of a state agency" means:
1-25 (A) an elected state official, including a
1-26 member of a board whose membership is elected by vote of the people
1-27 but excluding a member of the legislature;
1-28 (B) an appointed state official, including an
1-29 individual [official] whose appointment as a state official has not
1-30 yet been confirmed by the [is subject to] senate [confirmation];
1-31 (C) the director of a legislative interim
1-32 committee or board;
1-33 (D) the chief administrator of a state hospital
1-34 or special school; [and]
1-35 (E) the chief administrator of an [a state]
1-36 institution of higher education;
1-37 (F) a first assistant, chief deputy, chief
1-38 clerk, or similar individual employed by a state agency who is
1-39 specifically authorized by law to act for the individual's
1-40 superior; and
1-41 (G) the individual who has the daily
1-42 responsibility for managing the operations of a state agency that
1-43 is governed by a part-time board.
1-44 (5) "Commercial lodging establishment" means:
1-45 (A) a motel, hotel, inn, apartment, house, or
1-46 similar establishment that provides lodging to the public for pay;
1-47 or
1-48 (B) a person or establishment that provides
1-49 lodging for pay that the comptroller determines to have a
1-50 sufficient number of the characteristics of a commercial lodging
1-51 establishment for purposes of this chapter.
1-52 (6) "Commercial transportation company" means a person
1-53 that offers to the public to transport people or goods for pay.
1-54 (7) "Designated headquarters" means:
1-55 (A) the area within:
1-56 (i) the boundaries of the incorporated
1-57 municipality in which the state employee's place of employment is
1-58 located; or
1-59 (ii) a five-mile radius of the state
1-60 employee's place of employment, if the state employee's place of
1-61 employment is located within an unincorporated area; and
1-62 (B) any area completely surrounded by the
1-63 incorporated municipality in which the state employee's place of
1-64 employment is located.
2-1 (8) "Disability" means a physical or mental impairment
2-2 of an individual that substantially limits one or more major life
2-3 activities of the individual.
2-4 (9) "Duty point" means the destination, other than a
2-5 place of employment, to which a state employee travels to conduct
2-6 official state business. If the destination is outside the
2-7 employee's designated headquarters, the duty point is:
2-8 (A) the incorporated municipality in which the
2-9 destination is located; or
2-10 (B) the area within a five-mile radius of the
2-11 destination if the destination is located in an unincorporated
2-12 area.
2-13 (10) "Incidental expense" means an expense incurred
2-14 while traveling on official state business. The term includes a
2-15 mandatory insurance or service charge and an applicable tax. The
2-16 term does not include:
2-17 (A) a meal, lodging, or transportation expense,
2-18 including a tax on a meal;
2-19 (B) a personal expense;
2-20 (C) an expense that a person would incur
2-21 regardless of whether the person is traveling on official state
2-22 business; or
2-23 (D) a tip or gratuity.
2-24 (11) "Institutional funds" has the meaning assigned by
2-25 Section 51.009, Education Code.
2-26 (12) "Institution of higher education" has the meaning
2-27 assigned by Section 61.003, Education Code.
2-28 (13) "Key official" means a chief administrator of a
2-29 state agency or a person holding a position that has been
2-30 designated as exempt from the position classification plan in
2-31 accordance with the General Appropriations Act or by the governor
2-32 under Chapter 654.
2-33 (14) "Lease" means a contract with a term of at least
2-34 one month that gives the lessee possession and use of property or
2-35 equipment while the lessor retains ownership of the property or
2-36 equipment.
2-37 (15) "Place of employment" means the office or other
2-38 location at which a state employee most frequently conducts
2-39 official state business.
2-40 (16) "Prospective state employee" means an individual
2-41 that a state agency considers for employment with the agency. The
2-42 term includes a state employee of a state agency who is considered
2-43 for employment by another state agency.
2-44 (17) "Receipt" means the tangible or electronically
2-45 stored version of an invoice, ticket, bill, document, or other item
2-46 that the comptroller accepts as proof that a travel expense has
2-47 been incurred by a state employee.
2-48 (18) "Rented or public conveyance" means a motor
2-49 vehicle, train, aircraft, boat, or bicycle that a state employee
2-50 rents or pays a fare to use for a period of less than one month.
2-51 (19) "State agency" means:
2-52 (A) a unit of state government that uses
2-53 appropriated funds to pay or reimburse a travel expense of a state
2-54 employee;
2-55 (B) the Teacher Retirement System of Texas; or
2-56 (C) the Employees Retirement System of Texas.
2-57 (20) "State employee" means a person employed by a
2-58 state agency. The term includes a key official unless this chapter
2-59 specifically provides otherwise.
2-60 (21) "Travel expense" means a meal, lodging,
2-61 transportation, or incidental expense.
2-62 (22) "Unit of state government" includes an
2-63 institution of higher education.
2-64 [(2) "Per diem allowance" means a flat daily rate that
2-65 is paid instead of actual expenses for meals and lodging and is
2-66 compensation for official travel purposes only.]
2-67 SECTION 2. Section 660.003, Government Code, is amended to
2-68 read as follows:
2-69 Sec. 660.003. APPLICABILITY. (a) This chapter, the General
3-1 Appropriations Act, and the rules adopted by the comptroller under
3-2 this chapter govern the procedures, amounts, timing, limits,
3-3 required documentation, permissible payees, distinctions among
3-4 different types of state employees, and all other details
3-5 concerning travel expense payments or reimbursements by a state
3-6 agency.
3-7 (b) Except as provided by Subsections (c) and (d), this
3-8 chapter and the travel provisions of the General Appropriations Act
3-9 apply to a travel expense only to the extent that appropriated
3-10 funds are used to pay or reimburse the expense.
3-11 (c) This chapter and the travel provisions of the General
3-12 Appropriations Act apply to a travel expense paid or reimbursed by
3-13 the Employees Retirement System of Texas or the Teacher Retirement
3-14 System of Texas, regardless of whether the funds used to make the
3-15 payment or reimbursement are appropriated funds.
3-16 (d) A law outside this chapter that states that this
3-17 chapter, the travel provisions of the General Appropriations Act,
3-18 or both, apply to a travel expense prevails over a provision to the
3-19 contrary in this chapter.
