HB526 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Earl F. Hilliard

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Public works or works for businesses obtaining state or local incentive tax credits, abatements, or preferences, employment of certain amount of resident workers, penalties

Summary

HB526 would require public works and incentivized construction projects over $200,000 to hire at least 90% Alabama residents who have lived in Alabama for two years, with notices, penalties, and worker remedies if the rule is not followed.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the bill requires projects over $200,000 to employ at least 90% Alabama residents who have resided in the state for two years prior to employment. It adds posting and notice requirements about job opportunities and notifies local unions and officials. Violations would carry criminal and civil consequences, while workers with two years’ Alabama residence could sue for lost wages if they’re not hired or if proper notice isn’t given; employers can also be relieved of liability if a worker provides a residency certificate. The bill is structured to create a new crime or modify an existing one and is effective the first day of the third month after passage.

Who It Affects

• Public officers, contractors, superintendents, and government or local authorities involved in public works or incentive-related construction must hire Alabama residents (60) and follow posting/notice procedures, risking penalties for noncompliance.
• Alabama residents who have actually lived in the state for two years and are seeking or working on these projects would benefit from job postings and priority in hiring, and may sue for lost wages plus attorney's fees if they are not hired due to nonresident preferences or lack of notice.

Key Provisions

• Projects over $200,000 must hire at least 90 percent Alabama residents who have resided in Alabama for two years prior to employment.
• Must post notices at the proposed job site and in a local newspaper; notify local unions, mayors, probate judges, the Governor, and bonding authorities, plus local employment offices.
• If qualified Alabama residents are not available, the contractor may hire nonqualified workers to fill the gap.
• A violation is a Class C misdemeanor; each day of violation counts as a separate offense.
• An employer is relieved of liability if a worker provides a certificate showing two years of Alabama residence.
• Workers who resided in Alabama can sue for lost wages and related costs if they are not hired due to nonresident hiring or lack of notice.
• The act creates a new crime or alters an existing one and is exempt from certain local-funding procedures under Amendment 621.
• Effective date: first day of the third month after passage.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 25, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Employment