HB314 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Paul W. LeeRepresentative

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Sheriff, to authorize use of credit card or debit card

Summary

HB314 lets the Houston County Sheriff use a county credit or debit card for approved purchases, governed by a formal policy with safeguards.

What This Bill Does

The Sheriff may establish procedures to make purchases using a credit or debit card issued to the Houston County Sheriff's Office. The Sheriff must adopt a written policy that sets limits on individual purchases and monthly spending, ensures sole access to card details, and requires keeping records and regular audits. The Sheriff must choose a card provider based on factors like fees, rewards, and penalties, and any rewards earned go into the Sheriff's discretionary account. The law also states that this authority cannot be used to exceed legally appropriated funds or create county debt, and the act takes effect on June 1, 2025.

Who It Affects

• Houston County Sheriff's Office personnel: can make approved purchases using a sheriff’s credit/debit card, subject to the new policy and controls.
• Houston County government and financial processes: must implement the policy, monitor compliance, ensure funds stay within appropriations, and manage rewards directed to the discretionary account.

Key Provisions

• Authorize the Sheriff to establish procedures for using a credit card or debit card to purchase tangible property or services approved by the Sheriff.
• Require a written policy with (1) individual purchase limit, (2) monthly spending limit, (3) sole access to card numbers and security codes, (4) accurate purchase records to be reviewed in audits, (5) monthly review of bills for unauthorized charges, (6) timely payment of bills to avoid charges.
• Require the Sheriff to select a card provider considering annual fees, rewards, interest and penalties, and other relevant factors.
• Require any rewards earned to be deposited into the Sheriff's discretionary account.
• Limit authority to existing lawful appropriations and prohibit creating county debt.
• Take effect June 1, 2025.

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

Subjects

Houston County