Md. Code Regs. 23.02.01.03

Current through Register Vol. 51, No. 22, November 1, 2024

Section 23.02.01.03 - Policy

A. These regulations establish a State Travel Management Program, under the jurisdiction of the Secretary, Budget and Management, to help ensure fairness in the application and administration of travel expense reimbursement and to reduce and control the State's costs related to travel.

B. An employee traveling on official business is expected to exercise the same care incurring expenses as would a prudent person traveling for personal reasons. Travel for business should be conducted at a minimum cost for achieving the success of the mission. Travelers shall request reservations as far in advance as possible and shall utilize the lowest logical air/rail fares available. Subject to approval by the unit head, use of business class is allowable when traveling to destinations outside North America, the Caribbean Islands, and the Hawaiian Islands. Travel in first class is not allowable unless documented evidence clearly indicates the travel is in the best interest of the State. An employee may accept promotional awards if they are obtained under the same conditions as those offered to the general public, provided that participation in such programs results in no additional cost to the State. An employee who receives compensation for being bumped from a flight while on travel status shall remit that compensation to the State. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport, as the State's preferred airport, should be used whenever convenient and cost effective.

C. State facilities shall be used for in-State meetings whenever available, unless the use of outside facilities is more cost effective, or the agency head certifies that the outside facility is more appropriate to completing the business mission.

D. The Secretary shall establish reimbursement rates, subject to the approval of the Board of Public Works. Expenditures for official travel may be considered as reimbursable only if incurred in accordance with these regulations. The Department shall make reimbursement rates available online wherever practicable.

Md. Code Regs. 23.02.01.03

Regulation .03 amended effective July 1, 1989 (16:12 Md. R. 1338); January 31, 2005 (32:2 Md. R. 148)
Regulation .03B amended effective 41:11 Md. R. 606, eff.6/9/2014