House Bill 137 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris PringleRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Contract Review; exemptions from review of executive branch contracts, require Governor to certify the need for exemption from contract review

Summary

HB137 would require the Governor to certify the need for any emergency exemption from contract review for executive-branch contracts (Source: HB137-introduced PDF, Jan 2026).

What This Bill Does

It adds a requirement that, for executive-branch contracts, the Governor must certify to the contract review committee that the emergency justifies the need for an emergency contract before the exemption can apply (Source: HB137-introduced PDF, Jan 2026).; It preserves the existing written declaration by the head of the contracting agency and clarifies that the certification applies only to executive-branch agencies (including licensing boards) (Source: HB137-introduced PDF, Jan 2026).; It keeps the 60-day limit for emergency contracts and requires the committee to review beyond 60 days if the services are still needed (Source: HB137-introduced PDF, Jan 2026).; It becomes effective on October 1, 2026 (Source: HB137-introduced PDF, Jan 2026).

Who It Affects

• Executive branch purchasing agencies (including licensing boards) would must obtain the Governor's certification before an emergency exemption can bypass contract review (Source: HB137-introduced PDF, Jan 2026).
• The Contract Review Permanent Legislative Oversight Committee and the Governor would have enhanced oversight, since certification is now required for executive-branch emergency exemptions and the committee continues to review extensions beyond 60 days (Source: HB137-introduced PDF, Jan 2026).

Key Provisions

• Adds Governor's certification requirement for executive-branch emergency exemptions from contract review (Section 29-2-41.1(b)) (Source: HB137-introduced PDF, Jan 2026).
• Defines executive branch agencies to include licensing boards for purposes of the certification requirement (Source: HB137-introduced PDF, Jan 2026).
• Maintains a 60-day limit on emergency contracts and requires Committee review for any extension beyond 60 days (Source: HB137-introduced PDF, Jan 2026).
• Sets the act's effective date as October 1, 2026 (Source: HB137-introduced PDF, Jan 2026).

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 11, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Legislature