State House speaker implements cost-sharing policy for legislative travel

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) â€“ State House Speaker Todd Hiett is introducing a new travel policy that limits out-of-state travel and requires lawmakers to personally share in the cost.<br/><br/>Legislative travel

Tuesday, September 13th 2005, 6:19 am

By: News On 6

OKLAHOMA CITY (AP) â€“ State House Speaker Todd Hiett is introducing a new travel policy that limits out-of-state travel and requires lawmakers to personally share in the cost.

Legislative travel policies in the past offered full reimbursement for costs. The new policy requires lawmakers to pick up a share of expenses.

Hiett says the policy assures that lawmakers consider trips carefully, and that the purpose of trips represents legislative duties. All trips must be approved by the Speaker.

Lawmakers are allowed up to three out-of-state trips each year. Under the policy, the first is reimbursed of 75 percent of cost, capped at $1,500. The second is reimbursed at 50 percent, capped at $750. The third is reimbursed at 25 percent, capped at $375.