The bill amends Section 41-16-51 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to expand the categories of public contracts exempt from competitive bidding. New exemptions include the purchase of computer programs, software applications, and electronic databases for library and research purposes. Additionally, it allows purchases from vendors with a valid Government Services Administration contract, provided that prices do not exceed those specified in the contract. A new provision is also introduced for the procurement of services aimed at preventing and detecting criminal activity by law enforcement agencies, and it clarifies that existing contracts for sanitation or solid waste services up for renewal are exempt from competitive bidding.

Moreover, the bill mandates 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 law and specifies that contracts entered into 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 previous legal language. 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