AL HB545

Increases the minimum contract amount requiring competitive bidding by state departments, boards, bureaus, commissions, committees, and institutions from $7,500 to $15,000.

Applies to contracts for labor, services, work, or purchase/lease of materials, equipment, supplies, and other personal property or nonprofessional services.

Excludes contracts for public works, which remain governed exclusively by Title 39 of Alabama law.

Preserves existing "preferred vendor" provisions allowing state entities to award contracts to in-state vendors if their bid is no more than 5 percent higher than the lowest responsible bidder.

Becomes effective on the first day of the third month following passage and Governor approval.