AL SB394

Increases the competitive bidding threshold for public expenditures from $15,000 to $25,000, meaning contracts below $25,000 are no longer required to use competitive bidding.

Applies to state trade schools, junior colleges, universities, school districts, county commissions, municipalities, and utility boards in Alabama.

Allows awarding authorities located in multiple counties to establish local preference zones in the municipality where their headquarters is located, rather than across all counties.

Maintains the existing 5 percent preference for local responsible bidders and 10 percent preference for domestic small businesses, woman-owned enterprises, minority-owned enterprises, and veteran-owned enterprises over foreign bidders.

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