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

Allows Montgomery County's judge of probate to set up and use a credit card for limited court purchases under controlled policies.

What This Bill Does

If enacted, the Judge of Probate in Montgomery County can establish procedures for making small purchases using a credit card issued to the Probate Court's Office. The policy must include per-purchase and monthly spending limits, access controls to card numbers and codes, and requirements to keep records and undergo periodic audits. The judge must review monthly bills for unauthorized charges and ensure timely payment to avoid fees. If rewards are earned, they must be deposited into the Judge of Probate Fund.

Who It Affects

• Montgomery County Judge of Probate — gains authority to create procedures, choose the card provider, review charges, and manage the related fund.
• Montgomery County Probate Court staff or designee — may have access to the credit card and related information under the policy.
• Credit card issuer and vendors — terms, fees, interest, and rewards from the chosen card affect the court's purchases.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes the Judge of Probate to establish procedures for limited purchases using a credit card issued to the Montgomery County Probate Court's Office.
• Policy must include a per-purchase monetary limit and a monthly spending limit tied to the court's discretionary fund.
• Requires access controls so only the judge or a designee can access the card, numbers, access codes, or security codes.
• Requires accurate records of all purchases, periodic reviews during audits, monthly bill review for unauthorized charges, and timely payment of bills.
• The judge must select the credit card provider considering factors such as annual fees, rewards, interest and penalties, and other relevant considerations.
• If rewards are earned, they must be deposited into the Judge of Probate Fund.
• Act becomes effective immediately.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano-2025-08-07 on Mar 18, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Montgomery County