AL HB481

Amends Section 41-9-65 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to extend the filing deadline for contract claims against local agencies of state government that were originally filed in circuit or district court prior to the 2009 Alabama Supreme Court ruling in Ex Parte Hale County Board of Education, Case No. 1071094.

Allows claimants whose contract suits were filed in court before the 2009 Supreme Court decision (which made local agencies immune from suit) to file claims with the State Board of Adjustment within one year after the effective date of this act, rather than losing their right to be heard.

Addresses a legal gap created when the Alabama Supreme Court reversed 33 years of precedent (since 1976) holding that local agencies could be sued in contract, potentially leaving claimants with no forum to pursue their claims.

Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor, or upon otherwise becoming law.