SB47 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Lowell Barron

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Contracts, no-bid contracts in excess of certain amount, prohibited, exceptions, penalties

Summary

SB47 would require competitive bidding for state contracts over $7,500, ban no-bid awards (with emergency exceptions), and increase transparency about contracts.

What This Bill Does

Requires that any state contract over $7,500 be competitively bid, publicly advertised, and awarded to the lowest responsible bidder. Declares any no-bid contract above $7,500 null and void and states the state is not obligated to honor such contracts. Creates an emergency contract exception designated by the Governor, with public and media notifications and posting of details on a central site to improve transparency.

Who It Affects

• State government agencies and bidders: must follow competitive bidding rules for contracts over $7,500 and risks nullification if they bypass bidding.
• General public and media: gains access to bidding information and emergency contracts through public notices and postings on a central electronic site.

Key Provisions

• Contracts with the State over $7,500 must be competitively bid and open to the public after advertising on a state central electronic site; awarded to the lowest responsible bidder.
• Any executive-branch contract not following the competitive bidding process is null and void and not binding on the state.
• Emergency contracts may be used to protect public welfare and safety, designated as emergencies by the Governor, and must be publicly announced and posted with detailed explanations.
• Violation of these provisions can lead to removal from state government positions upon conviction in a court of competent jurisdiction.
• The act is to be construed with other laws but will supersede conflicting laws, and it becomes effective immediately after passage and approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Contracts