Policy Minimums

On or after June 30, 2017 no travel, meal, or lodging expenses shall be approved or paid by a local public agency unless it has adopted a travel expense resolution or ordinance. The required policy must include at a minimum:

*    Types of official business for which travel, meal, and 

      lodging expenses are allowed;

*    The maximum allowable amount for reimbursement of 

     these expenses; and

*    A standardized form for submission of these 

     expenses.

The standardized form must be submitted in writing to the corporate authorities and at a minimum include:

*    An estimate of the cost (if not yet incurred);

*    The name and title of the individual requesting the 

      expense: and,

*    The dates and nature of the official business for the 

      expense.

The Act also specifically states that travel forms are subject to disclosure under the Freedom of Information Act.

Deadlines

Beginning March 2, 2017, no travel expenses by board members may be approved without a roll call vote at an open meeting and no expenses for officers or employees that exceed the maximum amount in a travel policy may be approved without a roll call vote at a public meeting. Again, travel policies need to be in place on or after June 30, 2017

No Entertainment Expenses

The Act now also forbids public agencies from reimbursing governing board members, employees, or officers for any "entertainment expenses," unless they are ancillary to the purpose of the program or event.

What to Do

Please contact our Local Government Group for help in drafting and implementing travel policies and procedures for your agency.