The Comptroller of Public Accounts proposes amendments to §5.22 concerning state of Texas travel guidance.

The amendment to subsection (a) changes "Web site" to "website" to conform with current spelling of the term and to be consistent with the way the term is spelled in Chapter 5.

The amendments to subsection (b)(3) clarify that a state agency may not reimburse a state employee for any costs or expenses in excess of those incurred for official travel that result from a state employee's personal preference or convenience.

The amendments to subsection (b)(4) clarify that a state agency may not reimburse a state employee for a travel expense incurred by or on behalf of another state employee, except under the circumstances specified in this subsection.

The amendments to subsection (g)(2)(B) and (C) require point-to-point mileage to be documented by an employee's vehicle odometer reading or by the single, readily available electronic mapping service selected by the employee's agency, institution of higher education, or other entity required to comply with Government Code, Chapter 660, and adopted by internal policy of the agency, institution, or entity.

The amendments to subsection (j)(1)(C) change "Texas Procurement and Support Services" to "comptroller's Statewide Procurement Division" because the name of that division has changed.

Tom Currah, Chief Revenue Estimator, has determined that during the first five years that the proposed amended rules are in effect, the rules: will not create or eliminate a government program; will not require the creation or elimination of employee positions; will not require an increase or decrease in future legislative appropriations to the agency; will not require an increase or decrease in fees paid to the agency; will not increase or decrease the number of individuals subject to the rules' applicability; and will not positively or adversely affect this state's economy.

Mr. Currah also has determined that the proposed amendments would have no significant fiscal impact on the state government, units of local government, or individuals. The proposed amended rule would benefit the public by improving the clarity and implementation of the section. There would be no significant anticipated economic cost to the public. The proposed amended rule would have no fiscal impact on small businesses or rural communities.

Comments on the proposal may be submitted to Rob Coleman, Director, Fiscal Management Division, at rob.coleman@cpa.texas.gov or at P.O. Box 13528 Austin, Texas 78711. Comments must be received no later than 30 days from the date of publication of the proposal in the Texas Register.

The amendments are proposed under Government Code, §660.021, which authorizes the comptroller to adopt rules relating to the administration of Government Code, Chapter 660, concerning travel expenses, and the travel provisions of the General Appropriations Act.

The amendments implement Government Code, Chapter 660, concerning travel expenses.