The Joint Legislative Budget Committee has approved the adoption, with modification, of Federal rates for hotels, meals and incidentals (M&IE).

Effective June 19, 2015, State of Arizona travelers can be reimbursed at current Federal rates for non-conference hotels.  Policy for conference hotels remains at the lowest, single-occupancy rate contained in the applicable conference brochure (though lower rates should still be sought).

State of Arizona travelers can be reimbursed for M&IE at rate ten dollars ($10) less than the current combined Federal M&IE rates.  This results in a two dollar ($2) per day increase for most locations. 

Current Federal rates can be found on the Federal General Services Administration Website (GSA) at either: 

http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/100000

or

http://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104877.

Reaching the GSA Website, one clicks on “Per Diem Rates,” and selects the appropriate location.  Travelers are reminded that, though the Federal site lists these as per diem amounts, State rates represent reimbursement limits for actual expenditures.  For the convenience of Arizona travelers, a spreadsheet entitled AZ Travel Rates will also be posted on the Travel Section of the GAO Website until SAAM 5095 can be updated.  Until SAAM 5095 is posted, partial day meal allowances shall be at 20% of the day’s total for breakfast, 25% for lunch and 55% for dinner.

These changes require changes to State Travel Policy.  SAAM Sections 5007 and 5008, revoking delegation of authority to agency heads to approve certain exceptions to policy,   are being updated to reflect these changes.  Additionally, SAAM Sections 5055 and 5056, dealing with travel claims, are being updated to eliminate certain inconsistencies and ease compliance.