SB 178 Summary

• Amends Alabama Code Section 39-2-6 to allow public two-year and four-year institutions of higher education to negotiate with the lowest responsible and responsive bidder when all bids exceed available funding.

• Negotiation is permitted only when the institution can document a funding shortage, time is of the essence, and negotiated changes are in the public interest without materially altering the project scope.

• Passed the Alabama Senate on March 5, 2020 with a vote of 31-0.

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