SUBSECTION 4.2.1.2
CRITERION

4.2.1.2.1

Responsibilities

Effective Date:

Sept. 1, 1998

4.2.1.2.1.a

Agency Heads - Agency heads are primarily responsible for ensuring that any costs incurred pursuant to this chapter are directly work related, obtained at the most economical price, and are both critical and necessary for state business. Prudent judgment is to be exercised in approving these costs.

4.2.1.2.1.b

Travelers - A traveler on official state business is expected to exercise the same care in incurring expenses and accomplishing the purposes of the travel that a prudent person would exercise if traveling on personal business. Excess costs, circuitous routes, delays, or luxury accommodations unnecessary or unjustified in the performance of official state business travel are not considered acceptable as exercising prudence. Travelers are responsible for excess costs and any additional expenses incurred for personal preference or convenience.

4.2.1.2.2

Primary and Alternative Criterion

Effective Date:

Sept. 1, 1998

4.2.1.2.2.a

When an agency head or authorized designee determines that a person is authorized to travel on official state business, the travel is to be conducted consistent with applicable state travel regulations. State agencies have the following criteria upon which to make such determinations:

• A state agency's primary criterion is that which is most economical to the state.

• A state agency's alternative criterion is that which is most advantageous to the state.

4.2.1.2.2.b

An agency may select the alternative criterion only for certain, major situations formally adopted by each agency under the provisions of Subsection 4.2.1.3.1.b as part of its positive system for management and control over travel. State agencies that do not formally adopt written internal policies and procedures regarding such situations are prohibited from using this alternative criterion.

4.2.1.2.2.c

The criterion selected is not to be influenced by the personal travel plans of the traveler.