HB378 Alabama 2014 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Phil Williams
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2014
Title: Disabled persons, preference for services provided by under direction of the Department of Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, Sec. 21-2-2 am'd.
Summary: HB378 would require state entities to give purchasing preference to services provided by individuals with disabilities under the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind, and it directs a state board to protect the Randolph-Sheppard program.
What This Bill Does
The bill clarifies that the purchasing preference applies to services as well as products made or provided by individuals with disabilities under the Department of Adult Blind and Deaf of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind. It keeps the existing preference for goods and adds a requirement that state agencies buy from these individuals when appropriate. It also requires the board (created in Section 21-2-3) to ensure that approved services do not negatively impact the Randolph-Sheppard Act vending program. The act would take effect immediately after the governor signs it into law.

Who It Affects
State and local government entities: must apply the purchasing preference to services provided by disabled individuals under the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind.
Randolph-Sheppard program participants and related agencies: the board must ensure approved services do not adversely impact the vending program for individuals who are blind.

Key Provisions
Expands the purchasing preference to include services provided by blind, visually handicapped, deaf, or severely handicapped individuals under the direction of the Department of Adult Blind and Deaf of the Alabama Institute for Deaf and Blind.
Requires the board created in Section 21-2-3 to ensure that approved services do not adversely impact the Randolph-Sheppard Act vending program (for hiring individuals who are blind).
Effective date: immediately following passage and approval by the Governor.

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