Senate Bill 117 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Lance BellSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

County commission procurement; procurement program allowed to apply to purchase of services, county commission allowed to consider administrative savings

Summary

SB117 would allow county procurement programs in Alabama to cover services, consider administrative savings, and let a different official oversee the program, with new policy requirements and a 45-day payment rule, effective October 1, 2026.

What This Bill Does

Expands the use of county procurement or purchasing programs from only tangible goods to include purchases of services. Allows counties to consider administrative savings, in addition to cost savings, when deciding to use a procurement program and to designate someone other than the county chief administrative officer to oversee the program. Requires written policies and procedures that set purchase limits, training, oversight, recordkeeping, timely payments, and compliance with state procurement laws. Requires procurement card vendors to suspend a county's purchasing authority if payments are not received within 45 days.

Who It Affects

• County governments in Alabama (county commissions, the chief administrative officer or designee) would implement and oversee procurement programs for services and manage card use under new rules.
• Procurement card providers and participating vendors would need to follow the new limits, reporting, and payment timing requirements, with potential suspension of card authority if payments are late.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 11-3-61 to authorize procurement programs for services and to allow consideration of administrative savings as well as cost savings.
• Allows county commissions to designate someone other than the county chief administrative officer to oversee and manage the procurement program.
• Requires pre-implementation determinations including GAAP compliance, savings, documentation, and safeguards.
• Mandates written policy and procedures detailing individual purchase limits, monthly purchase limits, training, oversight, recordkeeping, monthly bill review, timely electronic payment (within 45 days), and ongoing compliance with state procurement laws.
• Requires procurement card providers to suspend the county's purchasing authority if payment for any item/service is not received within 45 days.
• Effective date: October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Counties & Municipalities