SSB 5793 allows members of state boards, commissions, councils, committees, etc., to receive stipends for their participation if the member is low-income or part of an underrepresented group that will be directly or disproportionately impacted by the decisions of the board. Board members may not receive the stipend if they are employed by a federal, state, or local government agency and receiving other compensation for their participation. Stipends are not to exceed $200 per day during which the member participates in the group. Additionally, individuals eligible for stipends are also eligible to receive reasonable allowances for child and adult care, reimbursement, lodging, and travel expenses. Agencies, boards, commissions, etc., retain discretion over whether to provide stipends to group members and the amount of stipend to be provided. Agencies must work to minimize the impact of stipends and reimbursements on public assistance eligibility and benefit amounts as allowed by federal and state law.
Amendment:
5793 S2: Requires agencies to report annually to the Office of Equity and include reimbursements in addition to stipends that have been available to individuals with lived experiences. Requires agencies to include the reason why the individual qualified for the stipend or reimbursement. Requires the Office of Equity to report annually to the Governor and the Legislature and to include overall evaluations of the reimbursement process.
