Bill targets state-paid travel by elected officials

AUSTIN, Texas (AP) — Texas lawmakers are considering whether elected officials should reimburse taxpayers for security costs related to unofficial travel.

The House State Affairs Committee is considering the measure on Wednesday by Republican Rep. Lyle Larson.

Gov. Rick Perry ran up a $2.4 million security bill while running for president in 2012. His office says state troopers need to travel with him for his safety. But critics complain that other candidates did not need similar security and that taxpayers shouldn't have to pay for it.

Two Republican and two Democratic lawmakers joined Larson in supporting the bill.

Under the measure, a commission would decide if the expenses were incurred performing official business while out of state, or if the official must repay them.