Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to amend the statutes regarding how Minnesota state legislators are compensated, specifically focusing on mileage, meal allowances, and per diem payments.

Main Provisions

• Legislative Compensation Timing: Compensation for legislators is provided on the first day of the regular legislative session term and then paid in monthly installments. Legislators elected in special elections receive compensation from the day they take office.

• Mileage and Per Diem: Legislators are compensated for travel to and from the capitol as well as provided per diem living expenses during legislative sessions.

• Payments for Members Living Over 50 Miles:

  • Legislators living more than 50 miles from the state capitol can receive per diem payments for each day they are on legislative business at the capitol.
  • Depending on whether they receive a housing stipend, they are reimbursed for round-trip mileage either once per week or for each day they commute from home.

• Payments for Members Living 50 Miles or Less:

  • Legislators living 50 miles or less can receive meal stipends for attending the capitol for legislative work.
  • They also receive round-trip mileage reimbursement for daily commutes.

• Special Session Expenses: Legislators will be reimbursed for special session expenses in the same manner as during the last regular session. Each member is allowed reimbursement for one round trip home for every seven days the legislature is in session.

Significant Changes

• Introduces specific guidelines for compensating legislators based on their distance from the capitol.
• Designates the role of caucus leaders in approving payments for travel and per diem allowances.
• Establishes a formal process for meal stipends according to the Legislative Coordinating Commission's policy.

Relevant Terms

per diem, mileage reimbursement, meal stipend, housing stipend, legislative compensation, special session, regular session, caucus leader, mileage allowance