SB237 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Del Marsh
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: SB237 updates Alabama public works contracts to speed payments, tighten bid rules, and allow contract changes when property conditions change, with road and bridge projects exempt from prompt payment rules.
What This Bill Does
It requires pre-bid meetings to be held at least seven days before bid opening and bars modifying specifications within 24 hours of bid opening. It reduces the payment window for completed work to 30 days and removes the requirement that prompt payment depends on funds being received, while adding a rule that an awarding authority must review progress within 10 days and provide procedures to dispute invoices. It also allows altering contract terms if material changes to the property occur and clarifies that road and bridge projects are exempt from prompt payment requirements.

Who It Affects
Awarding authorities (state agencies, counties, and municipalities) who must implement the new pre-bid timing, bid specification protections, faster payment timeline, and invoice review procedures.
Contractors and subcontractors working on public works projects who would experience faster payments, revised retainage and dispute processes, and potential contract changes due to material changes in the property.

Key Provisions
Pre-bid meetings must be held at least seven days before bid opening and specifications cannot be modified within 24 hours of bid opening.
Payment for completed work must be made within 30 days; prompt payment rules apply regardless of whether funds have been received, and the awarding authority must review progress within 10 days with procedures to dispute invoices.
Contract terms may be altered if material changes in the property where work is performed are discovered.
Road and bridge projects are exempt from the prompt payment requirements.

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