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 January 2002. The new guide reflects changes made by the 77th legislature, regular session, 2001 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.

James LeBas, Chief Revenue Estimator, 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 revenue of the state or local governments.

Mr. LeBas 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 enforcing the amendment will be helping ensure that the travel expenses incurred by state officers or employees are paid or reimbursed in accordance with applicable law. The proposed amendment would not have an adverse effect on small businesses or micro-businesses. 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, §403.248 and §§660.001 - 660.208. The amendment also implements the following provisions of the General Appropriations Act: Article III, §§7, 9, and 12; Article IX, §§4.04(a), (e), 5.01-5.07, 5.09, 6.24(b), and 10.35; Rider 22 in the appropriations to the Department of Agriculture; Rider 5 in the appropriations to the Department of Banking; Rider 7 in the appropriations to the Cosmetology Commission; Rider 2 in the appropriations to the Department of Criminal Justice; Rider 6 in the appropriations to the Department of Housing and Community Affairs; Rider 3 in the appropriations to the Commission on Human Rights; Rider 8 in the appropriations to the Department of Insurance; Rider 8 in the appropriations to the Texas Lottery Commission; Rider 29 in the appropriations to the Department of Mental Health and Mental Retardation; Rider 19 in the appropriations to the Parks and Wildlife Department; Riders 19 and 21 in the appropriations to the Department of Public Safety; Rider 2 in the appropriations to the Racing Commission; Rider 2 in the appropriations to the Savings and Loan Department; Rider 8 in the appropriations to the Teacher Retirement System; and Rider 27 in the appropriations to the Department of Transportation.