HB369 Alabama 2024 Session

Updated Feb 23, 2026

Low Interest

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Corey Harbison
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2024
Title: Cullman County, sheriff, to authorize use of credit card or debit card for purchases.
Summary: HB369 lets the Cullman County Sheriff use a credit or debit card for approved purchases under a formal policy with spending limits and oversight.
What This Bill Does
If passed, the sheriff would be allowed to establish procedures to pay for approved tangible property or services with a credit or debit card. The policy must set per‑purchase and monthly limits, require sole access to card numbers/codes by the sheriff or a designee, keep records, review bills for unauthorized charges, and ensure timely payments. The sheriff would choose card providers based on factors like annual fees, rewards, and penalties, with any rewards going to the sheriff’s discretionary account; the act does not authorize spending beyond lawful appropriations or create county debt.

Who It Affects
Cullman County Sheriff’s Office – can make approved purchases using a credit/debit card and must follow the new policy, record-keeping, and payment rules.
Cullman County taxpayers/government – spending must stay within legally appropriated funds and not create county debt; spending oversight via audits and monthly bill reviews.

Key Provisions
Allows the Sheriff to establish procedures for using a credit card or debit card for approved purchases.
Requires a written policy with: (a) per-purchase limit, (b) monthly spending limit aligned with discretionary funds, (c) sole access to card numbers/codes by the sheriff or designee, (d) records of all purchases, (e) monthly bill review for unauthorized charges, (f) timely payment of bills to avoid fees.
Requires the Sheriff to select card providers considering annual fees, rewards/rebates, interest/late fees, penalties if card is terminated, and other relevant factors.
Rewards earned from card use must be deposited into the Sheriff’s discretionary account.
The section only authorizes efficiency in payments; it does not allow spending beyond existing appropriations or create county debt.
Effective June 1, 2024.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Cullman County