HB434 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

David FaulknerRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to public contracts; to amend Section 39-3-4, Code of Alabama 1975, to provide requirements for the use of timber produced within the United States for certain public works projects under certain conditions.

Summary

HB434 would require that timber used in public works projects funded by the state or its subdivisions be produced in the United States, matching the existing US-made steel rule.

What This Bill Does

It amends Section 39-3-4 to require US-produced timber whenever timber is specified in a public works contract financed entirely by the State or a political subdivision. The requirement applies when timber specifications exist and do not limit supply to a sole source under 39-2-2. The awarding authority can waive the restriction if procurement becomes impractical due to a national emergency, national strike, or other cause. If a contractor does not use domestic timber, the contract price must be reduced by the realized savings or benefits from not using it.

Who It Affects

• Contractors performing public works projects financed entirely by the State of Alabama or by its political subdivisions, who must use timber produced in the United States when timber is specified.
• Awarding authorities (state or local governments) overseeing these projects, who must enforce the US-timber requirement and may waive it under emergencies.

Key Provisions

• Timber used on public works contracts must be produced in the United States when timber is specified and when the contract's specifications do not limit supply to a sole source (per 39-2-2).
• If a contractor does not use domestic timber, there will be a downward adjustment in the contract price equal to any savings or benefits realized; the bill also allows waivers of the restriction in cases of national emergency, strike, or other causes.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Contracts, public works contracts, use of domestic timber, required