25 LC 47 3212 Senate Bill 18 By: Senators Albers of the 56th, Summers of the 13th, Hodges of the 3rd, Hufstetler of the 52nd, Kirkpatrick of the 32nd and others A BILL TO BE ENTITLED AN ACT To amend Code Section 45-7-4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to annual 1 salaries of certain state officials and cost-of-living adjustments, so as to revise provisions2 related to daily expense accounts of members of the General Assembly; to provide for related3 matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.4 BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:5 SECTION 1.6 Code Section 45-7-4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to annual salaries7 of certain state officials and cost-of-living adjustments, is amended by revising8 subparagraph (a)(22)(C) as follows:9 "(C) In addition to any other compensation and allowances authorized for members of10 the General Assembly, each member may be reimbursed for per diem differential and11 for actual expenses incurred in the performance of duties as a member of the General12 Assembly in an amount not to exceed $7,000.00 $33,000.00 per year for each senator13 and not to exceed $11,000.00 per year for each representative. Expenses reimbursable14 up to such amount shall be limited to one or more of the following purposes: lodging,15 meals, per diem differential, postage, personal services, printing and publications, rents,16 S. B. 18 - 1 - 25 LC 47 3212 supplies (including software), telecommunications, transportation, utilities, purchasing 17 or leasing of equipment, and other reasonable expenditures directly related to the18 performance of a member's duties. If equipment purchased by a member has a19 depreciated value of $100.00 or less when such member leaves office, the equipment20 does not need to be returned to the state. No reimbursement shall be made for any21 postage which is used for a political newsletter. No reimbursement shall be paid for22 lodging or meals for any day for which a member receives the daily expense allowance23 as provided in this paragraph. Eligible expenses shall be reimbursed following the24 submission of vouchers to the legislative fiscal office in compliance with the25 requirements of this subparagraph and subject to the provisions of subparagraph (E) of26 this paragraph. Such vouchers shall be submitted in such form and manner as27 prescribed by the Legislative Services Committee pursuant to subparagraph (E) of this28 paragraph, provided that each such voucher shall be accompanied by a supporting29 document or documents, or legible copies thereof, showing payment for each expense30 claimed or an explanation of the absence of such documentation; in addition, each such31 voucher shall include a certification by the member that the information contained in32 such voucher and supporting document or documents, or legible copies thereof, is true33 and correct and that such expenses were incurred by the member. The provisions of34 Code Section 16-10-20 shall be applicable to any person submitting such certified35 vouchers and supporting documents or copies the same as if the General Assembly36 were a department or agency of state government. No such voucher or supporting37 document shall be required for per diem differential."38 SECTION 2.39 All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.40 S. B. 18 - 2 -