SOP_NUMBER: 406.04
TITLE: Travel Regulations
REFERENCE_CODE: IVG01-0004
DIVISION: Administration and Finance Division (Financial Services)
TOPIC_AREA: 406 Policy-Administration and Finance
EFFECTIVE_DATE: 2022-08-30
WORD_COUNT: 6500
POWERDMS_URL: https://public.powerdms.com/GADOC/documents/105125
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/406.04/
SUMMARY:
This policy establishes guidelines for reimbursement of travel expenses incurred by Georgia Department of Corrections employees on official state business. It covers ground transportation, lodging, meals, mileage reimbursement, and miscellaneous expenses, requiring employees to use the most cost-effective methods of travel. The policy applies to all state employees traveling for work purposes and requires compliance with state accounting procedures and the TeamWorks Travel and Expense System.
KEY_TOPICS: travel expenses, employee reimbursement, ground transportation, lodging, per diem allowance, mileage reimbursement, travel advances, government vehicles, rental cars, personal vehicle reimbursement, cost comparison, out-of-state travel, meal allowances, travel status, primary workstation, commuting miles, transportation funding act
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Exemption From Local Hotel-Motel Excise Tax Form
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/406.04-att-1/
2. Travel Advance Authorization Form
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/406.04-att-2/
3. Request for Out of State Travel Form
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/406.04-att-3/
4. GDC Facilities Training Travel Request Form
URL: https://gps.press/sop-data/406.04-att-4/
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|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|
|**Policy Number:** 406.04|**Effective Date:** 08/30/2022|**Page Number:** 1 of 22|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Administration and Finance
Division (Financial Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
**I.** **Introduction and Summary:**
The purpose of this policy is to provide guidelines for payment of Travel Expenses in
an efficient, cost-effective manner and to enable travelers to successfully execute their
travel requirements at the lowest reasonable costs. This includes reimbursement of
reasonable and necessary expenses incurred for the completion of the employee’s
duties and responsibilities.
**II.** **Authority:**
A. O.C.G.A. § 50-5B-5;
B. Office of Planning and Budget Policy #1 (Revision 6): Rules, Regulations and
Procedures Governing the Payment and Accounting for Travel Advances;
C. State Accounting Office - Statewide Travel Policy; and
D. ACA Standards: 1-CTA-1C-10, 5-ACI-1C-19, 5-ACI-3A-27, 4-ALDF1B-02, and
4-ACRS-7D-17.
**III.** **Definitions:**
A. **Agency** - Any department, board, commission, or other organizational unit of
government that is subject to these statewide travel policies.
B. **Public Transportation** - Any entity that offers transportation of people or goods
to the public for pay.
C. **Commuting Miles** - The miles traveled on a regular (usually daily) basis from an
employee’s residence to the location most frequently associated with work
performed outside of that residence (Primary Workstation). This should be a
standard distance that does not change from one reimbursement request to the next.
D. **Cost Comparison Calculator** - The Rental Car Cost Comparison tool made
available by DOAS on their website for assisting employees in determining the
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
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|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|
|**Policy Number:** 406.04|**Effective Date:** 08/30/2022|**Page Number:** 2 of 22|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Administration and Finance
Division (Financial Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
cost effectiveness of using a Rental Car versus a Personal Vehicle in the
transaction of the business of the state of Georgia.
E. **County or Municipal Excise Tax** - The local taxes charged by hotel/motels for
Lodging, also referred to as “hotel/motel” or “occupancy” tax. This tax is separate
from the state sales tax.
F. **Travel Expense Statement** - The accounting document used as the basis to
reimburse a state employee for Travel Expenses incurred while on official
business.
G. **Government Owned Vehicle** - A state Agency owned vehicle or the interagency
motor pool that is operated on behalf of the Department of Administrative
Services’ Fleet Support Services through Enterprise Rent-a-Car.
H. **Lodging** - A hotel, motel, inn, apartment, or similar entity that furnishes Lodging
to the public for pay.
I. **Miscellaneous Travel Expense** - A necessary and reasonable expense incurred by
a state employee while traveling on official business. This term does not apply to
meals, Lodging, mileage, or transportation costs.
J. **Out of State Travel** - When an employee travels from a point of origin within
Georgia to a point of destination within another state and then returns. Out-of-state
travel rates are used for all travel with a destination outside the state of Georgia.
