SB76 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code Section 41-16-20 to establish mandatory preference for "preferred vendors" in state competitive bidding for contracts valued at $15,000 or more.

• Defines preferred vendors as those meeting one of three priority levels: (1) producing/manufacturing products in-state, (2) maintaining assembly or distribution facilities in-state, or (3) organized as Alabama businesses with retail outlets or service centers in-state for at least one year.

• Requires awarding authorities to award contracts to preferred vendors whose bids are no more than 5% greater than the lowest responsible bidder's bid.

• If multiple preferred vendors submit bids within 5% of the lowest bid, the contract must be awarded to the preferred vendor with the lowest bid among them.

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