HB585 Alabama 2013 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Jack Williams

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2013

Title

Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors, Board of, additonal requirements regarding system filter replacement, duct cleaning, testing duct tightness, definition of terms, fees, classroom training, Secs. 34-31-18, 34-31-20, 34-31-21, 34-31-24, 34-31-25 am'd.

Summary

HB585 adds rules for duct cleaning, duct air-tightness testing, and filter replacement, and creates training requirements for related work through the Alabama Home Builders Foundation.

What This Bill Does

It updates the law to regulate duct cleaning, duct air-tightness testing, and filter replacement by creating new contractor categories and defining related terms. It requires registration or certification, training, and annual renewals for these roles, with specified fee limits. It requires certain training programs for duct testing (HERS, BPI, or QCATV) and imposes board oversight and potential discipline for noncompliance. It also directs classroom training for home builders through the Alabama Home Builders Foundation and sets aside funds to support training tools; the foundation’s nonprofit status would influence how funds are handled if status changes.

Who It Affects

• Individuals or businesses that replace filters or perform duct cleaning must obtain the new Filter Replacement and Duct Cleaning Contractor Certification, complete at least four hours of board-approved training, pay applicable fees, and renew annually.
• Individuals who test and verify duct air tightness must register as Duct Air Tightness Testing Contractors, complete approved training (or recognized programs), and renew annually; the board will maintain a registry and may discipline registrants for noncompliance.
• Home builders licensed in Alabama who want to register as duct tightness testers for their own projects or for third-party work must complete recognized training (HERS, BPI, or QCATV) to be added to the registry.
• The Alabama Home Builders Foundation will receive funding related to training tools and may provide classroom training; if the foundation loses nonprofit status, funds go to the State General Fund.

Key Provisions

• Adds regulation of duct cleaning, testing for duct air tightness, and filter replacement; defines new terms such as Duct Air Tightness Testing Contractor, Filter Replacement, and Duct Cleaning, and sets training and certification expectations.
• Creates two main contractor categories: Certified Filter Replacement and Duct Cleaning Contractors (with 4+ hours of board-approved training) and Duct Air Tightness Testing Contractors (registration and training), including annual renewals and fee requirements; board may discipline noncompliant contractors.
• Imposes training requirements for duct testing programs (HERS, BPI, or QCATV) and mandates that registrants provide ongoing training verification; requires display of certification numbers on advertising and vehicles; sets fee caps for certificates, renewals, and apprentices.
• Allocates excess board funds to the Alabama Home Builders Foundation to support classroom training; details on funding and responsibilities if the foundation’s nonprofit status changes; establishes effective date for the act.

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

Subjects

Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors, Board of