Ala. Sen. Passes Ban On Most No-Bid Contracts MONTGOMERY, AL (APR - Alabama Public Radio ) - The Alabama Senate has approved legislation to stop the state government from issuing no-bid contracts except in emergencies.

Democratic Sen. Lowell Barron of Fyffe guided the bill through the Senate on a 30-0 vote Thursday.

Barron proposed the bill after the Republican governor approved an unbid contract with a computer company that has no business office, Web site or listed business phone.

Barron's bill has a retroactive provision designed to void the contract with Paragon Source and rebid the work that remains on the contract.

Democratic Sen. Zeb Little of Cullman said the state has issued $2.6 billion in no-bid contracts during Gov. Bob Riley's two terms.

Barron's bill now goes to the House for consideration.

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