HB314INTRODUCED
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HB314
77M4EVV-1
By Representatives Lee, Rehm(N & P)
RFD: Local Legislation
First Read: 20-Feb-25
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5 77M4EVV-1 09/03/2024 FC (L)ma 2024-2438
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First Read: 20-Feb-25
A BILL
TO BE ENTITLED
AN ACT
Relating to Houston County; to authorize the sheriff to
establish procedures for using a credit card or debit card to
make purchases pursuant to procedures provided for in this
act.
BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF ALABAMA:
Section 1. (a) For purposes of this section, the
following terms have the following meanings:
(1) CREDIT CARD. A line of credit issued by a domestic
lender or credit card bank.
(2) DEBIT CARD. A card issued by a bank in relation to
a checking or savings account authorized by law to be expended
at the discretion of the Houston County Sheriff's Office.
(b) To provide for convenience in making purchases of
tangible personal property or services approved by the
sheriff, the Sheriff of Houston County may establish
procedures to make certain purchases through the use of a
credit card or debit card issued to the Houston County
Sheriff's Office.
(c) The sheriff shall adopt written policy and
procedures governing the use of a credit card or debit card,
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procedures governing the use of a credit card or debit card,
which, at a minimum, shall include each of the following:
(1) A monetary limit on the amount of any individual
purchase which may be made with a credit card or debit card.
(2) A monetary limit on the total monthly amount that
may be purchased with a credit card or debit card taking into
consideration the monetary limit of the discretionary fund
used.
(3) Procedures to ensure that the sheriff, or his or
her designee, has sole access to any credit card or debit
card, credit card or debit card numbers, access codes, or
security codes.
(4) Procedures to keep accurate records of all
purchases made with a credit card or debit card which shall be
periodically reviewed during required audits.
(5) Procedures to ensure that all credit card or debit
card bills are carefully reviewed by the sheriff each month to
ensure that no unauthorized charges appear on the bill.
(6) Procedures to ensure that all credit card or debit
card bills are paid in full on a timely basis each month to
avoid service charges, late fees, or interest payments.
(d) The sheriff shall select a credit card or debit
card provider or providers taking into consideration each of
the following:
(1) Whether the credit card or debit card issuer
requires an annual fee for using the card.
(2) Whether the credit card or debit card issuer offers
rewards or rebates based upon purchases made using the
account.
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account.
(3) The interest rates, service charges, finance
charges, or late fees that will be assessed if a bill from the
credit card or debit card issuer is paid late or the balance
is not paid in full.
(4) Whether penalties or fees will be assessed against
the sheriff if the sheriff decides to terminate the credit
card or debit card.
(5) Any other consideration deemed relevant by the
sheriff.
(e) If a credit card or debit card provides rewards or
rebates based upon the use of the card, any rewards or rebates
earned from the card or cards shall be deposited in the
discretionary account of the Houston County Sheriff's Office.
(f) The sole purpose of this section is to provide the
Sheriff of Houston County a more efficient method of making
payment for authorized purchases of tangible property or
services. Nothing in this section shall authorize the Sheriff
of Houston County to expend funds in excess of those otherwise
validly appropriated by law, nor shall anything in this
section authorize the Sheriff of Houston County to establish a
debt of the Houston County Commission.
Section 2. This act shall become effective June 1,
2025.
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