HB27 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 24, 2026

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Ron Johnson
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2015
Title: Prosthetists and Orthotists Board, powers of board, subpoena powers re board hearing and complaints against licensees, Sec. 34-25A-7.1 am'd.
Summary: HB27 would give the State Board of Prosthetists and Orthotists the power to issue subpoenas to investigate complaints and enforce its rules.
What This Bill Does
The bill creates a new section that authorizes the board to issue subpoenas to compel witnesses to attend and to produce documents in investigations or complaints about prosthetics and orthotics. Subpoenas can be signed by the board chair or executive officer and served by a sheriff, the executive officer, or another authorized person. The circuit court can enforce these subpoenas, and the board can establish rules for enforcement and disciplinary actions, including civil fines for noncompliance. The authority is supplemental to existing Administrative Procedure Act processes, and the act becomes effective immediately after governor approval.

Who It Affects
Licensees and other people practicing prosthetics and orthotics: may be subpoenaed to testify or produce records and could face civil fines for noncompliance.
State Board of Prosthetists and Orthotists (and its staff): gains explicit subpoena and enforcement powers to investigate complaints and regulate practice.

Key Provisions
Adds Section 34-25A-7.1 granting the board subpoena power to investigate complaints and regulate practice.
Subpoenas must be signed by the board chair or executive officer and served by a sheriff, the executive officer, or another person authorized under the Alabama Rules of Civil Procedure.
Subpoenas issued can be enforced by the circuit court upon the board's or its executive officer's application.
The board may adopt rules for enforcement and disciplinary actions, including civil fines, for noncompliance with subpoenas.
Subsection (a) is supplemental to Section 41-22-12 in the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act.
Effective date: the act becomes effective immediately following governor approval.

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