The bill, identified as HB231 Enrolled, pertains to Chilton County and seeks to authorize the sheriff to establish procedures for using credit cards or debit cards for making authorized purchases of tangible personal property or services. The bill defines "credit card" as a line of credit issued by a domestic lender or credit card bank, and "debit card" as a card issued by a bank in relation to a checking or savings account that can be used at the discretion of the Chilton County Sheriff's Office. The sheriff is required to adopt written policies and procedures governing the use of these cards, which include setting monetary limits on individual and total monthly purchases, ensuring secure access to the cards and their information, maintaining accurate records of purchases, reviewing monthly statements for unauthorized charges, and paying bills on time to avoid additional fees.
The bill also outlines criteria for selecting credit or debit card providers, considering factors such as annual fees, rewards or rebates, interest rates, and potential penalties for terminating the card. Any rewards or rebates earned from the use of the cards must be deposited into the discretionary account of the Chilton County Sheriff's Office. The bill emphasizes that its purpose is to provide a more efficient payment method for authorized purchases and does not authorize the sheriff to exceed appropriated funds or establish a debt for the Chilton County Commission. The act is set to become effective on June 1, 2024. An insertion in the text indicates that the Senate passed the bill on May 2, 2024.