HB231 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Jack Williams
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Heating and Air Conditioning Contractors, Board of, additional requirements regarding testing duct tightness, definition of terms, fees, classroom training, renewal date for certification, Secs. 34-31-18, 34-31-20, 34-31-21, 34-31-24, 34-31-25, 34-31-26 am'd.
Summary: HB231 expands HVAC regulation to include duct air-tightness testing, updates training and renewal requirements, and strengthens funding and governance of the regulating board.
What This Bill Does
Creates a new category called Duct Air Tightness Testing Contractor and requires testers to register with the board, complete approved training, and renew annually with fees. Renames and expands the board’s authority to regulate heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration contractors statewide, and directs funding toward classroom training through the Alabama Home Builders Foundation (with funds to revert to the State General Fund if the foundation loses nonprofit status). Establishes specific training requirements (HERS, BPI, or QCATV) for testers affiliated with contractors or home builders, along with continuing education (four hours per year) and annual renewal for all certified contractors.

Who It Affects
Individuals who perform duct air-tightness testing must register with the board, adhere to testing standards, pay registration and renewal fees, and can be disciplined for not meeting standards.
Board-certified HVAC contractors and licensed home builders who register as duct tightness testers for their own or third-party projects must complete approved training and comply with continuing education, renewal, and related rules; this also affects the funding and operation of the Alabama Home Builders Foundation and the display/licensing requirements for advertising and vehicles.

Key Provisions
Defines Duct Air Tightness Testing Contractor and requires registration with the board; testers may register without being certified contractors and must complete prescribed training; the board maintains a registry and may charge registration and renewal fees.
Renames the board to the Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors; expands its statewide regulatory authority over HVACR; includes funding provisions that transfer excess board funds to the Alabama Home Builders Foundation for classroom training and specifies conditions if the Foundation loses nonprofit status.
Board duties and authority include electing officers, hiring an executive director, maintaining records, issuing certificates, adopting minimum repair/service standards, and conducting public awareness activities.
Advertising and licensing rules require displaying certification numbers on all documents and service/installation vehicles; licenses are not transferable, and proper certificates must be presented for licensing.
Duct testing provisions require testers to register, establish a registry, and allow for board-set fees and annual renewal with potential late fees; testers must meet training requirements (HERS, BPI, or QCATV) prior to registration and provide verification to the board.
Fees: sets maximums for certificate issuance/reissuance/replacement (up to $200-$250), renewal (up to $250), apprentice registration/renewal (up to $50), and Duct Envelope Testing Contractors (up to $100).
Continuing education requires four hours annually with carryover provisions; exemptions include first-year certification and age 65+; the board must approve CE providers and courses; a deficiency plan can be allowed for medical hardships with a fee.

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