SB103 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Zeb Little

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Onsite Wastewater Board, definitions, membership, compensation, classes of licenses, exempted property owners, application and issuance procedures, records, disciplinary powers, appeals procedure, penalties increased, civil penalties, 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

SB103 overhauls Alabama's Onsite Wastewater Board, tightening licensing, bonding, penalties, and governance for those who manufacture, install, or service onsite septic systems.

What This Bill Does

The bill reorganizes and expands the Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board, sets detailed qualifications and terms for its nine members, and establishes a formal licensing system with multiple levels. It requires financial bonds for licensees, creates new examinations and training requirements, outlines disciplinary and appeals processes, and increases penalties for violations. It also provides an exemption for property owners who install or maintain onsite systems on their own one-family or two-family primary residence property, under specific conditions.

Who It Affects

• Licensed onsite wastewater contractors, manufacturers, pumpers, portable toilet operators, and their businesses, who must obtain and maintain board licenses, post bonds, complete trainings, and renew licenses annually.
• Property owners who install or maintain onsite wastewater systems on their own property for one- or two-family residences, who may be exempt from licensing if they perform the work themselves on their primary residence.

Key Provisions

• Establishes a nine-member Alabama Onsite Wastewater Board with specific appointment rules (Governor, Lieutenant Governor, and Speaker of the House) and qualifications for each seat, plus terms, replacement procedures, and diversity considerations.
• Creates and defines license types: basic installer, advanced level I installer, advanced level II installer, manufacturer's license, pumper license, and portable toilet license; licenses expire annually on December 31.
• Requires bonding for all licensees with minimum bond amounts: at least $15,000 for basic, pumper, portable toilet, or manufacturer licenses; at least $30,000 for advanced licenses; bonds must be maintained and can trigger license suspension if not current.
• Imposes a comprehensive licensing process including fees, annual renewals, continuing education, and examinations (basic, advanced, and manufacturer) with multiple yearly exam dates and passing standards.
• Implements an owner-exemption allowing some property owners to install, clean, service, or maintain their own onsite systems on certain residences without a license, provided work is done by the owner at their primary residence.
• Defines key terms (engineered onsite system, conventional onsite system, responsible charge, etc.) and outlines the responsibilities of the person in responsible charge for a business.
• Creates disciplinary, suspension, and revocation procedures, along with an appeals process and potential for fines up to $1,000 per violation; authorizes cease-and-desist orders and public notification of disciplinary actions.
• Authorizes the board to manage finances (fees, salaries, expenses) and to hire an executive director; requires notice and records related to licensing and disciplinary actions.

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