Legislators; per diem; rate increase
The amendment proposes that for members residing within Maricopa County, the subsistence amount would be set at $35 per day, while those from outside Maricopa would receive a more substantial reimbursement based on the average of the six highest months of the annual federal per diem rate for Maricopa County, which is intended to be reassessed annually. Further, the bill limits subsistence payments to the first 120 days of a regular session, after which members from Maricopa would only receive $10 a day, while those from outside would receive a reduced rate. Additionally, legislators would have the option to opt out of these stipulations.
House Bill 2434 involves amendments to Section 41-1104 of the Arizona Revised Statutes, which pertains to the reimbursement and subsistence payments for members of the Arizona legislature. The bill establishes new guidelines for how legislators are compensated for travel and daily subsistence during sessions. Members are to be reimbursed at the federal mileage reimbursement rate and provided specific amounts for subsistence depending on their county of residence, recognizing the varying costs of living related to travel from different areas of the state to the state capitol.
Notable points of contention revolve around the fairness of the proposed reimbursement structure, with potential debates on whether the reduced payments after the 120-day mark could undermine the ability of legislators to perform their duties effectively. Critics might argue that legislators from rural areas already face financial burdens traveling to the capitol and that creating a differential treatment based on residency could deter effective representation. Additionally, there may be discussions on how these changes align with broader efforts to ensure that legislators are not financially hindered while undertaking their roles in governance.