Contract Review; exemptions from review of executive branch contracts, require Governor to certify the need for exemption from contract review

HB 137 modifies Alabama’s contract review process for executive branch agencies. It requires the Governor to certify in writing that an emergency justifying an exemption (affecting public health, safety, or welfare) actually exists before such contracts can bypass review by the Contract Review Committee. The bill also limits emergency contracts to 60 days, after which the committee must review any extension request. This directly affects executive branch agencies (including licensing boards) and the Contract Review Committee, adding a new oversight step for emergency contract exemptions. The law takes effect October 1, 2026.