SB357 Alabama 2014 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tom Whatley

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2014

Title

Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects, maximum administrative fine increased from $250 to $2,500, board authorized to assess costs against person found guilty, Sec. 34-17-5 am'd.

Summary

SB357 would raise the maximum disciplinary fine for the Landscape Architects board from $250 to $2,500 and allow the board to bill the guilty party for disciplinary costs.

What This Bill Does

It increases the maximum administrative fine per violation from $250 to $2,500. It also authorizes the board to assess all or part of the costs of a disciplinary proceeding against someone found guilty. The bill preserves existing disciplinary tools (reprimand, suspension, revocation, and denial of certificates) and clarifies the grounds for discipline. It becomes law on the first day of the third month after approval by the Governor.

Who It Affects

• Licensed landscape architects in Alabama, who could face higher fines (up to $2,500 per violation) and may be charged for disciplinary costs if found guilty.
• Applicants for landscape architecture certificates, who could be denied a certificate or otherwise affected by disciplinary actions and potential cost charges.

Key Provisions

• Increases the maximum administrative fine from $250 to $2,500 per violation for disciplinary actions.
• Authorizes the board to assess all or part of the costs of a disciplinary proceeding against the accused if found guilty.
• Maintains disciplinary powers such as reprimand, suspension, revocation, and denial of certificates, and requires the board to adopt a disciplinary code.
• Grounds for disciplinary action include fraud, impersonation, aiding unlicensed practice, negligence or willful misconduct, gross incompetence, and other specified violations (as listed in 34-17-5(a)).

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

Subjects

Landscape Architects, Alabama Board of Examiners of