State Mileage Rate Change

Rule 134.110(d) requires carriers to reimburse injured employees for qualified travel based on the travel rate for state employees on the date travel occurred.  On January 1, 2016, the rate of 57.5 cents per mile will decrease to 54 cents per mile.

Rule 134.110 ties the rate of travel reimbursement to the travel rate for state employees. This is found on the Texas Comptroller’s website at the following address: https://fmx.cpa.state.tx.us/fm/travel/travelrates.php.

Since 2010, the maximum meal and lodging rates have been tied to the US General Services Administration’s federal domestic maximum per diem rates. Therefore, carriers must check the GSA’s website to determine the maximum meal and lodging rates, based on the county to which the travel takes place.

The GSA’s federal Domestic Maximum Per Diem Rates can be found at: http://www.gsa.gov/portal/category/21287. Note that these rates are considerably different than the $85 $36 rates. Lodging and meal rates for Austin, for instance, are $159/$135 (depending on the month) and $59.

If the city is not listed, but the county is listed; the rate of reimbursement is the rate of the county. For areas not listed (city or county), the maximum rates are:

•Lodging In-State: up to $85
•Meals In-State: up to $36

This rate change is applicable to any qualified travel that occurs on or after January 1, 2016. For travel occurring before that date, the earlier rates apply.