HB303 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

William Roberts

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Contracts, payment of state contractors, state may not increase time for payment beyond 30 days, time frame to hold pre-bid meetings specified, review of invoices in specified time frame required, alteration of contract allowed under certain circumstances, Sec. 39-2-2, 39-2-12 am'd.

Summary

HB303 would tighten Alabama public works contracts by speeding payments, standardizing pre-bid meetings, and allowing contract terms to change when site conditions materially change.

What This Bill Does

It requires pre-bid meetings to occur at least seven days before bid opening and prohibits changing specifications within 24 hours of bid opening. It reduces the payment deadline for completed work from 45 days to 30 days and removes the rule that prompt payment starts only after funds are received. It requires a government representative to review and approve invoices within 10 days and establishes procedures to dispute invoices. It also allows changing contract terms if the project site experiences material changes in conditions.

Who It Affects

• Awarding authorities (state agencies, counties, municipalities, and related public bodies) would need to hold earlier pre-bid meetings, avoid last-minute specification changes, review invoices promptly, and pay faster; they could alter contract terms if site conditions materially change.
• Contractors and subcontractors (including nonresident contractors) would be affected by the faster 30-day payment rule, the 10-day invoice review process, and the invoice dispute procedures, as well as potential contract term changes due to material site condition changes.

Key Provisions

• Pre-bid meetings must be held at least seven days before bid opening.
• Specifications may not be modified within 24 hours of bid opening.
• Timeframe for payment of completed work is reduced from 45 days to 30 days.
• Prompt payment provisions apply regardless of when funds are received by the awarding authority.
• An awarding authority representative must review and approve invoices within 10 days of submission.
• Procedures are provided for disputing a submitted invoice.
• Contract terms may be altered if site conditions on the property change in a material way.
• The bill amends Section 39-2-2 and Section 39-2-12 of the Code of Alabama 1975.

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

Subjects

State Agencies