3-20 (e) A state agency may pay or reimburse a travel expense
3-21 only if:
3-22 (1) the expense is reasonable and necessary;
3-23 (2) the purpose of the travel clearly involves
3-24 official state business and is consistent with the agency's legal
3-25 authority; and
3-26 (3) the expense and the travel during which the
3-27 expense is incurred comply with:
3-28 (A) this chapter;
3-29 (B) the rules adopted by the comptroller under
3-30 this chapter; and
3-31 (C) the travel provisions of the General
3-32 Appropriations Act.
3-33 (f) A travel expense may be paid or reimbursed according to
3-34 the requirements of an applicable federal law or regulation, and
3-35 this chapter does not apply to the extent necessary to avoid
3-36 conflict with an applicable federal law or regulation [applies to:]
3-37 [(1) a state officer;]
3-38 [(2) a chief administrator of a state agency;]
3-39 [(3) a state employee; and]
3-40 [(4) a prospective state employee who incurs expenses
3-41 when requested to visit a state agency, department, or institution
3-42 of higher education for an employment interview and evaluation].
3-43 SECTION 3. Section 660.004, Government Code, is amended to
3-44 read as follows:
3-45 Sec. 660.004. TRAVEL EXPENSES PAID OR REIMBURSED [INCURRED]
3-46 BY [OFFICIALS OR EMPLOYEES OF] INSTITUTIONS OF HIGHER EDUCATION.
3-47 (a) This chapter does not apply to a [reimbursement for] travel
3-48 expense to the extent an institution of higher education pays or
3-49 reimburses the expense from institutional funds [expenses:]
3-50 [(1) incurred by an official or employee of the
3-51 athletic department of an institution of higher education;]
3-52 [(2) to an official or employee of an institution of
3-53 higher education from a gift or bequest; or]
3-54 [(3) of an official or employee of an institution of
3-55 higher education if the expenses are paid or reimbursed to the
3-56 institution under a contract between the institution and the
3-57 federal government or another contracting agency].
3-58 (b) The governing board of an [each] institution of higher
3-59 education shall adopt [necessary] rules as necessary to administer
3-60 and control travel expense payments and reimbursements that are
3-61 exempt from this chapter under Subsection (a) [for the
3-62 administration and control of travel by an official or employee
3-63 exempted by this section].
3-64 SECTION 4. Subchapter A, Chapter 660, Government Code, is
3-65 amended by adding Sections 660.006 through 660.018 to read as
3-66 follows:
3-67 Sec. 660.006. TRAVEL OF PROSPECTIVE STATE EMPLOYEES. (a) A
3-68 state agency that provides advance authorization to a prospective
3-69 state employee to visit the agency for an interview or other
4-1 employment evaluation may:
4-2 (1) reimburse the prospective state employee for a
4-3 travel expense incurred as a result of visiting the agency; or
4-4 (2) pay a vendor for a travel expense incurred by the
4-5 prospective state employee as a result of visiting the agency.
4-6 (b) A state agency shall treat a prospective state employee
4-7 as a state employee for the purposes of reimbursing or paying a
4-8 travel expense of the prospective state employee. The amount of
4-9 the payment or reimbursement is limited to the amount that may be
4-10 paid or reimbursed for travel expenses incurred by an individual
4-11 who holds the position for which the prospective state employee is
4-12 being considered.
4-13 Sec. 660.007. CONSERVATION OF FUNDS. (a) A state agency
4-14 shall minimize the amount of travel expenses paid or reimbursed by
4-15 the agency. The agency shall ensure that each travel arrangement
4-16 is the most cost effective considering all relevant circumstances.
4-17 (b) A state agency may specify a travel expense payment or
4-18 reimbursement rate that is less than the maximum rate specified in
4-19 this chapter or the travel provisions of the General Appropriations
4-20 Act. The lower rate applies only to a travel expense incurred
4-21 after the agency has notified the affected individuals in writing
4-22 about the rate. The agency is solely responsible for enforcing the
4-23 rate.
4-24 Sec. 660.008. TRAVEL EXPENSES INCURRED WHILE ON LEAVE. A
4-25 state agency may pay or reimburse a state employee for a travel
4-26 expense the employee incurs while using personal or compensatory
4-27 leave if:
4-28 (1) the leave is used while the employee is away from
4-29 the employee's designated headquarters;
4-30 (2) the primary purpose of the employee's being away
4-31 is to conduct official state business; and
4-32 (3) the agency determines that returning the employee
4-33 to the employee's designated headquarters while using the leave
4-34 would not be cost effective or would be impracticable.
4-35 Sec. 660.009. INABILITY TO PERFORM OFFICIAL STATE BUSINESS.
4-36 A state agency may pay or reimburse a state employee for a travel
4-37 expense the employee incurs as a result of attempting to conduct
4-38 official state business if:
4-39 (1) the employee is unable to conduct the business
4-40 because of a natural disaster or other natural occurrence; and
4-41 (2) the expense would be payable or reimbursable had
4-42 the official state business been conducted.
4-43 Sec. 660.010. TRAVEL EXPENSES INCURRED TO OBTAIN MEDICAL
4-44 CARE. As additional compensation to a state employee, a state
4-45 agency may pay or reimburse the employee for a travel expense the
4-46 employee incurs while obtaining medical care for the employee if:
4-47 (1) the expense is incurred outside the employee's
4-48 designated headquarters;
4-49 (2) the purpose of the employee traveling outside the
4-50 employee's designated headquarters was to conduct official state
4-51 business;
4-52 (3) waiting to receive the care until the employee
4-53 returns to the employee's designated headquarters would be
4-54 unreasonable; and
4-55 (4) the expense is paid or reimbursed only to the
4-56 extent it would have been paid or reimbursed had it been incurred
4-57 while conducting official state business.
4-58 Sec. 660.011. TRAVEL EXPENSES INCURRED TO ATTEND FUNERAL.
4-59 As additional compensation to a state employee, a state agency may
4-60 reimburse the employee for or pay a travel expense the employee
4-61 incurs while attending the funeral of an individual who was a state
4-62 employee, a board member, or a member of the legislature if:
4-63 (1) the agency determines that the employee's
4-64 attendance at the funeral is appropriate under the circumstances;
4-65 and
4-66 (2) the expense is paid or reimbursed only to the
4-67 extent it could have been paid or reimbursed had it been incurred
4-68 while conducting official state business.
