By Alabama Public Radio
Montgomery, AL – The Tuscumbia Democrat says the extension could save the state money, but critics, including Lieutenant Governor Lucy Baxley, say it would allow an outgoing governor to lock in the next administration. The bill would still have to be passed by the Senate and signed by the governor to become law. When the state solicits bids for a service or product now, the longest contract it can give the low bidder is for three years. Black's legislation, and an identical bill being sponsored in the Senate by Senator Larry Means, would extend that to five years. Any existing state contracts could be extended for two years by giving notice to the Legislature.