BOSTON (AP) - Republican state lawmakers are pushing to close what they’re calling a major loophole in regulations covering the reimbursement of state employee travel expenses - one that could affect the Massachusetts Gaming Commission.
Sen. Bruce Tarr said current state law mandates all governing bodies that receive state appropriations follow strict travel expense guidelines.
The Gloucester Republican said that because the gambling commission doesn’t receive such appropriations, the commission has decided that the regulations don’t apply.
Tarr said the GOP-sponsored bill eliminates the wording of “state appropriations” to make sure the regulation is all-inclusive.
Tarr described the bill as a common sense change that will go a long way toward preventing abuses and extreme expenses.
He said the legislation would also clarify state reimbursement rules regarding lodging, entertainment, airfare, and other travel expenses.
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