HB50 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Richard Baughn

Republican

Co-Sponsors

William RobertsRichard J. LairdHoward SanderfordMac ButtramWes LongKurt WallaceMike JonesLynn Greer

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Transportation Department, highway projects, construction contract plan changes, approval by the Director of Transportation up to certain amounts without approval of Governor under certain conditions, Sec. 23-1-60 am'd.

Summary

HB50 would expand the Alabama DOT Director’s power to modify highway project plans and approve certain extra work without Governor approval, up to specified monetary limits, with required implementation procedures.

What This Bill Does

The bill allows the Director of Transportation to change construction plans or work, decide if new or extra work is needed, and approve such work or changes up to a per-contract threshold without the Governor’s approval, within defined limits. It also allows entering into supplemental contracts or force-account orders for the extra work, which may not be subject to competitive bidding. The Department must develop procedures to implement these changes, and the monetary limits specify that the increased amount without Governor approval cannot exceed the greater of $100,000 or 10% of the initial contract, with total increases not to exceed $200,000; decreases or underruns can be approved without Governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Department of Transportation and highway project managers gain authority to alter plans and approve certain extra work without Governor approval up to specified limits, and must establish implementation procedures.
• Contractors on DOT highway projects may be awarded supplemental contracts or force-account work for extra work within the specified limits, and such contracts may not be subject to competitive bidding; price terms may be set as unit prices or lump sums, with fallback to force account if agreement cannot be reached.

Key Provisions

• Allows DOT Director to alter plans or character of work and determine the need for extra work during construction, within project boundaries.
• Authorizes supplemental contracts or force-account orders for extra work, not subject to competitive bidding; if agreement on price cannot be reached, work may be done on a force-account basis.
• Permits approval of additional, new, or extra work without Governor approval only if the increased amount does not exceed the greater of $100,000 or 10% of the initial contract amount, and total increases do not exceed $200,000; decreases or underruns may be approved without Governor approval.
• Requires the Department to develop procedures to implement these provisions.
• Effective immediately following passage and Governor approval (per the bill).

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

Subjects

Highways, Roads, and Bridges