The bill amends Section 41-4-124 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to clarify the procurement processes for various governmental bodies, specifically addressing exceptions for volunteer fire departments and rescue squads. The new language includes the insertion of "volunteer fire department" and "rescue squad" in subsection (d), which states that the procurement of supplies, services, or professional services by these entities, along with district attorneys and sheriffs, will be governed solely by Article 3 of Chapter 16. Additionally, the bill removes the phrase "commencing with Section 41-16-50" from the same subsection, streamlining the reference to the relevant procurement article.

The bill also outlines the procurement responsibilities of other governmental bodies, such as educational institutions, the Retirement Systems of Alabama, and the Alabama Department of Transportation, while emphasizing the need for fairness, competition, and transparency in the procurement process. It specifies that legislative and judicial agencies will follow their own adopted procedures, which must align with the Constitution of Alabama of 2022 and promote responsible use of public funds. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 41-4-124
Enrolled: 41-4-124