House Bill 1003
By: Representatives Wilkerson of the 38th, Lupton of the 83rd, Panitch of the 51st, Kendrick
of the 95th, Campbell of the 35th, 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
salaries of certain state officials and cost-of-living adjustments, so as to revise provisions
related to daily expense accounts of members of the General Assembly; to provide members
of the General Assembly with an additional security expense allowance; to provide for
related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE GENERAL ASSEMBLY OF GEORGIA:
SECTION 1.
Code Section 45-7-4 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to annual salaries
of certain state officials and cost-of-living adjustments, is amended by revising
subparagraph (a)(22)(C) and adding a new subparagraph to read as follows:
"(C) In addition to any other compensation and allowances authorized for members of
the General Assembly, each member may be reimbursed for per diem differential and
for actual expenses incurred in the performance of duties as a member of the General
Assembly in an amount not to exceed <del>$7,000.00</del> <ins>$10,000.00</ins> per year. Expenses
reimbursable up to such amount shall be limited to one or more of the following
purposes: lodging, meals, per diem differential, postage, personal services, printing and
publications, rents, supplies (including software), telecommunications, transportation,
utilities, purchasing or leasing of equipment, and other reasonable expenditures directly
related to the performance of a member's duties. If equipment purchased by a member
has a depreciated value of $100.00 or less when such member leaves office, the
equipment does not need to be returned to the state. No reimbursement shall be made
for any postage which is used for a political newsletter. No reimbursement shall be
paid for lodging or meals for any day for which a member receives the daily expense
allowance as provided in this paragraph. Eligible expenses shall be reimbursed
following the submission of vouchers to the legislative fiscal office in compliance with
the requirements of this subparagraph and subject to the provisions of subparagraph (E)
of this paragraph. Such vouchers shall be submitted in such form and manner as
prescribed by the Legislative Services Committee pursuant to subparagraph (E) of this
paragraph, provided that each such voucher shall be accompanied by a supporting
document or documents, or legible copies thereof, showing payment for each expense
claimed or an explanation of the absence of such documentation; in addition, each such
voucher shall include a certification by the member that the information contained in
such voucher and supporting document or documents, or legible copies thereof, is true
and correct and that such expenses were incurred by the member. The provisions of
Code Section 16-10-20 shall be applicable to any person submitting such certified
vouchers and supporting documents or copies the same as if the General Assembly
were a department or agency of state government. No such voucher or supporting
document shall be required for per diem differential.
<ins>(C.1) In addition to any other compensation and allowances authorized for members
of the General Assembly, each member may be reimbursed for actual security related
expenses incurred in the performance of duties as a member of the General Assembly
in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00 per year. Expenses reimbursable up to such
amount shall be limited to security improvements for the member's residence,
</ins>
<ins>including, but not limited to, monitoring expenses, or security services when
undertaking, traveling, or otherwise related to duties as a member of the General
Assembly. If security equipment purchased by a member has not become a fixture to
real property and has a depreciated value in excess of $100.00 when such member
leaves office, the equipment shall be returned to the state. Eligible expenses shall be
reimbursed following the submission of vouchers to the legislative fiscal office in
compliance with the requirements of this subparagraph and subject to the provisions of
subparagraph (E) of this paragraph. Such vouchers shall be submitted in such form and
manner as prescribed by the Legislative Services Committee pursuant to subparagraph
(E) of this paragraph, provided that each such voucher shall be accompanied by a
supporting document or documents, or legible copies thereof, showing payment for
each expense claimed or an explanation of the absence of such documentation; in
addition, each such voucher shall include a certification by the member that the
information contained in such voucher and supporting document or documents, or
legible copies thereof, is true and correct and that such expenses were incurred by the
member. The provisions of Code Section 16-10-20 shall be applicable to any person
submitting such certified vouchers and supporting documents or copies the same as if
the General Assembly were a department or agency of state government."
</ins> SECTION 2.
All laws and parts of laws in conflict with this Act are repealed.