AL
Alabama House Bill HB455
Alabama 2026 Regular Session
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AL

Alabama 2026 Regular Session

Alabama House Bill HB455

Introduced
2/17/26  
Refer
2/17/26  

Caption

Contract review committee; recommendation that the Governor not sign contracts under review provided

Impact

The passage of HB 455 is expected to significantly bolster the oversight capabilities of the committee, thereby increasing accountability in government contracts. State departments entering into contracts would be required to submit proposed agreements along with detailed cost estimates to the committee for review. If the committee does not hold a hearing within 45 days of submission, contracts would be deemed compliant, ensuring a defined timeframe for review processes.

Summary

House Bill 455 aims to enhance the authority of the Contract Review Permanent Legislative Oversight Committee by allowing it to recommend that the Governor refrain from signing contracts under review. This proposed change is meant to bring an additional layer of scrutiny to contracts made by state departments for personal or professional services using appropriated funds. The bill also includes nonsubstantive revisions, updating existing code language to improve clarity and consistency throughout the legislation.

Conclusion

Overall, HB 455 seeks to amend Section 29-2-41 of the Code of Alabama to empower legislative review on state contracts and could lead to more informed and cautious decision-making regarding state expenditures. Additionally, the requirement for regular committee meetings reinforces the legislative body’s active role in overseeing governmental contracts, which is vital for maintaining public trust in state governance.

Contention

Support for the bill is grounded in the notion that enhanced oversight will increase transparency in government dealings. However, there may be concerns regarding the potential for bureaucratic delays in contract approvals, particularly if the committee is perceived as stringent in exercising its review powers. Critics may argue that the additional bureaucratic layer could slow down necessary services provided by state departments, especially in urgent situations.

Companion Bills

No companion bills found.

Previously Filed As

AL SB266

Contract Review Permanent Legislative Oversight Committee, review of personal or professional services contracts, limitation that funds be issued on a state warrant removed, occupational and professional licensing boards included as state entities

AL HB282

Government administration, state and local agencies prohibited from contracting with media monitoring organizations and certain contractors and companies

AL SB180

Government administration, state and local agencies prohibited from contracting with media monitoring organizations and certain contractors and companies

AL SB149

Public works contracts; requirements to publish public notice of contract, further provided; liability for advertise of notice, further provided

AL SB36

Competitive bidding; contract protest procedures revised; requirements for submitting disclosure statements revised

AL HB286

Competitive bidding; contract protest procedures revised; requirements for submitting disclosure statements revised

AL HB466

Service contracts; terms defined; certain disclosures in advertising required; disclosures of limitations of contracts further provided for

AL SB318

Service contracts; terms defined; certain disclosures in advertising required; disclosures of limitations of contracts further provided for

AL HB481

Contracts for public works; exemptions further provided

AL SB43

Health care providers; prohibit enforcement of contractual terms that restrict sharing cost information to patients and consumers

Similar Bills

AL SB40

Contract review committee; recommendation that the Governor not sign contracts under review provided

AL SB266

Contract Review Permanent Legislative Oversight Committee, review of personal or professional services contracts, limitation that funds be issued on a state warrant removed, occupational and professional licensing boards included as state entities

AL SB193

Contract Review Permanent Legislative Oversight Committee, review of personal or professional services contracts, limitation that funds be issued on a state warrant removed, occupational and professional licensing boards included as state entities

TN SB2331

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 3, Chapter 2 and Title 4, Chapter 56, relative to fiscal review.

TN HB2216

AN ACT to amend Tennessee Code Annotated, Title 3, Chapter 2 and Title 4, Chapter 56, relative to fiscal review.

MI HB4383

Campaign finance: contributions and expenditures; certain donations by a contractor or prospective contractor under state contract; prohibit. Amends 1976 PA 388 (MCL 169.201 - 169.282) by adding sec. 30a.

NJ S1761

Increases disclosure of political contributions by business entities with public contracts; creates uniform law for contributions by such entities; repeals local option to set contribution limits for business entities.

MI HB4384

State management: purchasing; awarding contracts to entities that donate or contribute to certain political candidates or committees; prohibit. Amends 1984 PA 431 (MCL 18.1101 - 18.1594) by adding sec. 264b.