HB499 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Ernie YarbroughRepresentative

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Sheriff, to authorize use of credit card or debit card

Summary

This bill lets the Lawrence County Sheriff use a credit or debit card for approved purchases, under strict procedures and budget rules.

What This Bill Does

The Sheriff may establish written procedures to use a credit or debit card for tangible property or services, with defined per-purchase and monthly limits. It requires strict access controls, accurate record-keeping, periodic review of purchases and bills, and timely payment to avoid extra charges. The Sheriff must choose a card provider based on factors like fees, rewards, and penalties, and any rewards earned go to the Sheriff's discretionary account. Purchases would be paid from the Sheriff's Discretionary Fund (travel from the general fund) and cannot exceed legally appropriated funds; the program takes effect on October 1, 2025.

Who It Affects

• Lawrence County Sheriff’s Office and the Sheriff, who would be authorized to use a credit or debit card under the new procedures and must adhere to the limits and controls.
• Lawrence County government finances, including the Discretionary Fund and the general fund travel budget, which determine how purchases are paid and how funds are appropriated and tracked.

Key Provisions

• Defines credit card and debit card and authorizes the Sheriff to establish procedures for their use to make approved purchases.
• Imposes minimum policy requirements: per-purchase limit, monthly purchase limit, sole access by the Sheriff or designee, accurate record-keeping, and regular audit reviews.
• Requires monthly review of bills to detect unauthorized charges and ensures timely full payment to avoid charges.
• Requires the Sheriff to select a card provider based on fees, rewards, interest charges, penalties, and any termination fees, plus any other relevant considerations.
• If rewards are earned, they must be deposited into the Lawrence County Sheriff’s discretionary account.
• Purchases funded by the credit/debit card must come from the Sheriff’s Discretionary Fund (travel expenses from the general fund) and remain within the appropriated budget.
• Prohibits using the card to spend beyond lawfully appropriated funds or to incur county debt not authorized by law.
• Effective date: October 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

Lawrence County