HB153 - Made in Alabama Act of 2016

• Changes Alabama Code Section 41-16-20 to make a five percent bidding preference for "preferred vendors" mandatory rather than discretionary for state awarding authorities.

• Defines "preferred vendors" as businesses that produce or manufacture products in Alabama, maintain an assembly plant or distribution facility in the state, or are organized under Alabama law and have operated a retail outlet or service center in the state for at least one year.

• Requires state agencies and higher education institutions to award contracts to preferred vendors whose bids are no more than five percent higher than the lowest responsible bidder's bid.

• Applies to all contracts valued at $15,000 or more for labor, services, materials, equipment, and supplies, excluding public works contracts governed by Title 39.

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