HB125 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Joe Hubbard

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Contracts, preference to certain bidders on public contracts, const. amend.

Summary

The bill would amend Alabama's Constitution to give a five-percent bid preference on certain public works contracts to bidders who meet Alabama-based workforce, licensing, and supplier-location requirements, with payroll records kept and an emergency waiver option for the governor.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the amendment would require awarding authorities to grant a five-percent preference to bids no more than five percent above the lowest bid, but only if the bidder meets specific Alabama-based criteria. These criteria include (i) at least 50% of the project workforce holding an Alabama driver's license or Alabama DPS ID, (ii) a valid Alabama business license, and (iii) use of vehicles primarily for the project that are registered and partially apportioned in Alabama; and, if employing professionals, at least 50% of professionals with Alabama licenses/IDs, plus at least 25% of materials suppliers located in Alabama. Bidders awarded under this amendment must maintain payroll records available for inspection, and the Governor could waive the provisions in emergencies.

Who It Affects

• Alabama-based contractors, professionals, and material suppliers who meet the specified workforce, licensing, and location rules would be eligible for the five-percent bid preference on qualifying public works contracts.
• Bidders from outside Alabama or those not meeting the required criteria would not receive the preference and would compete without this advantage; awarding authorities would still manage the contract process, subject to the emergency waiver provisions.

Key Provisions

• Awarding authorities must give a five-percent preference to bids no more than five percent higher than the lowest responsible bid, if the bidder meets all listed criteria.
• Workforce criteria: at least 50% of all workers on the project must have an Alabama driver's license or an ID issued by the Alabama Department of Public Safety.
• Business and operations criteria: bidder must have a valid Alabama business license and use vehicles primarily for the project that are registered and partially apportioned in Alabama.
• Professional staff and suppliers: if professionals are employed, at least 50% of them must have an Alabama license/ID, and at least 25% of the materials suppliers must be located in Alabama.
• Payroll records: each bidder awarded a contract under this amendment must maintain payroll records and make them available for inspection.
• Emergency waiver: the Governor can waive the provisions during emergencies, with documented facts and a statement of the basis for contract selection, while ensuring competitive bidding as practicable.
• Exemption: contracts funded in whole or in part with federal funds are not subject to these provisions.

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

Subjects

Constitutional Amendments