§41-16-77. Violations; void contracts; opportunity to compete; relation to other laws.

(a) Any person who willfully or intentionally violates this article shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than five hundred dollars ($500) and not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) to be deposited into the State General Fund.

(b) Any contract entered into in violation of the provisions of this article shall be void. All persons or business entities doing business with the State of Alabama are presumed to understand all laws and regulations governing the purchase of goods and services by the State of Alabama.

(c) All state entities shall implement policies and procedures to ensure that the opportunity to compete for state contracts and business is open to qualified individuals and firms representing the racial, ethnic, and cultural diversity of the state.

(d) Nothing in this article shall be construed to repeal or supersede the enabling laws of professional licensing boards or commissions listed in Title 34, and any contracts lawfully entered into by such boards or commissions shall not be construed to violate any of the provisions of this article.

(Act 2001-956, p. 817, §§ 9, 10, 15.)