4-69 Sec. 660.012. TRAVEL EXPENSES INCURRED RETURNING TO
5-1 DESIGNATED HEADQUARTERS. (a) A state agency that requires a state
5-2 employee on personal or compensatory leave to return to the
5-3 employee's designated headquarters from another location may pay or
5-4 reimburse the employee for a travel expense incurred by the
5-5 employee while traveling to the headquarters. The agency may pay
5-6 or reimburse a travel expense incurred by the employee while
5-7 traveling back to the location at which the employee was staying
5-8 while on leave or, when appropriate, to the proper location on the
5-9 employee's itinerary, if the employee resumes the leave.
5-10 (b) A state agency may pay or reimburse a state employee for
5-11 a travel expense incurred when the employee returns, before
5-12 official state business is completed, from a duty point to the
5-13 employee's designated headquarters because of an illness or a
5-14 personal emergency.
5-15 Sec. 660.013. TRAVEL EXPENSES INCURRED BY EMPLOYEES OF OTHER
5-16 AGENCIES. A state agency may pay or reimburse a travel expense
5-17 incurred by another state agency's employee if the employee
5-18 incurred the expense while providing services to the paying or
5-19 reimbursing agency.
5-20 Sec. 660.014. PAYMENTS TO CREDIT CARD ISSUERS AND TRAVEL
5-21 AGENTS. (a) If a state agency may directly pay a commercial
5-22 lodging establishment or a commercial transportation company under
5-23 this chapter, the agency may instead pay a credit card issuer or a
5-24 travel agency for the lodging or transportation.
5-25 (b) The documentation required for direct payment to a
5-26 commercial lodging establishment or commercial transportation
5-27 company is also required for payment to a credit card issuer or a
5-28 travel agency.
5-29 Sec. 660.015. CANCELLATION CHARGES. A state agency may pay
5-30 or reimburse a state employee for a cancellation charge if:
5-31 (1) the charge is incurred for a reason related to
5-32 official state business or to official state business that could
5-33 not be conducted because of a natural disaster or other natural
5-34 occurrence; or
5-35 (2) the charge is:
5-36 (A) related to a transportation expense that was
5-37 paid in advance to obtain lower rates; and
5-38 (B) incurred because the employee was unable to
5-39 use the transportation because of an illness or a personal
5-40 emergency.
5-41 Sec. 660.016. PROHIBITION AGAINST ACCEPTING MONEY OR TRAVEL
5-42 EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENTS FROM CERTAIN PERSONS. (a) Unless
5-43 authorized by law, a state employee may not accept money for wages
5-44 or for a travel expense reimbursement from a person that the
5-45 employee's employing state agency intends to audit, examine, or
5-46 investigate or is auditing, examining, or investigating.
5-47 (b) A state employee who violates Subsection (a) shall
5-48 forfeit the money or travel expense reimbursement to the state.
5-49 (c) Subsections (a) and (b) are in addition to any other
5-50 prohibitions, penalties, and forfeitures imposed or required by
5-51 other law.
5-52 Sec. 660.017. EXCESS REIMBURSEMENTS. A state employee who
5-53 receives a reimbursement for a travel expense that exceeds the
5-54 amount the employee may receive under this chapter or the travel
5-55 provisions of the General Appropriations Act shall immediately
5-56 return the amount of the excess.
5-57 Sec. 660.018. MULTIPLE ADVANCES OR REIMBURSEMENTS FOR A
5-58 TRAVEL EXPENSE. A state employee may not accept a reimbursement or
5-59 advance for a travel expense from more than one source. A state
5-60 employee who anticipates receiving or actually receives a
5-61 reimbursement or advance for a travel expense from a person other
5-62 than a state agency may seek an advance or reimbursement for the
5-63 expense from a state agency only to the extent that the amount of
5-64 the employee's advance or reimbursement from the other source is
5-65 less than the amount of the total expense incurred.
5-66 SECTION 5. Section 660.021, Government Code, is amended to
5-67 read as follows:
5-68 Sec. 660.021. RULES. The comptroller shall adopt rules for
5-69 the effective and efficient administration [to administer the
6-1 travel regulations] of this chapter and the travel provisions of
6-2 the General Appropriations Act.
6-3 SECTION 6. Section 660.024, Government Code, is amended to
6-4 read as follows:
6-5 Sec. 660.024. ADVANCE APPROVAL FOR CERTAIN INTERNATIONAL
6-6 TRAVEL. (a) A state agency may not pay or reimburse a [Travel
6-7 related to official state business for which a reimbursement for]
6-8 travel expense incurred by a state employee that is related to
6-9 travel to, in, or from a foreign nation unless [expenses is claimed
6-10 or for which an advance for travel expenses to be incurred is
6-11 sought must have the advance written approval of] the governor
6-12 provides written approval of the travel before it begins. The
6-13 governor may specify the maximum amount of travel expenses that may
6-14 be reimbursed.
6-15 (b) Subsection (a) applies to a travel expense only if it is
6-16 incurred while traveling to, in, or from a destination that is not
6-17 in [does not apply to travel]:
6-18 (1) the United States [in this state]; [or]
6-19 (2) a possession of the United States;
6-20 (3) [to, in, and from another state,] Mexico;[,] or
6-21 (4) Canada.
6-22 (c) The governor may give general approval [blanket
6-23 authority] for international travel by:
6-24 (1) personnel of the International Trade Development
6-25 Division of the Texas Department of Commerce; and
6-26 (2) law enforcement personnel of the Department of
6-27 Public Safety.
6-28 (d) If the governor's approval is required by this section,
6-29 the comptroller may require proof of that approval.
6-30 (e) The governor may designate an employee of the governor's
6-31 office to provide the approval required by this section.
6-32 SECTION 7. Section 660.025, Government Code, is amended to
6-33 read as follows:
6-34 Sec. 660.025. ADVANCE PAYMENT PROCEDURE. (a) The
6-35 comptroller by rule shall establish a procedure by which travel
6-36 expense money may be advanced to a state [officer or] employee [may
6-37 receive an advance payment for projected travel expenses for a
6-38 particular exercise of official duty]. The procedures must be
6-39 consistent with Section 403.248.
