HB36 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Howard Sanderford

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

General Contractors, State Licensing Board for, Sunset Law review, continued with modifications, Secs. 34-8-2, 34-8-7, 34-8-28 am'd. (2011-20317)

Summary

HB36 keeps the Alabama State Licensing Board for General Contractors but adds changes to licensing rules, bid limits, subcontractor rules, and how some fees are used by colleges.

What This Bill Does

It extends the Board's existence under the Sunset Law with modifications that let licensees apply for higher bid limits, change classifications, or verify licenses with a reciprocal state for fees up to $75; it also creates an inactive status option with a $200 fee and clarifies renewal and limited-license procedures. It clarifies that subcontractors are not required to sit for examinations before licensure and they pay half the general contractor fees, with licenses indicating subcontractor status and no bid limits for them. It also directs certain license fees to accredited colleges and universities for building science and civil engineering programs, retaining 5% for administrative costs, with distributions based on enrollment and program type.

Who It Affects

• General contractor license applicants and current licensees in Alabama, who could request increases in bid limits, change classifications, renew licenses (with set fees), and use an inactive status option.
• Subcontractors (as defined in the bill), who would be licensed without taking an exam, must be licensed before starting work, would pay half the general contractor fees, and would have license status denoting subcontractor.

Key Provisions

• Continuing the State Licensing Board for General Contractors under the Sunset Law with amendments to Sections 34-8-2, 34-8-7, and 34-8-28.
• Licensees may apply to increase bid limits, change classifications, or verify licenses with a reciprocating state for fees not greater than $75, as set by the board.
• Establishes an inactive license status with a $200 fee and provides rules for reinstatement and potential limited licenses for specific projects.
• Subcontractors are not required to sit for examinations before licensure, pay half the general contractor fees, and have no bid limits; licenses must denote subcontractor status.
• New and renewal license fees: $300 for a new application, $200 for renewal, with a $50 late renewal penalty; licenses expire 12 months after issuance and may follow a staggered renewal schedule.
• Distributes certain license fees to higher education institutions for building science and civil engineering programs, with a 5% board administrative fee and distribution based on program enrollment.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 24, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

General Contractors, State Licensing Board for