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BILL # HB 2729 |
TITLE: regional councils; expenses; reimbursement |
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SPONSOR: Dalessandro |
STATUS: House Engrossed |
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PREPARED BY: Jordan Johnston |
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HB 2729 requires that any person who is covered by reimbursement under a federal transportation contract of a metropolitan planning organization (MPO) or council of governments (COG) shall be reimbursed at the federal reimbursement rate for travel, lodging, meal, and incidental expenses.
Estimated Impact
The bill does not have a state fiscal impact. The additional cost would be paid out of federal funds.
MPOs and COGs are federally authorized intergovernmental entities charged with transportation planning, collaboration, and decision making in their respective regions. These organizations coordinate and work under contract with the Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) on transportation projects within their jurisdictions. Employees under federal transportation contracts are eligible to receive reimbursements for their travel, lodging, meal, and incidental expenses.
The State of Arizona currently sets their own reimbursement rates for travel, lodging, meal, and incidental expenses. The Federal government, under the direction of the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA), sets their own reimbursement rates for these expenses. These reimbursement rates vary depending on the location, time of year, and mode of travel. The Arizona and Federal rates may differ. For instance, the state currently reimburses personal vehicle travel at a rate of 44.5 cents per mile while the federal government reimburses personal vehicle travel at a rate of 58.5 cents per mile.
HB 2729 stipulates that any employee of an MPO or COG who is working under a federal transportation contract shall receive reimbursements under the federal reimbursement rates set by GSA.
Local Government Impact
None
2/25/22