SB326 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve LivingstonSenator

Republican

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Sheriff, use of credit card or debit card authorized

Summary

SB326 allows the Jackson County Sheriff to use credit or debit cards for approved purchases, with safeguards and oversight.

What This Bill Does

The Sheriff’s Office may establish procedures to pay for approved tangible property or services using a credit or debit card. Written policies must include per-purchase and monthly limits, sole access to card numbers and codes, and record-keeping and audit review. Bills must be reviewed monthly and paid in full on time to avoid extra charges. The Sheriff will select a card provider based on factors like fees, rewards, and rates, and any rewards earned go to the Sheriff's discretionary account; the measure does not authorize spending beyond lawful appropriations or create county debt, and it becomes effective June 1, 2025.

Who It Affects

• Jackson County Sheriff's Office and the Sheriff’s designee, who would manage card use, enforce policies, and handle record-keeping and payments.
• Jackson County residents and the county government, who are protected by spending limits and oversight and may benefit from more efficient purchasing without increasing county debt.

Key Provisions

• Authorization for the Sheriff’s Office to establish procedures to use a credit card or debit card for approved purchases.
• Written policies must include per-purchase limit and monthly spending limit related to the discretionary fund.
• Procedures to ensure sole access to card numbers/codes, maintain accurate purchase records, periodic audits, monthly bill review, and timely payment of bills.
• Criteria for selecting a card provider, including annual fees, rewards, interest and late fees, and penalties for termination.
• Rewards or rebates earned are deposited into the Sheriff’s discretionary account.
• The section is intended to increase purchasing efficiency and may not exceed lawful appropriations or create a debt of the Jackson County Commission; effective date is 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

Jackson County