SB202 Alabama 2020 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Will BarfootSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2020

Title

Public contracts, contracts for heating and air conditioning systems, exemption further provided, Sec. 39-2-2 am'd.

Summary

SB202 would broaden the public works bidding exemption for heating and air conditioning purchases to apply to any government entity that uses a Department of Examiners of Public Accounts–approved competitive bidding process.

What This Bill Does

It allows any Alabama government entity (state, county, city, or other) to buy heating or air conditioning units without following public works bidding rules if they use a competitive bid process approved by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts. The exemption is conditioned on using a DEPA-approved competitive bidding process and, when applicable, ensuring price is equal to or less than the state purchasing program. The exemption does not remove other requirements for public works projects, such as design, review, codes, and payment of engineers or architects. The act takes effect on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Government entities in Alabama (state, counties, municipalities, and other agencies) would be allowed to exempt heating/AC purchases from public works bidding if they use a DEPA-approved competitive bidding process.
• Vendors, contractors, and procurement officials who participate in heating/AC bids would operate under DEPA-approved competitive processes and bidding rules, potentially altering how such purchases are procured.

Key Provisions

• Expands the exemption from public works bidding for heating or air conditioning units or systems to apply to any governmental entity that uses a competitive bid process approved by the Department of Examiners of Public Accounts.
• Requires the heating/AC purchase to be through a DEPA-approved competitive bidding process; if the item is not available on the state purchasing program, the price must be equal to or less than the state program, and DEPA must certify that the process complies with state laws.
• States that the exemption does not replace or remove other public works requirements (design/review, codes, and engineer/architect compensation) for the project.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 23, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Public Contracts