Staff Analysis of the Legislation
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If a local government issues purchase cards or credit cards to its elected officials, this bill requires cards to be used solely for public duties and officials to follow a written policy to be adopted via a local ordinance on or after January 1, 2016. Said policy must designate the officials authorized to use a card; require the user to sign a cardholder agreement; set transaction limits; describe purchases which are authorized and not authorized; designate a card administrator; and set procedures for addressing violations of card policies and penalties for violations including, but not limited to, revocation of card privileges and misdemeanor prosecution. Penalties for public officials who misuse public funds are clarified and increased. Lastly, language was added clarifying that local development authorities are authorized to expend funds for hospital and health care facilities - which are defined rather broadly. For a more detailed summary, please click here. |
