§12-3A-1. Legislative purpose and findings.
The Legislature finds that state government should facilitate and promote electronic commerce, particularly in the electronic receipting and disbursing of state funds. As many individuals receiving recurring state funds do not have bank accounts for the purpose of receiving direct deposits, and as the state desires that all payments be made electronically by the year two thousand two, it is the intent of the Legislature to provide a mechanism for all payees to receive payments by electronic funds transfers through direct deposit or through state issued debit cards. Further, as usage of electronic commerce grows, state spending units need the ability to accept payments electronically. To meet these goals, the Legislature seeks to ensure proper management oversight and accountability are maintained.