AL HB96

Amends Alabama Code Section 41-16-20 to designate small businesses certified under the federal HUBZone program as preferred vendors with #1 preference priority status on all state contracts.

Allows state awarding authorities to award contracts to HUBZone-certified preferred vendors if their bid is no more than 5% greater than the lowest responsible bidder's bid.

Requires HUBZone-certified small businesses to receive from the state any benefit that the federal government offers to such businesses if the state grants similar benefits to other businesses.

Applies to state contracts involving $7,500 or more for labor, services, materials, equipment, supplies, and other nonprofessional services, excluding public works contracts governed by Title 39.

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