Contributed photo
Contributed photo
In an effort to curb overspending of taxpayer money by civil servants on business trips and trim wastefulness, Gov. Bruce Rauner recently signed House Bill 4379 into law in Springfield, placing a clear-cut cap on reimbursements.
HB 4379, the Local Government Travel Expense Control Act, was sponsored by state Rep. David McSweeney (R-Barrington Hills) and state Sen. Thomas Cullerton (D-Villa Park) to better define the limits of acceptable spending. The bill passed unanimously in both chambers of the General Assembly during the spring legislative session.
The law mandates that non-home rule units of government, community colleges and school districts become more accountable by regulating the amount for which officials and employees can be reimbursed for business travel, including meals and accommodations.
Guidelines must be implemented within six months, and entertainment expenses are specifically excluded from coverage. Additionally, amounts in excess of the ceiling will require approval by a vote at an open meeting of the specific government branch's or public agency’s governing board.
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