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SB 2084

AN ACT to amend and reenact subsections 2 and 6 of section 44-08-04, subsection 2 of section 54-03-20, and subsection 5 of section 54-06-09 of the North Dakota Century Code, relating to authorized travel expense and lodging reimbursement rates.

69th Legislative Assembly (2025-26)

Align ND travel, lodging, and mileage reimbursements to GSA rates; set in-state per-diem caps and update long-term out-of-state staff mileage rules.

Filed with Secretary Of State 03/26
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Bill Summary · SB 2084

SB 2084 — Summary (North Dakota)

An Act to amend and reenact subsections of NDCC §§44‑08‑04, 54‑03‑20, and 54‑06‑09 relating to authorized travel expense, lodging reimbursement, and mileage rates.

Purpose

Align state travel and lodging reimbursement rules with federal General Services Administration (GSA) lodging and mileage benchmarks, set specific in‑state per‑diem quarter rates, and update reimbursement calculations for legislators and long‑term out‑of‑state state employees.

Key provisions

  • In‑state per‑quarter travel reimbursement (for each quarter of a 24‑hour period):

    • First quarter (6:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m.): $9.00 (no reimbursement if travel began after 7:00 a.m.)
    • Second quarter (12:00 p.m.–6:00 p.m.): $14.00
    • Third quarter (6:00 p.m.–12:00 a.m.): $22.00
    • Fourth quarter (12:00 a.m.–6:00 a.m.): actual lodging expense, not to exceed an amount established by OMB policy; director to set lodging reimbursement equal to 90% of the GSA lodging rate for lodging in this state (plus applicable taxes). Political subdivisions may reimburse actual lodging.

  • In‑state lodging allowance (general provision):

    • In‑state lodging allowance must equal the GSA lodging rate for the specific North Dakota city claimed, plus applicable state/local taxes.
    • OMB director to set policy where a GSA rate is unavailable.
    • Lodging outside the state is reimbursed at actual expense.

  • Legislative members’ lodging (NDCC §54‑03‑20):

    • Each legislator entitled to lodging reimbursement up to a monthly cap set by OMB and not to exceed the rate in §44‑08‑04 during sessions.
    • On August 1 of each even‑numbered year, the OMB director sets the maximum monthly reimbursement for the next two years at 30 × 75% of the daily lodging reimbursement in effect on that date (per the bill text).
    • Legislators may elect to claim less; legislative management may adopt rules reducing per‑member amounts for shared single‑dwelling arrangements.

  • Long‑term out‑of‑state employees (NDCC §54‑06‑09):

    • State employees permanently located outside the state or on assignments outside the state for at least 30 consecutive days are to be paid mileage at the GSA mileage rate per mile for travel by motor vehicle.
    • The 300‑mile restriction in existing subsection 3 does not apply to these employees.

Who is affected

  • All state employees traveling on official business in‑state and out‑of‑state.
  • Members of the North Dakota Legislative Assembly (lodging reimbursements, monthly caps).
  • Office of Management and Budget (director required to adopt policies and set periodic caps).
  • Political subdivisions (allowed to reimburse actual lodging).
  • Long‑term out‑of‑state state employees (mileage and 300‑mile exception).

Procedural & timeline highlights

  • Introduced March 7, 2025 (State & Local Government Committee; at OMB request).
  • Passed both chambers (Senate vote 44–0; House vote 72–21 per enrollment).
  • Signed by legislative leaders and the Governor (signed by Governor 03/25/2025); filed with Secretary of State 03/26/2025.
  • Committee report adopted January 30, 2025; multiple engrossment/enrollment versions recorded.

Notes / Ambiguities

  • The bill text as enrolled references a transition to the GSA mileage rate for long‑term out‑of‑state employees; some enrolled language includes a juxtaposed “forty‑five cents” and the GSA rate. The clear legislative intent (and consistent committee language) is to use the GSA mileage rate and remove the 300‑mile restriction for eligible employees.
  • The legislative monthly cap formula appears in the final engrossed/enrolled text as 30 × 75% of daily lodging; earlier drafts showed 70% in one version. The enrolled version uses 75%.

This bill primarily updates how lodging and mileage are calculated and reimbursed, tying state allowances more closely to GSA rates and providing clearer per‑quarter in‑state per‑diem amounts.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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