The bill amends Section 41-16-51 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to clarify when competitive bidding is not necessary for public contracts. It introduces new exemptions from competitive bidding, including the purchase of computer programs, software applications, publications, and electronic databases. Additionally, it allows purchases from vendors with valid Government Services Administration contracts without competitive bidding, as long as the terms are consistent with the contract. A new exemption is also added for services aimed at preventing and detecting criminal activity by law enforcement agencies and community-oriented policing programs. The bill removes references to the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts regarding the approval of competitive bids for cooperative purchasing programs and modifies the language concerning purchases from Government Services Administration vendors.

Moreover, the bill SB291 requires various governing bodies, such as the State Board of Education and county commissions, to establish purchasing facilities and procedures to comply with competitive bidding requirements for state trade schools and colleges. It clarifies that contracts made in violation of this article will be void and classifies violations as a Class C felony. The bill also states that it will not be subject to additional requirements under Section 111.05 of the Constitution of Alabama of 2022, despite potentially incurring new local expenditures. The act is set to take effect on the first day of the third month following its passage and approval by the Governor.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 41-16-51
Engrossed: 41-16-51
Enrolled: 41-16-51