6-40 (b) Money may not be advanced to a state employee for a
6-41 travel expense unless the expense is payable or reimbursable under
6-42 this chapter, the travel provisions of the General Appropriations
6-43 Act, and the rules adopted by the comptroller under this chapter.
6-44 [The comptroller shall require a final accounting after actual
6-45 travel expense has been determined to provide for any necessary
6-46 reimbursement or adjustment to reconcile an advance and the actual
6-47 expense incurred.]
6-48 SECTION 8. Subchapter B, Chapter 660, Government Code, is
6-49 amended by adding Sections 660.027 through 660.029 to read as
6-50 follows:
6-51 Sec. 660.027. VOUCHERS. (a) The comptroller may issue a
6-52 warrant or initiate an electronic funds transfer to pay or
6-53 reimburse a travel expense only if a state agency submits to the
6-54 comptroller a voucher that requests the payment or reimbursement.
6-55 (b) A voucher submitted under Subsection (a) is valid only
6-56 if:
6-57 (1) the state agency submitting the voucher approves
6-58 it in accordance with Chapter 2103 and, if required by law,
6-59 certifies the voucher; and
6-60 (2) the state employee who incurred the travel expense
6-61 or, if the employee is unavailable, another individual acceptable
6-62 to the comptroller approves the voucher in writing or
6-63 electronically.
6-64 (c) A voucher must be submitted in the manner required and
6-65 on the form adopted by the comptroller. The comptroller may
6-66 require the voucher to be submitted electronically as authorized by
6-67 Chapter 2103.
6-68 (d) A voucher must describe the official state business
6-69 performed and be accompanied by the information necessary for the
7-1 comptroller to determine compliance with this chapter, the travel
7-2 provisions of the General Appropriations Act, and the rules adopted
7-3 by the comptroller under this chapter.
7-4 (e) The comptroller may require a state agency to provide
7-5 the information required by Subsection (d):
7-6 (1) on the form adopted by the comptroller under
7-7 Subsection (c);
7-8 (2) by submitting receipts; or
7-9 (3) by a combination of Subdivisions (1) and (2).
7-10 Sec. 660.028. AUDITS. (a) The comptroller shall audit a
7-11 voucher either before or after the comptroller issues a warrant or
7-12 initiates an electronic funds transfer in response to the voucher.
7-13 The audit must be conducted in accordance with Sections
7-14 403.011(12), 403.071, and 403.079.
7-15 (b) If the comptroller audits a state agency's voucher after
7-16 the comptroller issues a warrant or initiates an electronic funds
7-17 transfer in response to the voucher, the comptroller may require
7-18 the agency to maintain in its files the receipts relating to the
7-19 voucher until the comptroller audits the voucher.
7-20 (c) If a state agency pays or reimburses a travel expense
7-21 without first submitting a voucher to the comptroller, the
7-22 comptroller may audit the payment or reimbursement for compliance
7-23 with this chapter and the travel provisions of the General
7-24 Appropriations Act. The comptroller may report the results of the
7-25 audit to the governor, the lieutenant governor, the speaker of the
7-26 house of representatives, the state auditor, and the Legislative
7-27 Budget Board. The state agency shall cooperate with the
7-28 comptroller and make available the receipts required by the
7-29 comptroller at the time and in the manner required by the
7-30 comptroller.
7-31 (d) The comptroller may require a state agency to maintain
7-32 in its files the receipts regarding a travel expense payment or
7-33 reimbursement for the period required by the comptroller.
7-34 Sec. 660.029. KNOWLEDGE OF TRAVEL PROCEDURES. (a) A state
7-35 agency shall instruct its state employees about this chapter, the
7-36 travel provisions of the General Appropriations Act, and the rules
7-37 adopted by the comptroller under this chapter.
7-38 (b) A state agency's failure or inability to instruct a
7-39 state employee as required by Subsection (a) does not excuse or
7-40 justify the employee's failure to comply with applicable laws or
7-41 rules.
7-42 SECTION 9. Subchapter C, Chapter 660, Government Code, is
7-43 amended to read as follows:
7-44 SUBCHAPTER C. TRANSPORTATION BY PERSONAL MOTOR VEHICLE
7-45 [TRAVEL EXPENSES]
7-46 Sec. 660.041. REIMBURSEMENT REQUIREMENT [TRAVEL EXPENSE
7-47 FORM]. (a) A state employee is entitled to be reimbursed as
7-48 provided by this subchapter for the employee's use of a personally
7-49 owned or leased motor vehicle.
7-50 (b) A state employee may not be reimbursed under this
7-51 subchapter for an expense other than mileage, tolls, and parking.
7-52 [The comptroller shall prescribe the form on which a travel expense
7-53 is to be submitted.]
7-54 Sec. 660.042. AMOUNT OF REIMBURSEMENT [USE OF TRAVEL EXPENSE
7-55 FORM]. A mileage reimbursement may not exceed the product of:
7-56 (1) the applicable mileage reimbursement rate as
7-57 established by the legislature in the travel provisions of the
7-58 General Appropriations Act; and
7-59 (2) the number of miles traveled as limited by this
7-60 subchapter. [(a) A state agency shall use the standard travel
7-61 expense form prescribed by the comptroller in preparing an expense
7-62 account for a traveling state employee.]
7-63 [(b) The travel expense form must state:]
7-64 [(1) the point of origin and the point of destination
7-65 for each trip;]
7-66 [(2) the reimbursable mileage, including intracity
7-67 mileage, that is traveled or projected between each point;]
7-68 [(3) the time that the employee is away or plans to be
7-69 away from designated headquarters for which the employee is or will
8-1 be entitled to travel expenses; and]
8-2 [(4) briefly and clearly the purpose of the trip and
8-3 the character of official business performed or to be performed.]
8-4 Sec. 660.043. DETERMINATION OF REIMBURSABLE MILEAGE [AMOUNT
8-5 OF REIMBURSEMENT OR ADVANCE]. (a) The number of miles traveled
8-6 that are eligible for reimbursement under this subchapter may not
8-7 exceed the number of miles of the most cost-effective route between
8-8 the origin of the state employee's travel and the final duty point
8-9 of the state employee. If a state employee conducts official state
8-10 business at duty points between the origin of the state employee's
8-11 travel and the final duty point, the most cost-effective route
8-12 between the origin and the final duty point shall include the
8-13 intermediate duty points.
