House Bill 451 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Patrice “Penni” McClammyRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Montgomery County; judge of probate, credit card use authorized

Summary

HB451 would authorize Montgomery County's judge of probate to establish and use a county-issued credit card for limited, policy-governed purchases by the probate court.

What This Bill Does

The bill allows the Judge of Probate to establish procedures for using a credit card issued to the Montgomery County Probate Court's Office to buy approved tangible property or services. It sets controls including a per-purchase limit, a monthly spending limit, access restricted to the judge or a designee, and requirements to keep records, review bills, and pay the balance in full each month to avoid fees. The judge must select the credit card provider based on factors like annual fees, rewards, interest and late charges, and any penalties; rewards earned would be deposited into the Judge of Probate Fund. The act would become effective immediately upon passage.

Who It Affects

• Montgomery County Judge of Probate and Probate Court staff, who would be authorized to use a county-issued credit card within defined limits and procedures.
• Montgomery County finances and taxpayers, due to required record-keeping, audits, timely payments, and the destination of any rewards to the Judge of Probate Fund.

Key Provisions

• Defines credit card as a line of credit issued by a domestic lender or credit card bank and authorizes the Judge of Probate to establish procedures for its use for approved purchases.
• Requires minimum policy elements: a per-purchase limit and a monthly limit, access restricted to the judge or designee, and procedures for accurate records and periodic audits.
• Mandates monthly review of credit card bills by the judge to prevent unauthorized charges and to ensure full, timely payment to avoid service charges or interest.
• Requires the judge to select the card issuer considering fees, rewards, interest rates, service charges, and penalties; any earned rewards or rebates must be deposited into the Judge of Probate Fund.
• Effective date: the act becomes effective immediately.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 13, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Montgomery County