K. **Personal Motor Vehicle** - A motor vehicle that is owned or leased for personal
use by an employee. Personal Motor Vehicles include automobiles, aircraft, and
motorcycles.
L. **Per Diem Allowance** - The maximum food allowance for which employees can
be reimbursed per day. The amount is not a reimbursement of actual expenses
incurred. Receipts are not required for meal per diem amounts.
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|
|**Policy Number:** 406.04|**Effective Date:** 08/30/2022|**Page Number:** 3 of 22|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Administration and Finance
Division (Financial Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
M. **Point of Departure** - The beginning location used to calculate state-use miles
traveled in a motor vehicle.
N. **Primary Workstation** - The location a state employee regularly reports to for
work. An employee’s manager must use good judgment and declare one of the
following as an employee’s Primary Workstation (PWS). It shall be used for all
required travel calculations.
1. **Headquarters or Satellite Office** - When an employee works the majority of
his/her business days at a regular office site, such site is his/her PWS.
2. **Home Office** - When an employee works from his/her primary residence (tax
home base) for the majority of his/her business days and is not required to
travel to an office to carry out job duties, such residence is considered the PWS.
O. **TeamWorks Travel** **and Expense (TTE) System** - The on-line travel and
expense reporting system administered through the State Accounting Office (aka
Concur).
P. **Transportation Funding Act** **of 2015** - The state of Georgia will charge a $5.00
per room per night hotel tax to travelers.
Q. **Travel Advance** - Any payment to an employee for Travel Expenses made prior
to the time that expenses will be incurred for a scheduled, future trip.
R. **Travel Advance Authorization Form** - The form used to document approval of
cash advances by an Agency head or his designee and to document receipt of the
cash advance, via direct deposit, by the employee (Attachment 2).
S. **Travel Expenses** - Reimbursable meal, Lodging, mileage, transportation, parking,
and miscellaneous expenses related to official State business travel.
T. **Travel Management Company (TMC)** - The State’s contracted travel agent.
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|
|**Policy Number:** 406.04|**Effective Date:** 08/30/2022|**Page Number:** 4 of 22|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Administration and Finance
Division (Financial Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
U. **Travel Status** - An individual is working away from his/her Primary Workstation
on official State business. Start time is defined as the point of direct departure
(from Residence or Primary Workstation) to the alternate work site, and ending
time is the point of direct return to his/her Residence or Primary Workstation.
**IV.** **Statement of Policy and Applicable Procedures:**
A. Ground Transportation: The most cost-effective method of transportation that will
accomplish the purpose of the travel should be selected. Among the factors to be
considered should be the length of travel time, employee’s salary, cost of operation
of a vehicle, cost, and availability of common carrier services, etc. Common carrier
shall be used for out-of-state travel unless it is documented that utilization of
another method of travel is more cost-efficient or practical and approved in
accordance with these regulations.
Travelers are responsible for knowing which type of ground transportation is the
least expensive in the area. In some areas, Public Transportation (e.g., taxis,
shuttles, or mass transit) may be the more economical alternative. In other areas,
it may be more cost-effective to rent a car. When renting a car, the traveler should
also consider the costs of parking fees and fuel.
When traveling by air or train, travelers should use shuttle services or Public
Transportation when such options are available and less expensive than other
means of ground transportation.
B. Car Rental: Employees traveling on State business must use a temporary fleet/
Government Owned Vehicle, if available, unless the employee’s supervisor
determines and provides in writing, in advance of travel, that use of a temporary
fleet vehicle is clearly not the most efficient method of travel.
If a temporary fleet vehicle is not available, state employees must choose the least
expensive option between a rental vehicle or mileage reimbursement for use of
their personal vehicle. Rental cars should be used when it is determined that it is
the most economical form of transportation. To determine the most cost-effective
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|
|**Policy Number:** 406.04|**Effective Date:** 08/30/2022|**Page Number:** 5 of 22|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Administration and Finance
Division (Financial Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
means of ground transportation, refer to the Car Rental Cost Comparison
Calculator located on the DOAS website.
The State has mandatory statewide contracts with specified car rental vendors.
These vendors and contract car rental rates are automatically provided in the TTE
booking system and can also be located on the Department of Administrative
Services (DOAS) website. Travelers are responsible for securing the lowest cost
contract rental available at time of booking, considering all reasonable associated
factors (rates, delivery time, distance, and mileage, etc.)
