HB247 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Low Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Alan Harper
Republican
Co-Sponsors: Steve McMillan Mike Hill Randy Wood Berry Forte Steve Hurst
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Co. commissions, purchasing, use of credit or debit cards, rebates distrib. to co. general fund
Summary: HB247 allows Alabama counties to use county-issued credit/debit and procurement cards for limited purchases with strict controls, oversight, and potential rebates deposited to the general fund.
What This Bill Does
It lets county commissions create written policies for the chief administrative officer to make limited purchases with a county card, setting per-purchase and monthly limits and ensuring the CAO is the sole holder of card numbers. It requires careful record-keeping, monthly review of bills, and full, timely payment (within 45 days for procurement cards) to avoid charges and stay compliant with state law. It also allows a procurement/purchasing program as an alternative to purchase orders to achieve cost savings, with training, supervision by the CAO, and required documentation. Public bidding rules still apply, and audits by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts will check compliance.

Who It Affects
County commissions and the chief administrative officers who would implement, manage, and supervise the credit/debit and procurement card programs.
County residents and taxpayers, through the county general fund, which could benefit from cost savings and rebates (credited to the general fund) while funds are kept under strict controls and subject to audits.

Key Provisions
authorize county commissions to establish purchasing procedures for limited purchases with credit or debit cards, with written policies.
per-purchase and monthly spending limits, including a monthly limit not exceeding 0.25% of the county's general fund budget.
sole access and security controls for card numbers and access codes by the chief administrative officer.
procedures for submitting purchase orders, recording purchases, and regular review of card bills for unauthorized charges.
require monthly review of card bills and full, timely payment to avoid service charges or interest; compliance with applicable state statutes.
county selects card providers based on fees, rebates, interest rates, penalties, and other relevant factors; rebates credited to the county general fund.
authorize a procurement/purchasing program as an alternative purchase order process to achieve significant cost savings, with prior approval by the county commission.
programs must meet accounting standards, provide required documentation, include safeguards against mismanagement, and be supervised by the chief administrative officer.
training requirements for users, documentation of purchases, and limits on daily and monthly spending.
monthly bill reviews and 45-day electronic settlement requirement for procurement card purchases; potential suspension of purchasing authority if not met.
public bid requirements remain in effect; audits by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts to ensure compliance.
effective date: immediately following governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Counties