As additional compensation to a state employee, a state agency may reimburse the employee for or pay a travel expense the employee incurs while attending the funeral of an individual who was a state employee, a board member, or a member of the legislature if:

1. (1) the agency determines that the employee's attendance at the funeral is appropriate under the circumstances; and
2. (2) the expense is paid or reimbursed only to the extent it could have been paid or reimbursed had it been incurred while conducting official state business.

Added by Acts 1997, 75th Leg., ch. 1300, Sec. 4, eff. Sept. 1, 1997.