When a rental car is necessary for TTE system travelers, reservations must be made
through a TMC agent (Hertz or Enterprise) assisted call to ensure contracted State
rates are obtained and billed under the mandatory statewide vendor contracts, and
to ensure other Policy requirements are met. Refer to the SAO Travel website for
relevant TMC contact numbers.
Renting outside the statewide vendor contracts is not allowed. However, if
extenuating circumstances require a rental outside of the statewide vendor
contract, an approved waiver form SPD-NI005, from the State Purchasing
Division in the Department of Administrative Services (DOAS) must be obtained.
Approved waivers should be attached as a “receipt” in the TTE system.
Approved car rental sizes are Economy, Compact or Intermediate. Other vehicle
sizes require a business-related justification. Vans may be rented when there are
more than 4 travelers. Reimbursement will be made for reasonable fuel charges.
(This excludes renters who are furnished with a fuel card and are billed based on
a specific calculation.) Travelers must decline optional fuel offerings offered by
the car rental vendor. Maintenance and oil changes are the responsibility of the
rental company and will not be reimbursed by the State.
Employees traveling on State business inside the Continental U.S. in a rented
motor vehicle are covered by the State’s liability policy; therefore, liability
coverage should be declined when renting a motor vehicle. Loss Damage and
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|
|**Policy Number:** 406.04|**Effective Date:** 08/30/2022|**Page Number:** 6 of 22|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Administration and Finance
Division (Financial Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
Collision Damage are also covered under the mandatory statewide car rental
vendor contracts. When traveling to destinations outside the Continental U.S.
(OCONUS), except for Canada, the State Risk Management Department
recommends that travelers accept collision insurance. **Contact the DOAS Risk**
**Management Services Department regarding any other questions related to**
**rental car insurance coverage.**
**NOTE:** **The State liability policy is only in effect while the employee is using**
**the rented vehicle for official State business. For this reason, personal use of**
**the vehicle, including allowing friends or family members to ride in a State**
**rented vehicle, is prohibited.**
In the event of an accident while driving a rental vehicle, contact the Risk
Management Office at **1-877-656-7475**, as well as the appropriate car rental
vendor, for claims handling.
C. Personal Vehicle: A State employee is only authorized to use his or her personally
owned vehicle, when: 1) no temporary fleet vehicle is available and the personally
owned vehicle is the least expensive option (See Section IV B, above.); OR, 2) the
supervisor determines **in writing** that use of the least expensive option is clearly
not efficient. Travelers should secure supervisory authorization for use of a
personally owned vehicle **in advance** of such use.
Reimbursement for business use of a personally owned vehicle is calculated per
mile, from Point of Departure after deduction for normal commuting mileage,
based on the current reimbursement rate, which can be found on the SAO Travel
website, by viewing the Mileage Reimbursement Rates Policy. The employee and
supervisor must determine if mileage reimbursement should be made using Tier 1
or Tier 2 rates, as described below. **Any reimbursement of mileage claims paid**
**to an employee in excess of rates stipulated in this Policy (e.g., Tier 2 versus**
**Tier 1 rates) must be refunded to the State or characterized as taxable**
**compensation to the employee.**
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|
|**Policy Number:** 406.04|**Effective Date:** 08/30/2022|**Page Number:** 7 of 22|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Administration and Finance
Division (Financial Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
By law, the State mileage reimbursement rates follow the published General
Services Administration (GSA) rates and are as follows:
- Tier 1 Rate: When it is determined that a Personal Motor Vehicle is the most
advantageous AND least expensive form of travel, the employee will be
reimbursed for business miles traveled based on the applicable GSA Tier 1
rates.
- Tier 2 Rate: If a government-owned (Agency-owned) vehicle is available, and
its use is determined to be the most advantageous form of travel to the State,
OR a rental vehicle (under the statewide vendor contracts) is the recommended
and least expensive method of travel, BUT a Personal Motor Vehicle is used,
the employee will be reimbursed for business miles based on the applicable
GSA Tier 2 Rate.
The standard per-mile reimbursement rate includes gas, oil, repairs and
maintenance, tires, insurance, registration fees, licenses, and depreciation
attributable to the business miles driven. If you request reimbursement for mileage,
you will not be reimbursed separately for those costs.
In addition, **normal Commuting Miles must be deducted when calculating total**
**mileage reimbursement** . Mileage traveled by State travelers between their
Residence and Primary Workstation (See Section III for definitions) is considered
“Commuting Miles”. Commuting costs are not reimbursable.
