The bill amends Section 39-2-2 of the Code of Alabama 1975, enhancing public notice requirements for contracts related to public works exceeding $100,000. Key insertions include a mandate for awarding authorities to advertise sealed bids at least once a week for three consecutive weeks in a local newspaper, or if unavailable, through bulletin board postings and notifications via U.S. mail or electronic mail to interested parties. Additionally, the Department of Finance is tasked with creating a centralized website to provide public access to these advertisements, which must detail project information, bidding procedures, and prequalification requirements. The bill also allows for exceptions to the advertising requirements under certain conditions, such as proof of good faith advertisement submission, and establishes that contracts entered into in violation of these regulations are void, with penalties for willful violations.

Further amendments focus on the procurement process for heating and air conditioning units, clarifying that sealed bids for these purchases must still comply with design, installation, and review requirements. The bill allows for emergency contracts to be awarded without public advertisement if there is an immediate threat to public health or safety, with a requirement for immediate public disclosure of such actions. It also establishes stricter criteria for specifying sole source materials, necessitating documentation from architects or engineers. A Study Commission on Public Notice of Title 39 Advertisements is created to explore a centralized website for public notices related to sealed bids, with a report due to the Legislature by the fifth legislative day of the 2026 Regular Session. The bill includes provisions for electronic bid submissions and allows the Department of Transportation to enter contracts without sealed bids under specific conditions, with effective dates set for October 1, 2025, and June 1, 2025.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 39-2-2
Engrossed: 39-2-2
Enrolled: 39-2-2