HB514 Alabama 2011 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Blaine Galliher
Republican
Co-Sponsor: Becky Nordgren
Session: Regular Session 2011
Title: Public contracts, competitive bids, potential conflict of interest, members and officers of public entities may have financial interest in public contract if contract existed before public service begins or member or officer does not participate in decision process, Sec. 41-16-60 am'd.
Summary: HB514 changes public bidding rules to let certain officials with a financial interest participate in bids if the contract existed before they took office or if they abstain from the decision.
What This Bill Does
It amends Section 41-16-60 to allow a public official with a financial interest in a publicly bid contract to participate in the bidding process under two conditions: the contract was created before the official began serving, or the official does not participate in discussion or voting on the decision. It covers a wide range of public bodies, including state and local education boards, county commissions, city and county governing bodies, and related instrumentalities and utility boards. Violations remain a misdemeanor with penalties of up to 12 months in jail, fines up to $500, or both, and removal from office for willful violations. The act becomes effective immediately after approval by the Governor.

Who It Affects
Public officials listed in the act (state and local education boards, county commissions, municipal governing bodies, instrumentalities, and related utility boards) who may participate in bidding if the contract existed before they served or if they do not participate in the decision-making.
Bidders and contracting officials, and the public, as the rules govern bidding and carry penalties for violations (misdemeanor, potential removal from office).

Key Provisions
Allows participation in the bid process if the contract was created before the individual began serving or the individual does not participate in the decision-making process creating the interest.
Specifies the broad list of public bodies covered by the rule (state trade schools, state colleges and universities, boards of education, county/city bodies, and instrumentalities including utility boards).
Maintains penalties for violations: misdemeanor, up to 12 months in jail, fines up to $500, and removal from office for willful violations.
Effective date: immediately after governor's approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Public Contracts