**Exceptions:**
- If travel occurs on a weekend or holiday outside of the normal work schedule,
mileage is calculated from the Point of Departure with no reduction for normal
Commuting Miles.
- If an employee utilizes state-sponsored transportation alternatives (ex.
MARTA), the “normal Commuting Miles” should still be calculated as the
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|
|**Policy Number:** 406.04|**Effective Date:** 08/30/2022|**Page Number:** 8 of 22|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Administration and Finance
Division (Financial Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
direct mileage from the employee’s Residence to his Primary Workstation.
- If an employee’s Primary Workstation is his/her Residence, the requirement to
deduct normal Commuting Miles does not apply since, by definition, there are
none.
Tolls and reasonable parking charges incurred while on official State business will
be reimbursed, in addition to the mileage allowance. While there are no maximum
limits for parking, employees are encouraged to utilize low-cost, long-term parking
to minimize the cost.
While driving your personal vehicle on State business, the State provides full
liability coverage and personal immunity for the employee for damages and
injuries the employee may cause to others. The State does not provide coverage
for damages to your personal vehicle. Cost of repairs to a personal vehicle, whether
or not they result from the traveler’s acts, are not reimbursable. Under no
circumstances will the State reimburse parking fines or moving violations.
D. Other Transportation: The most reasonable and customary means of transportation
should be used when traveling to and from airports or other transportation
terminals. The State will reimburse for shuttle or taxi fares to and from airports
and railroad stations when such service is not included in air and rail fares, and
where Public Transportation is not practical. Taxi fares between business meetings
while on Travel Status are reimbursable.
E. Lodging Expense: The traveler should select the least expensive option available
taking into consideration proximity to the business destination and personal safety.
The traveler or the travel arranger must inquire about the government rate
availability, or the conference Lodging rate, and select the lowest available rate.
When the hotel or motel is the conference or convention site, reimbursement will
be limited to the conference rate, if available.
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|
|**Policy Number:** 406.04|**Effective Date:** 08/30/2022|**Page Number:** 9 of 22|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Administration and Finance
Division (Financial Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
Travelers on State business are allowed Lodging expenses when their destination
is located more than 75 miles from both their Primary Workstation and Residence.
Written pre-approval must be obtained from the Agency head, or their designee,
when Lodging is required within this 75-mile radius. The approval must be
submitted with the traveler’s receipts when requesting reimbursement.
Reasonable Lodging expenses are reimbursed at actual cost. All Lodging claims
must be documented with receipts and must be at a business that offers Lodging to
the general public, such as a hotel or motel, and not a private residence.
Upgraded room accommodations that incur an additional charge are not allowed.
A complimentary upgrade should be noted on the expense report. Mandatory resort
fees are reimbursable as Lodging expenses.
Due to tax and cost issues, do not utilize third party online travel booking sites
(Ex.: Expedia, Travelocity, etc.)
F. Tax Exemptions: State and local government officials and employees traveling
within the state on official business are _exempt_ from paying the C _ounty or_
_Municipal Excise Tax_ on Lodging (“hotel/motel” or “occupancy” tax) [O.C.G.A.
§ 48-13-51 (H) (3)], regardless of the payment method being used. _(This_
_exemption does not apply to travelers staying at an out-of-state hotel/motel.)_
Travelers must be able to provide proper identification to document their
employment as a state or local government employee.
Additionally, as an employee traveling on official State business, the Lodging is
eligible for **exemption** from **State of Georgia Sales Tax** when the payment
method being used is either direct bill to the Agency or out of pocket expense by
the employee. Travelers should make every effort to avoid payment of sales tax
when payment method is other than a personal payment method.
Travelers are required to submit a copy of the Hotel Exemption Occupancy Form
(Attachment 1), which is located on the SAO travel website upon registration at
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|
|**Policy Number:** 406.04|**Effective Date:** 08/30/2022|**Page Number:** 10 of 22|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Administration and Finance
Division (Financial Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
the hotel/motel. If the hotel refuses to accept the form at check-in, the traveler
should attempt to resolve the issue with hotel management before checking out at
the end of their stay. If the matter is not resolved by check-out time, the traveler
should pay the tax.
Per the Transportation Funding Act of 2015, effective July 1, 2015, hotels in the
state of Georgia will charge a $5.00 per room per night hotel tax to travelers. This
tax is not exempted for State Employees.
