HB394 Alabama 2011 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Joe Hubbard

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2011

Title

Environmental Management Commission, member must be certified by National Ground Water Association Certification Program or a hydrogeologist or geologist, licensing requirements, Sec. 22-22A-6 am'd.

Summary

HB394 would expand who can serve on the Environmental Management Commission's groundwater/geo seat and set new term limits for appointees after July 1, 2011.

What This Bill Does

It allows the commission's groundwater/geo member to be chosen from professionals certified by the National Water Well Association (or its successor, the National Ground Water Association) or from a hydrogeologist or geologist licensed to practice in Alabama. It maintains a seven-member commission and keeps an 18-year cap for members appointed before July 1, 2011, while limiting appointees after that date to two terms, with exceptions for unexpired terms or until a successor is appointed with Senate consent.

Who It Affects

• Potential commission candidates who are certified by the National Water Well Association or the National Ground Water Association, or who are licensed hydrogeologists/geologists in Alabama (eligibility for the groundwater/geo seat is broadened).
• Members of the Environmental Management Commission appointed on or after July 1, 2011 (subject to a maximum of two terms, with specific exceptions). The rule for members appointed before July 1, 2011 (18-year total service cap) remains in place.

Key Provisions

• The one-member groundwater/geo position may be filled by someone certified by the National Water Well Association Certification Program or its successor (National Ground Water Association), or by a hydrogeologist or geologist licensed to practice geology in Alabama.
• Any member appointed on or after July 1, 2011 may serve no more than two terms; the existing 18-year cap for members appointed before July 1, 2011 remains in effect for those older members.
• The two-term limit does not apply to a member who is serving the unexpired term of a predecessor or who serves until a successor is appointed with Senate consent.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage.

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

Subjects

Environment