HB586 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Howard Sanderford

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Onsite Wastewater Board, membership, definitions, classes of licenses, application and issuance procedures, records, disciplinary powers, penalties increased, Secs. 34-21A-1, 34-21A-2, 34-21A-3, 34-21A-4, 34-21A-7, 34-21A-10, 34-21A-12, 34-21A-13, 34-21A-14, 34-21A-15, 34-21A-16, 34-21A-17, 34-21A-21, 34-21A-22, 34-21A-24, 34-21A-25 am'd.

Summary

HB586 would overhaul Alabama's Onsite Wastewater Board by expanding board structure, licensing, bonds, and penalties for onsite wastewater systems.

What This Bill Does

HB586 creates the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board with nine members appointed by the Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker, and expands licensing, bonding, and disciplinary powers for onsite wastewater work. It establishes license classes (basic and advanced installers, manufacturers, pumpers, portable toilet license), requires bonds, annual licenses, examinations, continuing education, and a 'responsible charge' supervisor, and creates new enforcement tools (disciplinary actions, fines, cease-and-desist orders, and appeals). It also clarifies exemptions for property owners performing their own work on their own property and states that the bill's local-funding impact falls under constitutional exceptions.

Who It Affects

• Licensees, applicants, and businesses involved in the manufacture, installation, servicing, cleaning, and maintenance of onsite wastewater systems; they must obtain licenses, post bonds, pass exams, meet ongoing requirements, and may face discipline or fines.
• Property owners who plan to install or maintain onsite wastewater systems on their own property (1- or 2-family residences) and do not hire others, who are exempt from licensure under the bill.

Key Provisions

• Creates the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board with nine members appointed by Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and House Speaker, with defined terms, qualifications, replacement rules, and diversity considerations.
• Defines terms and establishes license classes (basic level installer, advanced level I/II installer, manufacturer's license, pumper, portable toilet license) and sets annual license validity and display requirements.
• Requires bonds for licensees (minimum $15,000 for basic/pumper/portable/manufacturer; $30,000 for advanced), ongoing bond maintenance, and suspension if bond is not kept current; outlines reinstatement and hearing processes.
• Implements licensing process: applications, examinations (basic and advanced installer exams, and specialized manufacturer exam), required training, and notification of results; licenses issued or denied by the board.
• Establishes disciplinary procedures: complaint handling, suspensions, revocations, fines up to $1,000 per violation, cease-and-desist orders, hearings, and appeals to circuit court.
• Requires licensees to meet 'responsible charge' requirements, ongoing continuing education, and local health authority notification of disciplinary actions.
• Provides for fines and board finances, including payment of board expenses, executive director management, and board investigations.
• Education/training appointments: Lieutenant Governor shall appoint a member for training/educational program development; Board may require training related to environmental protection.
• Exempts certain property owners from licensure when performing work on their own one- or two-family residence; requires self-performance with no hiring of others.

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

Subjects

Onsite Wastewater Board