G. Lodging Cancelation: Travelers should not book nonrefundable rates or rates that
require a deposit unless required by conference Lodging. It is the traveler’s or
arranger’s responsibility to understand the cancellation rules of the room
confirmed. No-show charges and penalties will not be reimbursed when the
traveler does not cancel reservations within the allotted time. Nonrefundable rates
cannot be changed or cancelled; therefore, the traveler is accepting the risk of a
non-reimbursable cancelation fee.
In a case where all efforts have been taken, and a fee is still charged, an explanation
must be provided when submitting the traveler’s expense report for the fee to be
reimbursed.
H. Conference Lodging: Employees who stay at a hotel/motel that is holding a
scheduled meeting or seminar may incur Lodging expenses that exceed the rates
generally considered reasonable. The higher cost may be justified to avoid
excessive transportation costs between a lower cost hotel/motel and the location of
the meeting.
When the conference does not have an official hotel, the traveler is required to
obtain a property within reasonable proximity to the conference.
I. Meals (General): Meals are reimbursable on a per diem basis (not actual expenses)
for overnight official business travel outside the traveler’s Primary Workstation.
Per Diem expenses do not require receipts to be provided.
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|
|**Policy Number:** 406.04|**Effective Date:** 08/30/2022|**Page Number:** 11 of 22|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Administration and Finance
Division (Financial Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
Employees traveling within the state of Georgia will be paid a per diem amount
designed to cover the cost of meals (including taxes and tips), based on the number
of meals per day for which the traveler is eligible.
Employees who are provided meals during the course of travel as part of a
conference fee, or when hosting or are hosted by another party while on Travel
Status, must deduct the corresponding, applicable meal rate from their per diem
reimbursement claim for each meal provided.
Meal adjustments include those provided by hotels, meetings, conferences, or any
other source. If a continental breakfast, lunch, dinner, or reception is offered as
part of the travel event and the food/timing is sufficient to serve as a meal, the
traveler must reduce the per diem by the appropriate allowance amount. If a meal
is offered as part of a conference and the traveler has medical restrictions, the
traveler should make every effort to have the conference facilitate his/her needs by
the deadline specified by the conference. If the conference does not honor the
request, the traveler is not required to deduct the applicable meal allowance from
the per diem. However, the traveler must include a note or other documentation
with the TTE report documenting this information.
J. Meal Per Diem During Overnight Travel: Employees traveling overnight, either
in-state or out-of-state, are eligible for 75% of the total per diem rate on the first
and last day of travel. For example, if the per diem rate allows a $50 total
reimbursement, $37.50 would be allowable on a travel departure or return day
($50x.75 = $37.50). As a result, the time of departure and time of return are not
considerations for calculating the Meal Per Diem when associated with overnight
travel.
For trips involving multiple travel destinations, base the reduction on the per diem
rate in effect where the night was spent, as follows:
- **Departure Day:** Where you spend the night.
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|
|**Policy Number:** 406.04|**Effective Date:** 08/30/2022|**Page Number:** 12 of 22|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Administration and Finance
Division (Financial Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
- **Return Day:** Where you spent the night before returning to your Residence or
Primary Workstation.
When meals are provided to an employee in conjunction with travel events on a
travel departure or return day, the full meals per diem reimbursement rate is
reduced by the amount of the provided meal(s).
K. Meal Per Diem During Non-Overnight Travel: Employees on State business who
travel more than 75 miles from their Residence and Primary Workstation on a
work assignment AND are away for more than twelve (12) hours, may receive the
total day’s per diem rate, even when there is no overnight Lodging. The Per Diem
Allowance must, however, be adjusted for any meals provided to the traveler, as
stated in Sec. K, above.
**Clarification:** Certain employees are viewed as having a mobile workstation and
are therefore, ineligible for reimbursement of meals not associated with overnight
travel (Ex.: Construction supervisors and transfer officers).
The traveler’s supervisor is to determine the reasonableness of when an overnight
stay is justified.
L. Meetings: Luncheon or dinner meetings sponsored by the State will be paid under
contract; therefore, no claims for such expenses may be presented on the travel
expense report. Employees on official business attending luncheon or dinner
meetings not sponsored by the State are entitled to receive reimbursement for
actual costs incurred, provided that:
- The purpose of the meeting is to discuss business and the nature of the business
is stated on the travel expense report.
