HB49 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jack Williams

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

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

HB49 broadens groundwater-related qualifications for a member of the Environmental Management Commission and tightens term limits for newer appointees.

What This Bill Does

It lets the groundwater seat be filled by someone certified by the National Ground Water Association or by a licensed Alabama hydrogeologist or geologist, instead of requiring only the National Water Well Association program. It keeps the existing 18-year lifetime limit for commissioners appointed before July 1, 2012, but limits members appointed on or after July 1, 2012 to two terms, with exceptions for unexpired terms or until a successor is appointed with Senate consent. It maintains the seven-member commission and the emphasis on having a groundwater expert as part of its composition.

Who It Affects

• Current and future Environmental Management Commission members: new groundwater-qualified options and different term-limits depending on appointment date.
• Groundwater professionals in Alabama (hydrogeologists and geologists licensed in Alabama, or those certified by NGWA): eligible to fill the groundwater-related seat.
• State officials (Governor, Senate, and appointment authorities): changes to qualifications and term limits affect who can be appointed and how long they can serve.

Key Provisions

• Amends Section 22-22A-6 to allow the groundwater-related member to be certified by NGWA (successor to NW Water Well Certification) or to be a hydrogeologist/geologist licensed in Alabama.
• Maintains an 18-year service limit for members appointed before July 1, 2012.
• Imposes a two-term limit for members appointed on or after July 1, 2012, with exceptions for unexpired terms or until a successor is appointed with Senate consent.
• Requires the groundwater-related member to be familiar with environmental matters and meet the specified professional qualifications.

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