HB506 Alabama 2012 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jack Williams

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2012

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

HB506 updates Environmental Management Commission membership rules by broadening who can fill a key seat and by limiting term lengths for new appointees.

What This Bill Does

It allows the commission member who must be qualified in groundwater expertise to be certified by the National Water Well Association Certification Program or its successor (the National Ground Water Association) or to be a licensed hydrogeologist or geologist in Alabama. It keeps the 18-year cap for members appointed before July 1, 2012, but for members appointed on or after July 1, 2012, it limits service to two terms (six-year terms) with certain exceptions. The changes apply to the seven-member Environmental Management Commission, which continues to set policies, establish rules, and hear appeals for environmental matters.

Who It Affects

• Members appointed after July 1, 2012: they will be limited to two terms (roughly 12 years total) unless an exception applies.
• Members appointed before July 1, 2012: they remain subject to the existing 18-year total service cap.
• Applicants seeking appointment to the commission after July 1, 2012: eligible credentials for the groundwater/geology seat include NW Association certification, its successor, or licensure as a hydrogeologist/geologist in Alabama.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 22-22A-6 to allow the groundwater/geology seat to be filled by a person certified by the National Water Well Association Certification Program, its successor National Ground Water Association, or by a hydrogeologist or geologist licensed to practice in Alabama.
• Sets that members appointed on or after July 1, 2012 may serve no more than two terms, with exceptions for unexpired terms or until a successor is appointed with Senate consent.
• Maintains an 18-year service cap for members appointed before July 1, 2012, and preserves the seven-seat structure with the specified professional mix for the commission.

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