- The luncheon or dinner meeting is planned in advance and includes persons
not employed by the State.
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|
|**Policy Number:** 406.04|**Effective Date:** 08/30/2022|**Page Number:** 13 of 22|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Administration and Finance
Division (Financial Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
- The meal is an integral part of the meeting.
- The meal is served at the same establishment that hosts the meeting.
M. Employee Group Meals: Under certain infrequent circumstances, employees may
be required to remain at the work site during mealtime. Such circumstances include
emergency situations but may also include intra-departmental meetings or training
sessions where the meeting or training session extends beyond the mealtimes and
the employees are not permitted to leave the premises of the meeting site.
Under these and similar circumstances, organizations may purchase meals for the
affected employees. Purchase of such meals should be approved by a higher-level
approving authority prior to the date of the event (for non-emergency situations).
Such expenditures are limited to the purchase of meals and necessary beverages
only (this does not include snacks). Meal limits outlined in the _Statewide Travel_
_Policy_ must be adhered to. Meal expenses associated with meetings/training
sessions must be documented with retained receipts and a copy of the formal
written agenda. In all instances, the employee for whom meals were purchased
must include a list of attendees.
N. Special Meals: Reimbursement designed for those occasions when, as a matter of
extraordinary courtesy or necessity, it is appropriate and in the best interest of the
State to use public funds for provision of a meal to a person who is not otherwise
eligible for such reimbursement and where reimbursement is not available from
another source. Requests should be within reason and may include tax and tips.
Itemized receipts are required. Examples include:
- Visiting dignitaries or executive-level persons from other governmental units,
and persons providing identified gratuity services to the State. This explicitly
does not include normal visits, meetings, reviews, etc., by federal or local
representatives.
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|
|**Policy Number:** 406.04|**Effective Date:** 08/30/2022|**Page Number:** 14 of 22|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Administration and Finance
Division (Financial Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
- Extraordinary situations are when State employees are required by their
supervisor to work more than a twelve-hour workday or six-hours on a nonscheduled weekend (when such are not normal working hours to meet crucial
deadlines or to handle emergencies).
All special meals must have prior approval from the Agency Head/Commissioner
unless specific authority for approval has been delegated to a department head for
a period not to exceed one fiscal year.
O. Miscellaneous Travel Expenses: Reimbursable expenses while on official Travel
Status include, but are not limited to, the following:
- Business office expenses (copy services, postage, and supplies);
- Business-related phone calls, faxes, and internet usage charges and fees;
- Transportation costs from Lodging or businesses to restaurants ( **domestic**
**travel only** ; see SAO Policy, Appendix B for international travel guidance.)
- Conference/Registration fees;
- Costs related to passports and travel visas when necessary to accomplish the
official business purpose of the trip;
- Costs related to vaccinations required and/or recommended for international
business travel;
- Currency conversion fees;
- Baggage handling services, other than regular portage/tips; and
- Laundry or cleaning expenses on trips lasting seven (7) calendar days or more.
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|
|**Policy Number:** 406.04|**Effective Date:** 08/30/2022|**Page Number:** 15 of 22|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Administration and Finance
Division (Financial Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
P. Miscellaneous Travel Expenses: Non-reimbursable expenses include, but are not
limited to, the following:
- Airline, car, and card membership dues and club fees;
- Travel upgrade fees (air, rail, car);
- Alcoholic beverages;
- Bank charges for ATM withdrawals, except on international travel;
- Childcare costs;
- Clothing or toiletry items;
- Commuting between Residence and Primary Workstation;
- Country Club dues;
- Expenses related to vacation or personal days taken before, during or after a
business trip;
- Haircuts and personal grooming;
- Laundry, cleaning, pressing costs for trips of less than seven days;
- Loss Damage Insurance when State Agency contract rate vehicle is available,
and another rental car Agency is utilized;
- Loss or theft of cash advance money or airline tickets;
- Loss or theft of personal funds or property;
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|
|**Policy Number:** 406.04|**Effective Date:** 08/30/2022|**Page Number:** 16 of 22|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Administration and Finance
Division (Financial Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
- Lost baggage;
- Luggage or briefcases;
- Medical expenses while traveling _(Exceptions may be made to accommodate_
_ADA compliance)_ ;
- Mini-bar charges;
- Movies;
- No-show/Cancellation fees or fees related to hotel late check-out (unless
business or weather related) _See section G_ ;
- Personal reading materials (magazines, newspapers, etc.);
- Personal vehicle maintenance;
- Personal entertainment;
- Personal pet care;
- Recreational expenses;
- Saunas or massages;
- Shoeshines;
- Souvenirs or personal gifts;
- Traffic citations (moving violations), parking tickets, court fees and other
fines;
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|
|**Policy Number:** 406.04|**Effective Date:** 08/30/2022|**Page Number:** 17 of 22|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Administration and Finance
Division (Financial Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
- Travel accident insurance premiums; and
- Valet services for parking, when self-parking options are available, unless
there are valid security reasons.
