Purpose of the Bill

The bill aims to modify compensation, mileage, and meal payments for Minnesota legislators, introducing changes to how pay is structured and stipends are provided based on legislators' distance from the state capitol.

Main Provisions

• Payment Schedule: Legislators will receive compensation starting on the first day of the regular session and then on set dates each month. Newly elected members from special elections will start receiving pay within ten days of taking their oath.

• Mileage and Per Diem: Mileage reimbursements and per diem payments for living expenses during regular or special sessions are outlined, with the specific amounts to be determined separately by the Senate and House.

• For Members Living More than 50 Miles from the Capitol:

  • They may receive per diem payments on days they are present at the capitol.
  • They may receive mileage reimbursements for one round trip per week if they receive a housing stipend, or daily mileage reimbursement if they do not receive a housing stipend.

• For Members Living 50 Miles or Less from the Capitol:

  • Eligible to receive meal stipends for each meal when attending legislative business at the capitol.
  • Entitled to daily mileage reimbursement for travel to the capitol.

Significant Changes

• Distance-Based Stipends: The bill introduces specific guidelines for additional payments to legislators based on their proximity to the state capitol, either more than or less than 50 miles away. This is a new approach to addressing cost disparities related to location.

• Special Session Reimbursements: The bill retains existing practices for living expense reimbursements during special sessions, but adds a limitation on reimbursement for travel to one round trip per member each week.

Relevant Terms

legislative compensation, per diem payments, mileage reimbursement, housing stipend, meal stipend, special session, travel expenses, Minnesota legislature