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 they comply with the contract terms. A new exemption is also added for services aimed at preventing and detecting criminal activity by law enforcement and community-oriented policing programs. The bill removes references to the Alabama Department of Examiners of Public Accounts in relation to approving competitive bids and modifies the language regarding purchases from Government Services Administration vendors.

Moreover, the bill SB291 requires various governing bodies, such as state trade schools and municipal governing bodies, to establish purchasing facilities and procedures to comply with competitive bidding requirements. It removes the term "such" from existing language and states that contracts made in violation of this article will be void, with violators facing a Class C felony charge. The phrase "the provisions of" is also deleted from the law. While the bill may lead to new or increased local expenditures, it is exempt from additional requirements under Section 111.05 of the Alabama Constitution of 2022 due to the introduction of a new crime. The act will 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