Q. Receipts: Travelers must always obtain receipts, except when per diem travel
allowances are claimed. Not all receipts must be submitted with a travel expense
report but may be requested for verification or audit. Itemized receipts should
include:
- Name and address of the vendor;
- Date of service;
- Description of goods/service; and
- Amount paid for each individual item.
Credit card slips and statements are not acceptable in lieu of receipts. Travel
expense reports may be selected for audit at any time and all required receipts must
be retained by the traveler for three years after the travel date, if not attached to the
expense report.
Receipts are required with the travel expense report for the following expenses,
regardless of dollar amount:
- Airline fares;
- Hotel expenses;
- Rental car expenses;
- Breakfast, luncheon, or dinner meetings unless claiming a per diem;
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|
|**Policy Number:** 406.04|**Effective Date:** 08/30/2022|**Page Number:** 18 of 22|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Administration and Finance
Division (Financial Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
- Registration Fees; and
- Visa/Passport fees.
No expense should be approved if a required receipt is missing.
Receipts are not required for the following expenses if individual amounts are less
than $25:
- Gasoline purchased for rental vehicles;
- Parking;
- Highway tolls;
- Mass transit tickets;
- Taxi fares; and
- Airport vans.
R. Combining Personal Travel with State Business Travel: For in-state and out-of
state trips that combine personal travel with State business travel, reimbursement
will not exceed the amount of what it would have cost the State if the traveler did
not combine personal travel with business travel. Combining State travel with
personal travel does not, in and of itself, provide justification for using a private
vehicle rather than a state-owned vehicle.
For out-of-state trips between points where scheduled airline service is available
and where travelers are combining official State travel with a holiday, weekend
trip, vacation or other personal travel, reimbursement will be based on the cost of
round-trip coach airfare, Lodging, and the meal per diems to which the traveler
would have been entitled while traveling by air, or by the least expensive
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|
|**Policy Number:** 406.04|**Effective Date:** 08/30/2022|**Page Number:** 19 of 22|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Administration and Finance
Division (Financial Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
reasonable means of travel.
When combining personal travel and State business travel, baggage and luggage
fees should be allocated, accordingly, and be reasonable under the circumstances.
**Note:** The employee is responsible for any additional costs incurred in booking
personal travel combined with business travel.
S. Travelers with Physical and/or Medical Conditions: The impact of travelers with
physical and/or medical conditions, while on State travel, should be considered on
a case-by-case basis. Compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
is mandatory. Each department has the authority to provide reasonable
accommodations during State travel for travelers with disabilities.
All State employees are to be afforded equal opportunity to perform travel for
official State business even if the travel costs for disabled travelers will exceed
what would normally be most economical to the State. For example:
- When a traveler uses a wheelchair, it may be necessary to pay more for an
airline ticket so the traveler can fly on a larger airplane that accommodates the
wheelchair.
- When a traveler has hearing or vision impairments, there may be a cost of
providing auxiliary aids and services to enable the traveler to successfully
accomplish the purpose of the travel.
The extra travel costs required to comply with ADA shall be documented and kept
on file by the authorizing approver.
T. Policy Exceptions: Requests for exceptions to the _Statewide Travel Policy_ should
be infrequent and requested in advance. The **State Accounting Office** ( **SAO) and**
**Office of Planning and Budget (OPB)** will generally not grant exceptions to
travel Policy when it appears that, with proper planning and reasonable effort, the
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|
|**Policy Number:** 406.04|**Effective Date:** 08/30/2022|**Page Number:** 20 of 22|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Administration and Finance
Division (Financial Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
additional costs could have been avoided. Repetitive requests for similar
exceptions, particularly after-the-fact requests, will be carefully reviewed and,
when circumstances warrant, denied.
