AL HB201

Escambia County Sheriff authorized to make purchases using credit or debit cards issued to the Sheriff's Office, subject to established procedures and requirements

Sheriff must adopt written policies including monetary limits on individual purchases, total monthly purchase limits, and procedures ensuring only the sheriff or designee has access to cards and security codes

Required safeguards include accurate record-keeping for audits, monthly bill review to detect unauthorized charges, and timely full payment to avoid fees or interest

When selecting a card provider, sheriff must consider annual fees, rewards/rebates offered, interest rates and late fees, and termination penalties

Any rewards or rebates earned must be deposited in the Sheriff's Office discretionary account; expenditures cannot exceed appropriated funds or create county debt

Effective date: June 1, 2026