New state law to allow for ‘per diem’ meal reimbursement

The legislature recently passed and Gov. Pete Ricketts has signed a new law that will allow state agencies, including the University of Nebraska, to reimburse meals on a “per diem” basis while employees are traveling for business.

The law, LB 381, takes effect Jan. 1, 2021. Until then, university faculty and staff should continue to submit itemized meal receipts for reimbursement.

The law allows the Nebraska Department of Administrative Services (DAS) to establish a percentage, ranging from 60 to 100 percent, of the federal per diem rate for Nebraska agencies. Details on the per diem percentage that will be allowed and other implementation guidance will be shared as soon as they are available from DAS. The university will update its travel policies accordingly.

Faculty and staff are invited to contact the University of Nebraska Travel Office via email or at or (402) 554-3456 with questions.