8-14 (b) For the purpose of Subsection (a), the shortest route
8-15 between two points is presumed to be the most cost-effective route.
8-16 A longer route may be considered the most cost-effective route only
8-17 if:
8-18 (1) the voucher states that the longer route is more
8-19 cost effective;
8-20 (2) the voucher provides a reasonable justification
8-21 for that statement; and
8-22 (3) the statement and justification are made by the
8-23 chief administrator of the state agency making the reimbursement or
8-24 by the chief administrator's designee.
8-25 (c) The comptroller shall periodically issue and update a
8-26 mileage guide that includes a chart showing the number of miles for
8-27 the shortest route between points. The guide also may include a
8-28 chart showing the number of miles for longer routes between points.
8-29 Farm-to-market and ranch-to-market roads shall be considered when
8-30 determining the routings between points in this state. The guide
8-31 may be electronic or printed, or both.
8-32 (d) If the number of miles between points is not shown in
8-33 the guide, the mileage incurred while traveling between those
8-34 points is not reimbursable unless:
8-35 (1) the voucher itemizes the mileage on a
8-36 point-to-point basis; and
8-37 (2) the mileage is reasonable. [A reimbursement or
8-38 advance from money appropriated by the legislature for travel and
8-39 other necessary expenses incurred by a state officer, chief
8-40 administrator of a state agency, or a state employee in the active
8-41 discharge of the person's duties is in the amount provided by the
8-42 General Appropriations Act as a per diem or actual expenses as
8-43 provided by the General Appropriations Act.]
8-44 Sec. 660.044. USE OF SINGLE MOTOR VEHICLE BY MULTIPLE
8-45 EMPLOYEES [RATE OF AND METHOD OF COMPUTING PER DIEM AND
8-46 TRANSPORTATION ALLOWANCE]. (a) If two, three, or four state
8-47 employees who are employed by the same state agency travel on the
8-48 same dates with the same itinerary to conduct the same official
8-49 state business, only one of the employees may be reimbursed for
8-50 mileage.
8-51 (b) If more than four state employees who are employed by
8-52 the same state agency travel on the same dates with the same
8-53 itinerary to conduct the same official state business, a state
8-54 agency may reimburse for mileage only on the basis of one motor
8-55 vehicle for each four employees and for any fraction in excess of a
8-56 multiple of four employees.
8-57 (c) Subsections (a) and (b) do not apply to a group of state
8-58 employees if the chief administrative officer of the state agency
8-59 that employs the employees determines before travel that it is not
8-60 feasible for the employees to travel together in the same motor
8-61 vehicle. This determination may be made only for reasons related
8-62 to official state business. [The rate of and method of computing a
8-63 per diem or transportation allowance are those provided by the
8-64 General Appropriations Act].
8-65 [Sec. 660.045. PROHIBITION APPLICABLE TO PER DIEM ALLOWANCE.
8-66 (a) A state employee may not receive a per diem allowance or a
8-67 partial per diem allowance provided by the General Appropriations
8-68 Act for time during which the employee is:]
8-69 [(1) at the employee's official designated
9-1 headquarters;]
9-2 [(2) absent from the employee's place of employment
9-3 for a reason not connected with the duties of the employee's
9-4 agency, including absence for a personal reason; or]
9-5 [(3) away from the employee's designated headquarters
9-6 for less than six consecutive hours.]
9-7 [(b) A state employee who leaves the employee's place of
9-8 employment for a reason not related to the duties of the employee's
9-9 agency shall clearly indicate on the required travel expense form
9-10 the absence and the hour and date of departure from and return to
9-11 the employee's place of employment.]
9-12 [Sec. 660.046. APPROVAL AND PAYMENT OF CLAIM. (a) The
9-13 comptroller shall approve a claim for travel expense.]
9-14 [(b) The comptroller shall issue a warrant for payment of an
9-15 approved claim for travel expense.]
9-16 [Sec. 660.047. PROHIBITION APPLICABLE TO ACCEPTANCE OF MONEY
9-17 FROM CERTAIN PERSONS. (a) A state officer or employee who is
9-18 traveling to perform an official duty may not accept money for
9-19 wages or expenses from a person who is or who may be audited,
9-20 examined, inspected, or investigated by the state.]
9-21 [(b) A state officer or employee who is traveling to perform
9-22 an official duty may receive travel expenses only from amounts
9-23 appropriated by the General Appropriations Act.]
9-24 [(c) The comptroller may not pay the salary of a state
9-25 employee who violates this section.]
9-26 [Sec. 660.048. OVERPAYMENT. A state officer or employee who
9-27 receives an overpayment for a travel expense from money
9-28 appropriated by the General Appropriations Act shall reimburse the
9-29 state for the overpayment.]
9-30 [Sec. 660.049. PROHIBITION APPLICABLE TO TRAVEL COMPENSATION
9-31 BY OTHER PERSONS. (a) A state officer or employee may not receive
9-32 a double travel expense payment.]
9-33 [(b) A state employee who is to be compensated for travel
9-34 expenses from a person other than a state agency may not seek an
9-35 advance payment or receive a reimbursement for the travel from
9-36 money authorized by the General Appropriations Act.]
9-37 [Sec. 660.050. LOCAL TRANSPORTATION ALLOWANCE. (a) A state
9-38 employee whose duties customarily require travel within the
9-39 employee's designated headquarters may be paid a local
9-40 transportation allowance for the travel.]
9-41 [(b) The allowance may not exceed the transportation
9-42 allowance for use of a privately owned automobile under the General
9-43 Appropriations Act.]
9-44 [(c) Notwithstanding the General Appropriations Act, a state
9-45 employee with a physical disability that precludes the personal
9-46 operation of a privately owned automobile may receive a reasonable
9-47 local transportation allowance not to exceed the amount to which
9-48 the employee would be entitled for similar travel outside the
9-49 employee's designated headquarters.]
9-50 [Sec. 660.051. COURTESY CARD. A state officer or employee
9-51 may use a courtesy card for travel by air, rail, or bus.]
