Missouri lawmakers quietly tightened the rules on legislative travel reimbursements this spring after questions surfaced about a Brentwood Democrat’s extensive out-of-session mileage claims. State Rep. Ray Reed reported dozens of drives to Jefferson City last summer and collected roughly $5,076 in gas and mileage payments on top of his regular legislative salary. In response, House leaders revised guidance for so-called “700 accounts” to curb routine travel reimbursements going forward.
New weekly limit for 700 accounts
According to St. Louis Magazine, Reed filed forms claiming 31 trips between May 19 and Aug. 29, 2025, and received about $5,076 in travel reimbursements. The outlet reports that the Administration and Accounts Committee approved a new rule in May that limits lawmakers to one reimbursed round trip per week to and from the Capitol unless they get special approval. St. Louis Magazine also notes that the “700 Account” allotment gives lawmakers up to $9,000 a year for travel, mailings and office expenses.
Reed's defense and colleagues' numbers
Reed told reporters he checked with House human resources before submitting each form and said the burst of travel stemmed partly from special legislative sessions and family legal needs. He also acknowledged correcting a mileage discrepancy after staff contacted him. St. Louis Magazine reports that other St. Louis-area representatives logged far fewer out-of-session trips, with Rep. Steve Butz reporting about one trip for roughly $187, Marty Joe Murray about $730 for four trips, and Rep. Kimberly-Anne Collins about $840 for five trips. The magazine quotes Rep. Peggy McGaugh, chair of Administration and Accounts, saying, “There were, yes, a couple of people that seem to habitually drain theirs pretty quickly, down down to nothing left,” a pattern lawmakers say helped nudge the new policy across the finish line.
Committee oversight and next steps
The Administration and Accounts panel oversees House finances and day-to-day operations, a role laid out on the Missouri House website and in official press materials. The Missouri House named Peggy McGaugh chair of that committee for the current General Assembly, and committee members say the updated guidance will be enforced through tighter approval procedures. House staff will now require special authorization for multiple reimbursed trips in a given week and will keep closer watch on how members burn through their 700 Account funds.
Local politics and what's next
The controversy surfaced as Reed runs for re-election, with his campaign materials emphasizing his legislative record and constituent outreach. Ray Reed campaign branding casts him as a progressive voice in Jefferson City, while the City of Brentwood’s official site lists David A. Dimmitt as mayor, identified by St. Louis Magazine as Reed’s primary opponent. Voters and watchdogs say the new weekly cap on reimbursements should rein in frequent out-of-session claims and make it harder for routine back-and-forth driving to be billed to 700 Account dollars.
