132nd MAINE LEGISLATURE
		LD 1968		LR 2373(02)
	An Act to Amend the Laws Regarding Legislative Reimbursement
	Fiscal Note for Bill as Amended by Committee Amendment " "
	Committee: State and Local Government
	Fiscal Note Required: Yes
Fiscal Note
Potential Legislative Cost
Legislative Cost/Study
	The Legislature's baseline budget for 2026-2027 includes funds for legislators to receive a meal allowance of $50, and a lodging allowance of $70, in accordance with 3 MRSA §2.  The bill authorizes the Legislative Council, at the beginning of the first regular session or second regular session of a legislative biennium, to set the amount of an allowance as long as the amount does not exceed the regular federal per diem rate for lodging, meals and incidental expenses.  Whether or not this will result in additional costs to the Legislature will depend on the amounts set by the Legislative Council. The Legislature’s baseline budget for 2026-2027 includes funds for all legislators to receive an annual salary in accordance with 3 MRSA §2.  The payment of a prorated salary to a legislator elected to succeed a member of the Legislature who has died or otherwise vacated the office will not result in additional costs to the Legislature.