HF 3902

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 04/14/2016 12:45pm

A bill for an act
relating to state government; prohibiting nonessential travel by state employees;
requiring an audit and report; amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, section
43A.38, subdivision 2, by adding a subdivision.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MINNESOTA:

Section 1.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 43A.38, subdivision 2, is amended to read:

Subd. 2.

Acceptance of gifts; favors.

Employees in the executive branch in the
course of or in relation to their official duties shall not directly or indirectly receive or agree
to receive any payment of expense, compensation, gift, reward, gratuity, favor, service or
promise of future employment or other future benefit from any source, except the state
for any activity related to the duties of the employee unless otherwise provided by law.
However, the acceptance of any of the following shall not be a violation of this subdivision:

(a) Gifts of nominal value or gifts or textbooks which may be accepted pursuant to
section 15.43.

(b) Plaques or similar mementos recognizing individual services in a field of
specialty or to a charitable cause.

(c) Payment of reimbursement expenses for new text begin essential new text end travel or meals, not to exceed
actual expenses incurred, which are not reimbursed by the state and which have been
approved in advance by the appointing authority as part of the work assignment.

(d) Honoraria or expenses paid for papers, talks, demonstrations, or appearances
made by employees on their own time for which they are not compensated by the state.

(e) Tips received by employees engaged in food service and room cleaning at
restaurant and lodging facilities in Itasca State Park.

Sec. 2.

Minnesota Statutes 2014, section 43A.38, is amended by adding a subdivision
to read:

new text begin Subd. 2a. new text end

new text begin Ban on nonessential travel. new text end

new text begin Employees in the executive branch are not
permitted to travel out of the state unless the travel is essential to the employee's work
assignment. For the purposes of this section, travel is essential if it is necessary to protect
the safety or other essential interests of the citizens of the state.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin REPORT ON STATE EMPLOYEE TRAVEL EXPENSES.
new text end

new text begin The commissioner of management and budget shall audit state employee travel
expenses incurred between July 1, 2013, and June 30, 2016. The audit shall identify
the amount spent on nonessential travel as defined under Minnesota Statutes, section
43A.38, subdivision 2a. The commissioner of management and budget shall report to
the chairs and ranking minority members of the legislative committees in the house of
representatives and senate with jurisdiction over state employees by February 17, 2017.
The commissioner must use the department's existing budget to fund the audit.
new text end