The Comptroller of Public Accounts proposes an amendment to §5.22, concerning incorporation by reference: "State of Texas Travel Allowance Guide."

The amendment is necessary because of the issuance of a new "State of Texas Travel Allowance Guide" by the comptroller in December 1999. The new guide reflects changes made by the 76th Legislature, Regular Session, 1999 to the Travel Regulations Act and to the travel provisions of the General Appropriations Act. The new guide also includes policy changes that are intended to promote efficiency and eliminate ambiguities concerning the travel of state officers and employees. Chapter 10 of the new guide lists the major differences between it and the previous guide. A copy of the new guide is available upon request from Claims Division, P.O. Box 13528, Austin, Texas 78711.

Mike Reissig, Director of Estimates, has determined that for the first five-year period the amendment will be in effect there will be no foreseeable implications relating to costs or revenues of the state or local governments. A statement of fiscal implications for small businesses is not required by the Comptroller of Public Accounts.

Mr. Reissig also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendment is in effect the public benefit anticipated as a result of adopting the amendment will be making clearer certain language used in the travel guide to help ensure travel funds are spent in accordance with the law. There is no significant anticipated economic cost to individuals who are required to comply with the proposed amendment.

Comments on the proposal may be addressed to Joani Bishop, Manager of Claims Division, P.O. Box 13528, Austin, Texas 78711. If a person wants to ensure that the comptroller considers and responds to a comment made about this proposal, then the person must ensure that the comptroller receives the comment not later than the 30th day after the issue date of the Texas Register in which this proposal appears. If the 30th day is a state or national holiday, Saturday, or Sunday, then the first workday after the 30th day is the deadline.

The amendment is proposed under the Government Code, §660.021, which requires the comptroller to adopt rules to administer the Travel Regulations Act and the travel provisions of the General Appropriations Act.

The amendment implements the Government Code, §§660.001 - 660.208. The amendment also implements the following provisions of the General Appropriations Act: Article III, §§7, 9, and 12; §§9-5.01 - 9- 5.07; §9-5.10; Rider 10 in the appropriations to the Texas Lottery Commission; Rider 40 in the appropriations to the Department of Human Services; Rider 23 in the appropriations to the Department of Protective and Regulatory Services; Rider 78 in the appropriations to the Texas Education Agency; Rider 18 in the appropriations to the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation; and Rider 19 in the appropriations to the Department of Public Safety.