SB59 Alabama 2010 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Larry MeansMayor

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2010

Title

Architects, State Board for Registration of, responsible control, definition altered, title of superintendent changed to on-site observer, restrictive firm ownership and naming requirements removed, disciplinary actions altered, civil penalties, secretary changed to executive director, Secs. 34-2-30, 34-2-32, 34-2-33, 34-2-34, 34-2-35, 34-2-36, 34-2-37, 34-2-38, 34-2-40, 34-2-41, 34-2-42 am'd.

Summary

SB59 updates Alabama's architecture registration law by redefining responsible control, renaming the supervisor role to on-site observer, relaxing firm ownership rules for practice, enabling entity-based architectural practice under strict conditions, and strengthening penalties and administration.

What This Bill Does

The bill defines key terms, clarifies responsible control, and renames the superintendent role to on-site observer. It relaxes restrictive firm ownership and naming requirements so entities can practice architecture in Alabama if most controlling people are licensed architects or engineers and at least one Alabama-registered architect is involved, with the architect's seal on documents and proper supervision. It expands disciplinary tools and civil penalties for violations (up to $5,000 per day and up to $25,000 per violation) and provides for hearings and appeals. It reorganizes administration by replacing the secretary with an executive director, establishes a six-member district-based board, requires annual reporting and a public roster, and creates emeritus status for long-serving, retiring architects.

Who It Affects

• Licensed architects and architecture-related firms in Alabama — must ensure responsible control over practice, may operate as entities under new ownership/naming rules, must seal documents, and face disciplinary actions and reporting obligations.
• Unregistered individuals or organizations offering architectural services — could be prohibited from practicing, subject to civil penalties and enforcement, and may be barred from using architectural terms or titles in business.

Key Provisions

• Defines Architect, Practice of Architecture, Building, and especially Responsible Control, clarifying the scope and standards for architectural work in Alabama.
• Renames the superintendent to on-site observer and clarifies their role in construction oversight, while preserving the ability of employees of registered architects to work under responsible control.
• Allows entity-based architectural practice (corporations, partnerships, professional associations, LLCs) if at least two-thirds of those controlling the entity are architects and/or licensed professional engineers and at least one Alabama-registered architect is involved; requires the architect's seal and responsible control over contracted services.
• Eliminates overly restrictive firm ownership/naming rules and requires entities to maintain a public roster, pay annual administrative fees (not more than $250), and provide information to the board as regulated.
• Expands disciplinary powers of the Board to issue reprimands, levy civil fines (up to $5,000 per day, up to $25,000 per violation), suspend or revoke licenses, and impose other sanctions for various violations; includes notice and hearing rights and circuit court appeals.
• Replaces the Secretary with an Executive Director; creates a six-member State Board for Registration of Architects, with district-based appointments, four-year terms, and diverse representation; establishes governance, meetings, bonding, and funding rules.
• Introduces emeritus status for eligible long-term, retirements architects (65+, 10+ years licensed) with free annual renewals and a path to return to practice without penalty.
• Establishes seal/stamping requirements for documents, prohibits stamping after license expiry or under improper responsible control, and restricts unauthorized practice or misrepresentation of responsibility.
• Imposes exemptions for certain small projects and on-site observers, and allows limited architectural work by employees of utilities or farmers under specified conditions without requiring formal registration.

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

Subjects

Architects, State Board for Registration of