House Bill 627 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Reed IngramRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

State employees; travel meal allowance, amended

Summary

HB627 would raise the in-state travel meal allowance for six-to-twelve-hour state trips from 15% to 17.5% of the regular per diem rate, with other travel allowance rules updated.

What This Bill Does

It increases the meal allowance for in-state travel lasting six to twelve hours to 17.5% of the regular per diem rate. For travel over twelve hours, travelers would get one meal allowance plus one-fourth of the per diem; for travel under six hours, no travel allowance. It also sets a minimum daily amount for non-transportation expenses (not less than $75) fixed by the Governor, makes allowances uniform for in-state travel, and reduces the per diem to 75% after two consecutive months of staying in one place. It includes agency exemptions/optional payment options, special rules for legislators, and an effective date of October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• State employees traveling inside Alabama on official business will see their meal allowance increase from 15% to 17.5% for 6-12 hour trips.
• State agencies and employing bodies; they may pay meals under training or emergency scenarios and must ensure costs do not exceed in-state allowances (and may pay directly to facilities or through the agency).
• Employees who are stationed in the same place for more than two consecutive months face a reduction of the per diem to 75% of the regular rate after two months.
• Legislators have travel rules set by the presiding officer and per diem eligibility depends on the activity (e.g., some days are exempt when compensated); certain legislative travel definitions apply, and travel is considered departure from residence.
• Examiners or similar personnel designated by the Commissioner of Insurance are exempt from these meal allowance provisions.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 36-7-20 to raise the meal allowance for in-state travel six-to-twelve hours from 15% to 17.5% of the regular per diem rate, with uniform application to all in-state travelers.
• Maintains a minimum daily expense amount fixed by the Governor (not less than $75 per day) for expenses other than transportation and prevents double reimbursement with Section 36-7-21.
• Establishes travel allowances: no allowance for trips under six hours; six-to-twelve hours receive 17.5% of per diem; over twelve hours receive one meal plus one-fourth of per diem.
• After two consecutive months of staying in one place, the per diem is reduced to 75% of the regular rate; exemptions apply to certain examiners and optional agency payment arrangements.
• Involves special provisions for Legislature and sets an effective date of October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 17, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

State & State Officers