SF 2229

as introduced - 89th Legislature (2015 - 2016) Posted on 03/16/2016 03:30pm

A bill for an act
relating to state government; restricting reimbursable lodging expenses for all
state employees and agency heads; amending Minnesota Statutes 2014, section
43A.38, by adding subdivisions.

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

Section 1.

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

new text begin Subd. 4a. new text end

new text begin Lodging expenses. new text end

new text begin (a) Except as provided in subdivision 4b, an employee
shall not be reimbursed for lodging expenses unless:
new text end

new text begin (1) the employee reasonably requires lodging to facilitate travel for work for
which the employee has received prior approval from the employee's supervisor or the
employee's appointing authority;
new text end

new text begin (2) the lodging is reasonably priced;
new text end

new text begin (3) the lodging is at a licensed lodging facility; and
new text end

new text begin (4) the employee provides an itemized receipt for the lodging.
new text end

new text begin (b) For purposes of this subdivision, "licensed lodging facility" means a facility that
is in the business of providing lodging to the public and is licensed in the state in which the
facility is located. The home or other private property of a relative or friend of an employee
or property owned by an employee is not a licensed lodging facility and no employee or
executive branch appointee shall be reimbursed for staying at the home or other private
property of a relative or friend of an employee or at property owned by an employee.
new text end

Sec. 2.

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

new text begin Subd. 4b. new text end

new text begin Rental agreements for long-term lodging. new text end

new text begin A supervisor or appointing
authority of an employee may enter into a rental contract for lodging at a facility that is
not a licensed lodging facility under subdivision 4a if the rental contract provides lodging
at lower cost than a licensed lodging facility. A rental contract for lodging may not be
entered into for rental of property owned by an employee or for the home or other personal
property of a relative or friend of an employee. An employee may be reimbursed for
lodging at a facility under a rental contract.
new text end

Sec. 3. new text begin EFFECTIVE DATE.
new text end

new text begin Sections 1 and 2 are effective the day following final enactment.
new text end