Pennsylvania 2025-2026 Regular Session

Pennsylvania Senate Bill SB554

Introduced
4/4/25  

Caption

Providing for expense reimbursement of public officials and public employees.

Impact

This bill is set to create a significant impact on how state funds are managed regarding travel expenses for officials and employees. By instituting strict requirements for reimbursement, the legislation aims to enhance accountability and limit frivolous or excessive claims. This change may encourage more prudent spending and help maintain public trust in governmental operations. Additionally, it aligns Pennsylvania’s reimbursement standards with federal guidelines, promoting uniformity in expense management across levels of government.

Summary

Senate Bill 554, titled the Public Official and Public Employee Expense Reimbursement Act, aims to establish clear regulations surrounding the reimbursement of travel expenses incurred by public officials and public employees in Pennsylvania. The bill mandates that any reimbursements are only permissible upon the submission of itemized receipts, ensuring that claims for expenses are documented and verifiable. Furthermore, it specifies that reimbursement rates will adhere to the federal per diem limits established by the Internal Revenue Service, which seeks to create consistency and control over governmental spending on travel.

Sentiment

Sentiment towards SB 554 has been largely positive, especially among advocates for government accountability and transparency. Supporters believe that the bill is a necessary measure to avoid potential misuse of public funds. However, there may be concerns from public officials regarding potential limitations or increased administrative burdens that may arise from stricter compliance requirements associated with reimbursement claims.

Contention

While the bill presents a framework intended to standardize expense reimbursement, points of contention may arise regarding its implementation, including how strictly these items will be enforced and the potential impact on public employees' willingness to travel for official duties. Additional discussions may focus on the definitions provided in the bill and whether they adequately encompass all needed scenarios, ensuring that public officials are both accountable and fairly compensated for legitimate travel expenses.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

PA HR158

Amending House Rule 14, further providing for members' and employees' expenses.

PA HB1194

In abortion, further providing for publicly owned facilities, public officials and public funds.

PA HB2056

In abortion, further providing for publicly owned facilities, public officials and public funds.

PA SB1295

Providing for duties of public employers relating to public employee information.

PA SB11

In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth; in primary and election expenses, further providing for definitions, for organization of political committees, treasurer and assistant treasurer and records of candidate and committees, for registration and for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, providing for limitations on certain contributions, further providing for residual funds, for late filing fee and certificate of filing, for contributions or expenditures by national banks, corporations or unincorporated associations, for advertising and for reports by business entities and publication by Secretary of the Commonwealth and providing for independent expenditures and for independent expenditure evaluation; and providing for corporate political accountability.

PA SB1141

Providing for divestiture by the State Treasurer, the State Employees' Retirement System, the Public School Employees' Retirement System and the Pennsylvania Municipal Retirement System of investments in assets relating to China.

PA HB2099

In the Secretary of the Commonwealth, further providing for powers and duties of the Secretary of the Commonwealth; in primary and election expenses, further providing for definitions, for organization of political committees, treasurer and assistant treasurer and records of candidate and committees, for registration and for reporting by candidate and political committees and other persons, providing for limitations on certain contributions, further providing for residual funds, for late filing fee and certificate of filing, for contributions or expenditures by national banks, corporations or unincorporated associations, for advertising and for reports by business entities and publication by Secretary of the Commonwealth and providing for independent expenditures and for independent expenditure evaluation; and providing for corporate political accountability.

PA HB274

In public works employment verification, further providing for definitions, for duty of public works contractors and subcontractors, for verification form, for violations, for enforcement and sanctions, for Public Works Employment Verification Account, for protection from retaliation, for good faith immunity and for public works contractor and subcontractor liability; and making an editorial change.

PA SB335

In public assistance, providing for medical assistance reimbursement for doula services.

PA SB275

Providing for electronic posting of expenses.

Similar Bills

No similar bills found.