Senate Bill 40 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Sam GivhanSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Contract review committee; recommendation that the Governor not sign contracts under review provided

Summary

SB40 would let Alabama's Contract Review Committee recommend that the Governor not sign contracts under review and would update the code language accordingly.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds authority for the Contract Review Permanent Legislative Oversight Committee to recommend that the Governor not sign a contract under review. It keeps the committee's contract review duties and requires state departments to submit proposed contracts (or letters of intent) with cost estimates for review. It creates a 45-day window for hearings and review, with the possibility to extend within that period, and declares contracts that violate review requirements void ab initio. It also provides for standard oversight tools like subpoenas and requires regular monthly committee meetings, with the changes becoming effective October 1, 2026.

Who It Affects

• State departments and agencies that enter into contracts; they must submit contracts or letters of intent and cost estimates for committee review and could be subject to a negative signing recommendation.
• The Governor, whose signing authority could be influenced or restricted by a committee recommendation not to sign a contract under review.

Key Provisions

• The committee may recommend that the Governor not sign a contract under review.
• Departments must submit proposed contracts (or letters of intent) with itemized cost estimates to the committee.
• A 45-day review/hearing window is established; the committee may extend review up to 45 days.
• Contracts executed in violation of the review requirement or without prior committee review are void ab initio.
• The committee may issue subpoenas and must hold regular monthly meetings; leadership is elected after each quadrennium.
• 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

Legislature