SB315 Alabama 2010 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Steve French
Republican
Co-Sponsors: Larry Dixon Tom Butler George M. “Marc” Keahey Bobby D. Singleton Priscilla Dunn Kim Benefield Lowell Barron Hinton Mitchem Roger Bedford, Jr.Quinton Ross Bobby Denton Larry Means Paul Sanford Zeb Little Ben H. Brooks Del Marsh J.T. Waggoner Harri Anne Smith
Session: Regular Session 2010
Title: Building codes, Alabama Residential Energy Code Board changed to Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board, board membership further provided for, Model Energy Code replaced with Alabama Energy and Residential Codes, adoption of energy codes for commercial buildings and residential building codes, implementation by counties and municipalities, certain farm structures excluded, residential sprinkler systems requirements prohibited in certain residences, Secs. 41-23-80, 41-23-81, 41-23-82, 41-23-83, 41-23-84, 41-23-85 am'd. (2010-20221)
Summary: SB315 creates the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board, expands code adoption and implementation, and limits sprinkler mandates while protecting farm structures.
What This Bill Does
The bill replaces the Model Energy Code with the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes and establishes a new Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board to adopt and oversee these codes. It expands board membership to 17 people with diverse representation and assigns duties to advise local governments and promote code adoption. Counties and municipalities would adopt and implement the codes, with some local-condition flexibility, but the bill prohibits requiring residential sprinkler systems in certain family dwellings, and farm structures are excluded from the act. It also preserves consumers' ability to install sprinkler systems in eligible homes.

Who It Affects
Local governments (counties and municipalities) would be required to adopt and implement the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes and could amend for local conditions but cannot mandate sprinklers.
Residential homeowners and developers (in one- or two-family dwellings) would retain the option to install residential sprinkler systems and are protected from government-mandated sprinkler installation.

Key Provisions
Creates Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board (17 members total: 15 Governor-appointed + 2 appointed by the committee chair) with broad sector representation.
Requires adoption and implementation of the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes by the State and by counties and municipalities, based on the 2006 IECC/IRC codes, in compliance with federal requirements.
Excludes farm structures from the act and prohibits local/state mandates for residential sprinkler systems in certain family dwellings, while preserving consumer choice to install sprinklers.
Establishes board duties (advise, study, inform, report), meeting rules, open meetings, annual reporting, and travel reimbursement for members.

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