AL SB196

Exempts the purchase, design, and installation of playground equipment on public property from Alabama's public works competitive bidding law (which requires sealed bids for contracts exceeding $100,000)

Defines "playground equipment" as structures for children's recreational use in public areas including slides, swings, climbing equipment, seesaws, and splash pads, as well as ancillary items like safety surfacing, fencing, signage, and shade structures

Requires playground equipment contracts to follow standard goods and services procurement rules rather than the more stringent public works bidding requirements

Amends Section 39-2-2 of the Code of Alabama 1975, adding playground equipment to the list of exclusions alongside architectural/engineering services and certain HVAC purchases

Effective date: June 1, 2026