9-52 [Sec. 660.052. DETERMINATION OF MILEAGE FOR TRAVEL BY
9-53 PRIVATELY OWNED CONVEYANCE. The comptroller shall determine
9-54 mileage for the purpose of a reimbursement or advance payment for
9-55 travel by a privately owned conveyance by:]
9-56 [(1) computing the shortest highway distance between
9-57 the point of origin and the destination using intermediate points
9-58 at which official state business is conducted; and]
9-59 [(2) adding other necessary mileage at points at which
9-60 official state business is conducted.]
9-61 [Sec. 660.053. DETERMINATION OF MILEAGE FOR TRAVEL BY
9-62 PERSONAL CAR. (a) In determining the amount of a reimbursement or
9-63 advance payment for travel by privately owned car in the state, the
9-64 comptroller shall:]
9-65 [(1) compute all distances according to the shortest
9-66 route between points;]
9-67 [(2) adopt a mileage guide that is available both
9-68 electronically and in a printed version that includes information
9-69 on distances and provides the shortest route between points in the
10-1 state, including any farm-to-market road; and]
10-2 [(3) update the mileage guide as necessary.]
10-3 [(b) The comptroller shall encourage use of the electronic
10-4 mileage guide. The comptroller may prescribe the circumstances
10-5 under which a state agency may rely on the printed mileage guide.]
10-6 [Sec. 660.054. MULTIPLE USE OF SINGLE PRIVATELY OWNED
10-7 CONVEYANCE BY STATE EMPLOYEES. (a) If two or more state employees
10-8 travel in a single privately owned conveyance, only one employee
10-9 may receive a transportation allowance.]
10-10 [(b) This section does not prohibit each state employee
10-11 traveling in a privately owned conveyance from receiving a per diem
10-12 allowance.]
10-13 [Sec. 660.055. MULTIPLE USE OF SINGLE PRIVATELY OWNED CAR.
10-14 (a) If two, three, or four state officers or employees travel in a
10-15 privately owned car, only one reimbursement or advance payment for
10-16 the car's mileage may be claimed and allowed.]
10-17 [(b) The comptroller shall consider the travel claims of the
10-18 officers and employees as multiple claims and may pay only one
10-19 claim to the extent of mileage claimed.]
10-20 [(c) If more than four employees travel in more than one
10-21 car, full mileage is allowed for one car for each four employees
10-22 and for any fraction in excess of a multiple of four employees.]
10-23 [(d) A state officer or employee must obtain the advance
10-24 approval of the chief administrator of the officer's or employee's
10-25 state agency if it is not feasible for the officer or employee to
10-26 travel in the same car. Approval under this subsection authorizes
10-27 reimbursement or advance payment for travel by the officer or
10-28 employee using the officer's or employee's privately owned car.]
10-29 [(e) This section applies only to state officers or
10-30 employees who:]
10-31 [(1) are employed by the same state agency;]
10-32 [(2) are required to travel on the same official state
10-33 business;]
10-34 [(3) have the same itinerary; and]
10-35 [(4) travel on the same dates.]
10-36 SECTION 10. Chapter 660, Government Code, is amended by
10-37 adding Subchapters D, E, F, and G to read as follows:
10-38 SUBCHAPTER D. TRANSPORTATION BY PERSONAL AIRCRAFT
10-39 Sec. 660.071. REIMBURSEMENT REQUIREMENT. A state employee,
10-40 a key official, or a member of a board is entitled to be reimbursed
10-41 as provided by this subchapter for use of an aircraft owned or
10-42 leased by the employee, official, or member.
10-43 Sec. 660.072. AMOUNT OF REIMBURSEMENT. A reimbursement
10-44 under this subchapter may not exceed the product of:
10-45 (1) the aircraft mileage reimbursement rate
10-46 established in the travel provisions of the General Appropriations
10-47 Act; and
10-48 (2) the highway mileage between the designated
10-49 headquarters and duty point of the state employee, key official, or
10-50 member of a board.
10-51 Sec. 660.073. AIRCRAFT MILEAGE REIMBURSEMENT RATE. The
10-52 travel provisions of the General Appropriations Act may establish
10-53 different aircraft mileage rates:
10-54 (1) for travel in:
10-55 (A) a single-engine aircraft;
10-56 (B) a twin-engine aircraft; and
10-57 (C) a turbine-powered aircraft; and
10-58 (2) for travel by:
10-59 (A) a state employee;
10-60 (B) a key official;
10-61 (C) a member of a board; and
10-62 (D) a member of the legislature.
10-63 Sec. 660.074. GROUP TRAVEL. (a) This section applies only
10-64 if a key official or member of a board travels with another
10-65 official or member in an aircraft owned or leased by the other
10-66 official or member.
10-67 (b) In addition to the amount entitled to be reimbursed
10-68 under Section 660.071, the key official or member of a board who
10-69 owns or leases the aircraft is entitled to an amount equal to the
11-1 amount that would have been paid or reimbursed to each passenger
11-2 had the passenger incurred the average economy or coach airfare
11-3 instead of traveling on the aircraft. The total reimbursement to
11-4 the official or member may not exceed the total cost of the trip.
11-5 (c) The lessee of the aircraft may require the reimbursement
11-6 to be paid to the vendor providing the leased aircraft instead of
11-7 the lessee.
11-8 Sec. 660.075. AIRCRAFT LEASED FROM CERTAIN PERSONS. A key
11-9 official or a member of a board is entitled to reimbursement under
11-10 this subchapter for use of an aircraft leased from a
11-11 proprietorship, partnership, or corporation in which the official
11-12 or member has an interest.
11-13 (Sections 660.076-660.090 reserved for expansion
11-14 SUBCHAPTER E. TRANSPORTATION BY RENTED OR PUBLIC CONVEYANCE
11-15 Sec. 660.091. GENERAL PROVISION. A state agency shall pay
11-16 as provided by this subchapter the expense of transporting a state
11-17 employee by rented or public conveyance in the course of conducting
11-18 state business.
11-19 Sec. 660.092. PAYMENT AND REIMBURSEMENT METHODS. (a) A
11-20 state agency may pay an expense under this subchapter by:
11-21 (1) reimbursing the employee as provided by Subsection
11-22 (b);
11-23 (2) directly paying the expense as provided by
11-24 Subsection (c); or
11-25 (3) directly paying the expense in advance of travel
11-26 as provided by Subsection (d).
