Substitute Senate Bill No. 1468, also known as Public Act No. 25-156, aims to enhance government accountability regarding the use of agency purchase cards. The bill repeals Section 4-98 of the general statutes and introduces new regulations effective October 1, 2025. It establishes that budgeted agencies can only incur obligations through purchase orders or approved documentation, with specific provisions for capital expenditures. The Comptroller is granted the authority to delegate certification and transmission requirements for purchase orders to budgeted agencies using electronic methods. Additionally, the bill allows budgeted agencies to use purchasing cards for transactions not exceeding $250,000, contingent upon compliance with the most recent procedures established by the Comptroller.

The new legal language includes detailed requirements for the use of purchasing cards, such as eligibility criteria for employees, types of authorized transactions, and limitations on amounts for travel and entertainment. Agencies must appoint a purchase card coordinator responsible for compliance and oversight of card usage. Furthermore, each budgeted agency is required to report annually to the Comptroller regarding their purchasing card usage and any enforcement actions taken against policy violations. The bill emphasizes the importance of digitizing receipts and maintaining accountability in the use of public funds.

Statutes affected:
Raised Bill: 4-98, 20-670, 20-672
GOS Joint Favorable Substitute: 4-98, 20-670, 20-672
File No. 496: 4-98, 20-670, 20-672
Public Act No. 25-156: 4-98