AN ACT TO establish an independent bipartisan committee to study the modernization of the state's current travel allowances for sTATE officers, EMPLOYEES, teachers, and MEMBERS OF BOARDS, COMMISSIONS, and the general assembly by adjusting the amounts based on federal guidelines.

The General Assembly of North Carolina enacts:

SECTION 1.  Establishment. – (a) The Committee shall consist of seven members, appointed as follows:

(1)        Two members appointed by the Speaker of the House of Representatives as follows:

a.         One member appointed from two candidates submitted for consideration by the Majority Leader of the House of Representatives.

b.         One member appointed from two candidates submitted for consideration by the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives.

(2)        Two members appointed by the President Pro Tempore of the Senate as follows:

a.         One member appointed from two candidates submitted for consideration by the Majority Leader of the Senate.

b.         One member appointed from two candidates submitted for consideration by the Minority Leader of the Senate.

(3)        Three members appointed by the Governor.

In the appointment of the members to the Committee, consideration may be given to an individual's current or previous employment, profession, or affiliations, or knowledge or expertise that may be relevant to the Committee's study.

(b)        The Governor shall call for the first Committee meeting no later than 30 days after this act is effective. The members of the Committee shall appoint a chair. The Committee shall meet upon the call of the chair. A quorum of the Committee shall be a majority of the Committee members.

SECTION 2.  Duties. – The Committee shall study and make recommendations on adjusting the State's current travel allowances for State officers, employees, teachers, and members of boards, commissions, and the General Assembly. As part of its study, the Committee shall consider the following:

(1)        History of the State's travel allowances and per diem and mileage rates.

(2)        Federal reimbursement rates.

(3)        Consultations with individuals in the following fields and industries:

a.         Hospitality industry, specifically food and lodging.

b.         Accounting.

c.         Human Resources.

d.         Personnel Management.

e.         Education.

(4)        Any matters the Committee deems relevant and instructive.

The Committee may establish subcommittees to carry out the duties of the Committee.

SECTION 3.  Report. – The Committee shall report its findings and recommendations to the Joint Legislative Commission on Governmental Operations no later than March 15, 2026. The Committee shall terminate upon the submission of its report or on March 15, 2026, whichever occurs first.

SECTION 4.  This act is effective when it becomes law.