The bill SB36 amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the state's competitive bidding laws and procurement processes by transferring procurement authority to the Chief Procurement Officer and specifying the governmental bodies subject to these laws, including educational institutions and the Department of Mental Health. It mandates the Alabama Department of Transportation to adopt purchasing rules that promote fairness, competition, and transparency. The bill also expands the scope of entities governed by these laws to include volunteer fire departments and rescue squads, while clarifying that legislative and judicial agencies will follow their own procedures. Key provisions include the introduction of electronic bid submissions, a structured protest process for bidders, and the establishment of emergency procurement protocols.

Additionally, the bill modifies the requirements for disclosure statements related to contracts, mandating that any proposed contract meeting the threshold for formal solicitations must include a disclosure statement that aligns with the Attorney General's guidelines. Certain contracts, such as those with publicly traded companies or for essential services without competition, are exempt from this requirement. The bill allows for electronic submission and certification of disclosure statements, ensuring they are public records. Overall, SB36 aims to modernize Alabama's procurement framework, promote transparency, and ensure responsible use of public funds, with an effective date set for June 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 41-4-124, 41-4-132, 41-4-136, 41-4-161, 41-4-164, 41-16-82, 41-16-83, 41-16-85, 41-16-87
Enrolled: 41-4-124, 41-4-132, 41-4-136, 41-4-161, 41-4-164, 41-16-82, 41-16-83, 41-16-85, 41-16-87