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Bill

HB 472

Relating to the reimbursement of state employees for groceries consumed while traveling on official state business.

89th Legislature (2025) Introduced by Barbara Gervin-Hawkins

Texas would reimburse state employees for grocery purchases during official work travel, expanding meal expense coverage beyond current restaurant and per diem options.

Referred to Delivery of Government Efficiency
#food(s0761) #stateemployees(i0626)
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Bill Summary · HB 472

Legislative bill overview

HB 472 would authorize the state of Texas to reimburse employees for grocery expenses incurred while traveling on official state business. The bill creates a new reimbursable category of travel expenses, allowing workers to purchase food items during work-related trips rather than relying solely on meal per diem allowances or restaurant meals.

Why is this important

This addresses a practical gap in current travel reimbursement policies—employees traveling to remote locations or areas with limited dining options may find groceries more affordable, practical, or necessary than restaurant meals. The policy could reduce overall travel costs for the state while providing employees with more flexibility in managing meal expenses during official business trips.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost implications: Unclear whether this expands total reimbursable meal spending or simply shifts it from restaurants to groceries; could increase state budgets if grocery purchases exceed current per diem limits
  • Implementation complexity: Requires definition of what qualifies as "groceries" versus meals, rules for partial-use items, and documentation standards that could create administrative burden
  • Equity concerns: May disproportionately benefit employees on longer trips or those traveling to areas with expensive dining; raises questions about fairness compared to current per diem structures

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

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