North Dakota Rep. Keith Kempenich is sponsoring a bill to add reimbursement for meals to the compensation received by lawmakers who live outside Bismarck.

The bill is being proposed just as the lobbyist gift ban approved by voters in 2018 is taking effect.

Lawmakers are currently paid $518 a month and receive $186 per day they attend sessions or committee meetings, plus reimbursement for lodging during the session.

They are also included on the state-funded employee health plan.

If passed, the bill would become effective August 1, 2021.