ARIZONA HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Fifty-fourth Legislature Second Regular Session
	Senate: GOV DPA 6-1-0-0 | 3^rd Read 17-9-4-0

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SB 1461: legislators; opt out; per diem

Sponsor:  Senator Borrelli, LD 5

Committee on Appropriations

Overview

Changes the daily subsistence amount for legislators whose permanent residence is outside of Maricopa County to the annual average federal per diem rate for Maricopa County. Eliminates the reduction to daily subsistence rates that occurs after the first 120 days of regular session.

History

Arizona legislators currently receive $35 per day for subsistence during regular and special session and on days outside of legislative session when the member acts on a legislative matter. Additionally, legislative members whose permanent residence is outside of Maricopa County (during regular or special session) and legislators acting on legislative matters in a county other than that legislator's residence receive an additional $25 for subsistence.

After the first 120 days of legislative session, the amount members receive for per diem is reduced to $10 per day. Members from outside of Maricopa County also receive an additional $10 per day for subsistence for each day beyond the first 120 days of session.

Federal law gives the administrator of the United States General Services Administration (GSA) authority to determine per diem rates for employees traveling on official business (5 USC § 5702). Federal per diem includes allowance for lodging, meals and incidental expenses and varies by month, locality and/or county (GSA Rates for Maricopa County).

Provisions

1. Changes the daily subsistence amount for legislators whose permanent residence is outside of Maricopa County to 100% of the annual average federal per diem rate for Maricopa County, as determined by the US GSA; and

a) Requires the Director of the Department of Administration to determine this amount annually. (Sec. 2)

2. Applies the $35 daily subsistence and the $25 additional subsistence payment if acting on a legislative matter outside of Maricopa County to members whose permanent residence is within Maricopa County. (Sec. 2)

3. Eliminates the reduction to daily subsistence rates that occurs after the first 120 days of regular session. (Sec. 2)

4. Allows legislators to opt out of receiving subsistence payments. (Sec. 2)

5. Stipulates that the maximum long-term subsistence allowance does not apply to legislators. (Sec. 1)

6. Contains a delayed effective date of January 11, 2021. (Sec. 3)

7. Makes technical changes. (Sec. 1 & 2)

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                  SB 1461

Initials TG Page 0 Appropriations

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