Agencies should not consider approved exceptions to be a blanket waiver of the
travel regulations. Exceptions are only granted for an individual or individuals
participating in a scheduled event and are only allowable for the specified dates of
the event. Agencies are encouraged to request exceptions for unusual travel
circumstances, as needed. Agencies that deviate from the travel regulations,
without receiving written authorization, could be cited in the Single Audit Report
issued by the Department of Audits and Accounts.
Agencies requesting travel exceptions should submit their request in writing to the
SAO’s Travel office with as much advance notice as possible. All written requests
must come from the Agency head or other designated official and must be
submitted prior to the expected travel date. All written requests should include the
following:
- The name(s) of the person(s) for which the exception is requested;
- An explanation of the purpose of the trip;
- An explanation of the types of expenses to be incurred; and
- The anticipated travel dates.
**Note:** Exceptions granted under these provisions apply only in circumstances in
which an employee will incur expenses.
SAO and OPB are responsible for approving or denying all requests for travel
exceptions. Written documentation will be returned to the requesting Agency
indicating whether the request was approved or denied.
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|
|**Policy Number:** 406.04|**Effective Date:** 08/30/2022|**Page Number:** 21 of 22|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Administration and Finance
Division (Financial Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
U. Submitting Reimbursement Requests:
- **Employees:** When submitting travel reimbursement requests, the TeamWorks
Travel and Expense (TTE) System (currently Concur) should be utilized. The
address for logging into Concur is www.concursolutions.com. Once the travel
is submitted, the employee’s supervisor will review and approve the request
and forward it to Accounting for processing. Employees must submit all
expenses for reimbursement and reconciliation within 10 days of the
completion of the event or trip, but **no later than 45 calendar days.** IRS
regulations state the employee must adequately account to the employer and
submit travel expense reimbursement requests within 60 days of the end of the
trip. Such expenses, if submitted after 60 days, become taxable income to the
employee.
- **Reimbursement:** Employees that receive payroll via ACH (direct deposit)
will also receive a travel reimbursement via ACH. It is the responsibility of the
employee to ensure that banking information is accurate.
- **Direct Bills:** For hotels that direct bill and car rentals, the responsible business
office will enter vouchers into the accounting system (currently
TeamWorks/PeopleSoft) making sure to allocate the expense among the
employees involved via the “Open Item” process.
V. Air Travel: Any traveler incurring out of state expenses must submit a completed
and approved Request for Out of State Travel Form (Attachment 3) at least two
weeks prior to the travel date. The form must include the approval of the traveler’s
immediate supervisor, Regional or Division Director and the Commissioner or
Chief of Staff. Out of state travel per diem rates, include the cost of meals, taxes
and tips on meals and follows the appropriate GSA per diem rates for a given
geographical area. These rates, as well as a breakdown by meal, can be found on
[the GSA website https://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104877, (Incidentals are not](https://www.gsa.gov/portal/content/104877)
included). For additional information related to air travel SAO Policy Section 1.1
[to 1.12 http://sao.georgia.gov/state-travel-policy.](http://sao.georgia.gov/state-travel-policy)
|GEORGIA DEPARTMENT OF CORRECTIONS
Standard Operating Procedures|Col2|Col3|
|---|---|---|
|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|**Policy Name:**Travel Regulations|
|**Policy Number:** 406.04|**Effective Date:** 08/30/2022|**Page Number:** 22 of 22|
|**Authority:**
Commissioner|**Originating Division:**
Administration and Finance
Division (Financial Services)|**Access Listing:**
Level I: All Access
|
W. Advances: Advances should be requested two weeks prior to the travel date and
are only available for employees whose salary is $50,000 or less. If an advance is
required, contact the Travel Administrator or the Accounts Payable Manager for
more information. The Travel Advance Authorization Form (Attachment 2) must
be completed.
**V.** **Attachments:**
Attachment 1: Exemption from Local Hotel/Motel Excise Tax Form
Attachment 2: Travel Advance Authorization Form
Attachment 3: Request for Out of State Travel Form
Attachment 4: GDC Facilities Training Travel Request Form
**VI.** **Record Retention of Forms Relevant to this Policy:**
Attachment 1 shall be maintained by the hotel/motel operator with the tax record.
Attachments 2 and 3 shall be maintained for the current year, plus five (5) prior years
at the Facility level, and for five (5) years following the end of the fiscal year at Central
Office. (The State Accounting Office is responsible for the proper retention of the
electronic records.).