Bill > SB40

This bill amends existing Alabama law to grant a contract review committee the authority to recommend that the Governor not sign contracts under review, which are contracts for personal or professional services paid for with state or federal funds. The committee, which is composed of legislative members who receive standard legislative compensation and expenses when attending meetings, is responsible for reviewing these contracts or letters of intent to contract submitted by state departments. These submissions must include an itemization of the total cost estimate. The committee has a maximum of 45 days to hold a hearing and comment on the submitted contracts or letters of intent; if they fail to do so within this timeframe, the contract is considered reviewed. The bill also clarifies that the committee can issue subpoenas for witnesses and documents and specifies how the committee organizes itself and holds regular monthly meetings. Contracts entered into without prior committee review are declared void. This change is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.