The bill amends Sections 16-13B-1, 16-13B-4, and 16-13B-5 of the Code of Alabama 1975, increasing the minimum contract amount subject to competitive bidding from $15,000 to $25,000 for city and county boards of education. It introduces a provision requiring adjustments to all dollar amounts in this chapter every three years based on the Consumer Price Index, starting October 1, 2027, with recommendations from the Chief Examiner of the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts, subject to approval by the Legislative Council. The bill also outlines procedures for advertising and soliciting bids over the new threshold, mandates sealed and publicly opened bids, and allows for reverse auction procedures under certain conditions, while ensuring bid documents are retained for public inspection for at least seven years. Additionally, the bill establishes that any partial contracts of $25,000 or less will be rendered void and revises penalties for collusion among bidders. Participation in collusive agreements for bids of $25,000 or less will be classified as a Class A misdemeanor, while collusion for bids exceeding that amount will be a Class C felony. The bill clarifies that it will not trigger additional requirements under Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, as it does not introduce or modify existing crimes. The act is set to take effect on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor, and it has passed the Senate unanimously.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 16-13B-1, 16-13B-4, 16-13B-5
Engrossed: 16-13B-1, 16-13B-4, 16-13B-5