HB88 Summary

• Establishes veteran-owned business preference in state purchasing by adding Priority #4 status for businesses physically located in Alabama and more than 50% owned by veterans with at least 24 months of active military service (or less with service-connected disability) or National Guard/reservists with 180+ days of federal service.

• Allows awarding authorities to award contracts to veteran-owned preferred vendors if their bid is no more than 5% higher than the lowest responsible bidder's bid.

• Authorizes the Division of Purchasing to enter into joint purchasing agreements for services with governmental entities within or outside Alabama and allows awarding multiple contracts from a single invitation-to-bid for services with specific technical or operational requirements.

• Permits cities and counties to participate in the state fleet fuel card program administered by the Division of Purchasing under the same terms and conditions, though they remain exempt from other provisions of the purchasing system.

• Takes effect on the first day of the third month following passage and approval by the Governor.