HB338 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Alan Harper

Republican

Co-Sponsor

Micky Hammon

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Electrical Contractors, Board of, compensation increased, expired licenses restoration fee, investigations, appeals, continuing education, penalties, Sunset Law provided for, Secs. 34-36-1, 34-36-3, 34-36-4, 34-36-5, 34-36-6, 34-36-7, 34-36-8, 34-36-9, 34-36-13, 34-36-15, 34-36-16, 34-36-17 am'd.; Sec. 34-36-14 repealed

Summary

HB338 would overhaul the Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors by expanding definitions, adding continuing education, creating a restoration fee for expired licenses, increasing enforcement against unlicensed work, and aligning the board with Sunset Law and new funding and governance rules.

What This Bill Does

The bill strengthens regulation of electrical contractors by expanding definitions and giving the board new powers, such as imposing a restoration fee for expired licenses and hiring investigators. It allows the board to investigate unlicensed contractors, impose penalties and cease-and-desist orders, and lets aggrieved individuals appeal board actions to Montgomery County Circuit Court. It requires licensees to complete continuing education, places the board under Sunset Law, increases board compensation, authorizes rulemaking, and creates a dedicated board fund to support these activities; it also repeals the Electrical Appeals and Advisory Board.

Who It Affects

• Licensed electrical contractors and licensees in Alabama, who would pay restoration and renewal fees, must complete continuing education, may be subject to investigations, penalties, and appeals, and would be governed by new board rules and funding mechanisms.
• Unlicensed contractors and workers in the electrical field, who could be investigated, face fines up to $5,000, cease-and-desist orders, and potential court action for unlicensed practice or violations of the Chapter.

Key Provisions

• Adds new definitions and broadens the scope of terms for the Alabama Electrical Contractors Act.
• Imposes a restoration fee for licenses that have expired, with a two-year window to restore after expiration; restoration fees are set by the board and in addition to renewal fees.
• Allows the board to hire investigators, investigate unlicensed contractors, and impose enforcement remedies including suspensions, revocations, renewals denial, and civil penalties up to $5,000; allows cease-and-desist orders and circuit court action for enforcement.
• Enables appeals of board actions to the Circuit Court of Montgomery County under the Administrative Procedure Act.
• Requires electrical contractors to complete continuing education hours (minimum standards set by the board; typical requirement is 14 hours every two years); authorizes board-approved CE programs and recordkeeping.
• Subjectes the board to the Alabama Sunset Law; creates a nine-member board with specified appointment terms and governance requirements; authorizes officers and meetings and grants rulemaking authority.
• Creates the Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors Fund to collect and spend money for board purposes; outlines how funds are deposited, spent, and reconciled with state budgeting rules.
• Repeals Section 34-36-14 (Electrical Appeals and Advisory Board).
• Updates licensing processes, including examinations, reciprocity with other states, and potential recognition of certain national exams; permits licensure through various pathways and sets procedures for licensing and renewal.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

State Agencies