HB33 Alabama 2013 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Paul W. LeeRepresentative
Republican
Co-Sponsors: Elaine Beech Donnie Chesteen Jim Patterson Berry Forte Becky Nordgren Allen Treadaway Steve Clouse
Session: Regular Session 2013
Title: Board of Hearing Instrument Dealers, to provide further for definitions, remove specific fees and authorize board to set by rule, Secs. 34-14-1 to 34-14-9, inclusive, 34-14-11, 34-14-30, 34-14-32, 34-14-33 am'd.
Summary: HB33 updates the Board of Hearing Instrument Dealers with new definitions, rule-based fees, international testing standards, and mandatory direct supervision for apprentices.
What This Bill Does
It revises defined terms and clarifies supervision and apprenticeship requirements for hearing instrument professionals. It replaces fixed fee amounts with board-set fees via administrative rule, establishing a range of possible fees for licenses, permits, renewals, exams, and related items. It adopts international standardized test procedures, strengthens reciprocity/endorsement rules for out-of-state licenses, and requires apprentices to train under direct supervision with specified hours and IIHIS distance learning, along with other technical corrections.

Who It Affects
Apprentices, fitters, and dispensers (license applicants and current licensees): face new definitions, apprenticeship requirements (direct supervision, 80 hours of instruction, IIHIS program), potential changes in license and renewal costs, and ongoing education requirements.
Employers/sponsors and licenseholders (dispensers and those who supervise apprentices): must supervise apprentices (limited to four per dispenser), assume training responsibility and liability for apprentices, and adapt to board-determined fee structures and compliance rules.

Key Provisions
Amends definitions for Apprentice, Apprentice Permit, Board, Dealer, Direct Supervision, Dispenser, Fitter, Hearing Instrument, and related terms.
Authorizes the Board to set fees by rule (pursuant to the Administrative Procedure Act) with ranges not less than $25 and not more than $1,000 for various categories (initial applications, licenses, renewals, permits, exams, late fees, reinstatement, duplicates, verifications, etc.).
Establishes reciprocity/endorsement procedures for out-of-state licensees, requiring equivalent or greater state standards, verification, and passing Alabama law and practical exams where applicable.
Adopts international standardized test procedures and requires compliance with updated testing standards.
Imposes apprenticeship requirements: direct supervision by a licensed dispenser, 80 hours of supervised instruction, and completion of IIHIS distance learning; limits on number of apprentices per dispenser; defines sponsor responsibilities.
Maintains continuing education requirements for licensees and makes technical corrections/updates to remove antiquated language.
Effective date set for the first day of the third month after passage; establishes a new fee section (34-14-34) to govern all board-set fees.

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