The Comptroller of Public Accounts adopts new §5.22, relating to State of Texas travel guidance, without changes to the proposed text as published in the July 4, 2008, issue of the Texas Register (33 TexReg 5242).

The new section replaces the existing §5.22, which is being repealed to simplify administration and allow for the efficient updating of guidelines, examples, illustrations, and to allow for the implementation of electronic tools that support travel expense reimbursement for state agencies, employees and other persons. The travel guide has been incorporated by reference as a rule under §5.22 and therefore the guide could not be updated without amending the rule. Much of the travel guide consists of guidelines, examples, illustrations, general discussions, and restatements of provisions of Government Code, Chapter 660, and the General Appropriations Act. Because they have been incorporated by reference, any change to the guidelines or examples that may be useful require the agency to initiate a formal rulemaking process to incorporate the change. The rule would allow the comptroller to update or add to examples and guidelines without having to formally amend the rule every time updates are needed. These updates ensure that the most current examples and information available to assist agencies with travel expense reimbursement are provided.

New §5.22 allows an additional method for determining reimbursable mileage. Under Government Code, §660.043, the number of miles traveled by an employee for state business may be determined by the Texas Mileage Guide or by a point-to-point itemization of miles traveled. While tracking the odometer is a reliable method for calculating miles for reimbursement purposes in most circumstances, new technology makes the calculation simpler and faster. The advent of readily available electronic nationwide mapping services, such as Yahoo maps, Google maps, MapQuest, satellite-based navigation systems, etc., allows individuals to enter starting points and ending points. Based on these inputs, the electronic mapping tools quickly and reliably calculate total mileage providing an alternative to tracking the vehicle's odometer readings. New §5.22 would allow an employee the choice of documenting point-to-point mileage using either the vehicle's odometer reading or by utilizing a readily available electronic mapping service to be selected by each agency.

No comments were received regarding adoption of the amendment.

The new section is adopted under Government Code, §660.021, which authorizes the comptroller to adopt rules for the effective and efficient administration of the travel provisions of the Government Code and the General Appropriations Act.

The new section implements Government Code, §660.021 and §660.043.