11-27 (b) If a state agency reimburses a state employee, the
11-28 agency shall submit receipts to the comptroller on request in the
11-29 manner required by the comptroller. A state agency is not required
11-30 to submit receipts for mass transit, taxi, or limousine fares.
11-31 (c) A state agency may request a commercial transportation
11-32 company to furnish transportation to the agency's state employees
11-33 and to bill the agency monthly for that transportation. The state
11-34 agency shall require the company to submit an invoice to the agency
11-35 listing the points of origin and destination for each trip and the
11-36 taxes charged. The agency shall submit those invoices to the
11-37 comptroller on request and in the manner required by the
11-38 comptroller.
11-39 (d) A state agency may directly pay a commercial
11-40 transportation company before the travel of a state employee if the
11-41 payment would result in a lower transportation expense. The
11-42 comptroller may adopt rules that authorize advance payments in
11-43 other circumstances.
11-44 (e) If a reimbursement to a state employee for a
11-45 transportation expense would not be authorized, a direct payment to
11-46 a commercial transportation company for the same expense is
11-47 prohibited.
11-48 (f) A state agency may not pay or reimburse the expense of
11-49 transporting a state employee by rented or public conveyance if the
11-50 transportation is provided by a person who is not a commercial
11-51 transportation company.
11-52 Sec. 660.093. COMMERCIAL AIR TRANSPORTATION. The amount
11-53 that a state agency pays or reimburses for a state employee to
11-54 travel between points by commercial airline may not exceed the
11-55 lowest rate available. First class airfare may be paid or
11-56 reimbursed only if it is the only available airfare. Business
11-57 class airfare may be paid or reimbursed only if a lower airfare is
11-58 not available.
11-59 (Sections 660.094-660.110 reserved for expansion
11-60 SUBCHAPTER F. MEAL, LODGING, AND INCIDENTAL EXPENSES
11-61 Sec. 660.111. REIMBURSEMENT REQUIREMENT. A state employee is
11-62 entitled to be reimbursed as provided by this subchapter for a
11-63 meal, lodging, or incidental expense incurred by the employee.
11-64 Sec. 660.112. AMOUNT OF REIMBURSEMENT. A reimbursement
11-65 under this subchapter may not exceed:
11-66 (1) the limits established by the travel provisions of
11-67 the General Appropriations Act for meal and lodging expenses; and
11-68 (2) the amount of incidental expenses actually
11-69 incurred by the state employee.
12-1 Sec. 660.113. RESTRICTED REIMBURSEMENTS. (a) A state
12-2 agency may not reimburse a state employee for a lodging expense
12-3 incurred at a place that is not a commercial lodging establishment.
12-4 (b) A state agency may not reimburse a state employee for a
12-5 meal or lodging expense the employee incurs while traveling outside
12-6 the employee's designated headquarters for less than six
12-7 consecutive hours unless the employee is a chief administrator of a
12-8 state agency or the travel provisions of the General Appropriations
12-9 Act authorize the reimbursement.
12-10 (c) A state agency may not reimburse a state employee for a
12-11 meal expense incurred within the employee's designated headquarters
12-12 unless the expense is:
12-13 (1) mandatory; and
12-14 (2) connected with training, a seminar, or a
12-15 conference.
12-16 (d) A state agency may reimburse a state employee for a meal
12-17 expense incurred while traveling without an overnight stay away
12-18 from the employee's designated headquarters only if the chief
12-19 administrator of the agency authorizes the reimbursement.
12-20 (e) A state agency may not reimburse a state employee for
12-21 the purchase of an alcoholic beverage, unless the employee is a
12-22 peace officer who purchased the beverage as a purchase of evidence
12-23 in an administrative or criminal case.
12-24 Sec. 660.114. DIRECT PAYMENTS TO COMMERCIAL LODGING
12-25 ESTABLISHMENTS. (a) A state agency may request that a commercial
12-26 lodging establishment bill the agency directly for a lodging
12-27 expense. A state agency shall submit receipts regarding the
12-28 expense to the comptroller on request in the manner required by the
12-29 comptroller.
12-30 (b) If a direct payment to a commercial lodging
12-31 establishment is authorized under this section, any meal expenses
12-32 incurred at the establishment may be paid directly to the
12-33 establishment. A state agency shall submit receipts about the
12-34 expenses to the comptroller on request in the manner required by
12-35 the comptroller.
12-36 (c) If a reimbursement to a state employee for a lodging or
12-37 meal expense would not be authorized, a direct payment to a
12-38 commercial lodging establishment for the expense is prohibited.
12-39 Sec. 660.115. RECEIPTS. (a) Except as provided by
12-40 Subsections (b) and (c), a state employee who requests
12-41 reimbursement for a lodging expense must submit a lodging receipt
12-42 to the comptroller at the time and in the manner required by the
12-43 comptroller.
12-44 (b) A chief administrator of a state agency who is not a
12-45 member of a board is not required to submit a lodging receipt to
12-46 the comptroller.
12-47 (c) A member of a board is not required to submit a lodging
12-48 receipt to the comptroller if:
12-49 (1) the membership of the board is elected by vote of
12-50 the people; or
12-51 (2) the member serves on the board full-time and is
12-52 paid a salary for that service.
12-53 Sec. 660.116. HOTEL OCCUPANCY AND SIMILAR TAXES. (a) A
12-54 state employee is entitled to be reimbursed for a state, county, or
12-55 local hotel occupancy tax or any similar tax imposed by a law of
12-56 this state, another state, or a foreign nation.
12-57 (b) A state employee is entitled to be reimbursed for a
12-58 hotel occupancy or similar tax from which the employee is legally
12-59 exempt only if the employee properly claims the exemption and the
12-60 commercial lodging establishment refuses to honor the exemption.
12-61 (c) If a state agency directly pays a commercial lodging
12-62 establishment under Section 660.114, the agency may directly pay a
12-63 hotel occupancy or similar tax to the establishment.
12-64 Sec. 660.117. APARTMENT OR HOUSE RENTAL EXPENSES. An
12-65 apartment or house rental expense may be reimbursed or paid only
12-66 if:
12-67 (1) the purpose of the rental is the conservation of
12-68 funds; and
12-69 (2) the reimbursement or payment and the rental comply
13-1 with the rules adopted by the comptroller under this chapter.
