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 stipulates that budgeted agencies must issue purchase orders or other approved documentation for obligations, with the Comptroller responsible for certifying and charging these transactions against the agency's specific appropriation. The bill allows the Comptroller to delegate certification and transmission requirements to budgeted agencies using electronic methods, ensuring that purchases remain within the agency's appropriations.

Additionally, the bill permits budgeted agencies to use purchasing cards for transactions not exceeding $250,000, with the requirement of written approval from the Comptroller and the Commissioner of Administrative Services for larger amounts. New procedures established by the Comptroller will dictate the eligibility of employees to use these cards, the types of authorized transactions, and the submission of receipts. Each agency must appoint a purchase card coordinator to oversee compliance with these procedures, and agencies are required to report their purchasing card usage annually to the Comptroller starting August 1, 2026. The bill emphasizes the importance of accountability and compliance 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