13-2 Sec. 660.118. INCIDENTAL EXPENSES. A state agency may
13-3 reimburse a state employee for an incidental expense incurred by
13-4 the employee only in accordance with rules adopted by the
13-5 comptroller under this chapter.
13-6 (Sections 660.119-660.140 reserved for expansion
13-7 SUBCHAPTER G. SPECIAL TRAVEL EXPENSE PROVISIONS
13-8 Sec. 660.141. TRAVEL BY CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS. (a) An
13-9 individual is entitled to reimbursement for the actual expense of
13-10 meals and lodging incurred while performing the duties of the
13-11 individual's office or employment if the individual is:
13-12 (1) a judicial officer;
13-13 (2) a chief administrative officer of a state agency,
13-14 subject to Subsection (c);
13-15 (3) the executive director of the Texas Legislative
13-16 Council; or
13-17 (4) the secretary of the senate.
13-18 (b) The governor's spouse is entitled to reimbursement for
13-19 actual travel expenses incurred while performing duties at the
13-20 direction of the governor.
13-21 (c) A member of a board whose membership is not elected by
13-22 vote of the people is not a chief administrative officer for the
13-23 purposes of this section.
13-24 Sec. 660.142. BOARD MEMBERS. This chapter applies to a
13-25 payment or reimbursement of a travel expense incurred by a member
13-26 of a board only if Subchapter C, Chapter 659, or other applicable
13-27 law authorizes the payment or reimbursement.
13-28 Sec. 660.143. TRAVEL BY PERSONS WITH DISABILITIES.
13-29 (a) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter, a state
13-30 agency may reimburse a state employee with a disability for
13-31 attendant care and other necessary expenses incurred when the
13-32 employee travels inside or outside the employee's designated
13-33 headquarters. An expense incurred when traveling between a
13-34 residence and a place of employment may be reimbursed only as
13-35 provided by law for state employees without disabilities.
13-36 (b) If the airfare is medically necessary, a state agency
13-37 may reimburse a state employee with a disability for the first or
13-38 business class airfare of:
13-39 (1) the employee; and
13-40 (2) the attendant of the employee.
13-41 (c) Instead of reimbursing a state employee for attendant
13-42 care and other necessary expenses, a state agency may:
13-43 (1) reimburse the attendant for those expenses; or
13-44 (2) pay a commercial transportation company or
13-45 commercial lodging establishment directly if the expenses are for
13-46 transportation or lodging.
13-47 (d) If this chapter, the travel provisions of the General
13-48 Appropriations Act, or a rule adopted by the comptroller under this
13-49 chapter conflicts with a requirement of the Americans with
13-50 Disabilities Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. Section 12101 et seq.), a
13-51 federal regulation adopted under that Act, or another applicable
13-52 federal law or regulation, the federal law or regulation controls
13-53 to the extent of the conflict.
13-54 Sec. 660.144. DEATH OF STATE EMPLOYEES. (a) A state agency
13-55 may pay or reimburse the expense of preparing and transporting the
13-56 remains and personal property of a state employee who dies while
13-57 conducting official state business outside the employee's
13-58 designated headquarters.
13-59 (b) The agency may pay or reimburse the expense of
13-60 transporting the remains and personal property either to the
13-61 employee's designated headquarters or to another location
13-62 designated by the executor or administrator of the employee's
13-63 estate. If the remains and personal property are transported to a
13-64 location other than the employee's designated headquarters, the
13-65 amount of the agency's payment or reimbursement may not exceed the
13-66 amount that would have been paid had the remains and personal
13-67 property been transported to the designated headquarters.
13-68 Sec. 660.145. TRAVEL EXPENSES OF THREATENED STATE EMPLOYEES
13-69 AND THEIR FAMILIES. (a) A state agency may pay or reimburse a
14-1 travel expense incurred by a state employee who serves in a law
14-2 enforcement, investigative, or similar capacity if the employee is
14-3 threatened as a result of the employee's official duties.
14-4 (b) A state agency may pay or reimburse a travel expense
14-5 incurred by the family of a state employee who serves in a law
14-6 enforcement, investigative, or similar capacity if the family is
14-7 threatened as a result of the employee's official duties.
14-8 (c) A travel expense is payable or reimbursable under this
14-9 section even if it is incurred within a state employee's designated
14-10 headquarters.
14-11 Sec. 660.146. CONFLICTS WITH OTHER SUBCHAPTERS. In the
14-12 event of a conflict between this subchapter and another provision
14-13 of this chapter, this subchapter controls.
14-14 SECTION 11. Section 659.031, Government Code, is amended to
14-15 read as follows:
14-16 Sec. 659.031. DEFINITION. In this subchapter, "state board"
14-17 means a board, commission, committee, council, or similar agency in
14-18 the executive or judicial branch of state government that is
14-19 composed of two or more members. The term does not include a
14-20 board, commission, committee, council, or similar agency whose
14-21 membership is elected by vote of the people.
14-22 SECTION 12. Sections 660.005, 660.022, 660.023, and 660.026,
14-23 Government Code, are repealed.
14-24 SECTION 13. (a) In this section, "travel expense" has the
14-25 meaning assigned by Section 660.002, Government Code, as amended by
14-26 this Act.
14-27 (b) Except as provided by Subsection (c) of this section,
14-28 the changes in law made by this Act apply only to a travel expense
14-29 incurred on or after the effective date of this Act. A travel
14-30 expense incurred before the effective date of this Act is governed
14-31 by the law applicable to the expense at the time the expense was
14-32 incurred, and that law is continued in effect for that purpose.
14-33 (c) The changes in law made by this Act in regard to the
14-34 procedures that must be followed for payment or reimbursement of a
14-35 travel expense also apply to payment or reimbursement made on or
14-36 after the effective date of this Act of an expense incurred before
14-37 the effective date.
14-38 SECTION 14. This Act takes effect September 1, 1997.
14-39 SECTION 15. The importance of this legislation and the
14-40 crowded condition of the calendars in both houses create an
14-41 emergency and an imperative public necessity that the
14-42 constitutional rule requiring bills to be read on three several
14-43 days in each house be suspended, and this rule is hereby suspended.
14-44 * * * * *