SB290 Alabama 2015 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Steve LivingstonSenator
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: The bill expands regulation to include duct air tightness testing, adds training and registration requirements for testers, updates renewal rules for contractors, and directs funding to classroom training for builders.
What This Bill Does
It adds duct tightness testing to the Board’s regulation and defines related terms. It creates a Duct Air Tightness Testing Contractor category; testers must register with the board, complete specified training, and be listed, with fees set by the board. It requires testers to complete certain training programs (HERS, BPI, or QCATV) depending on their status and sets annual registration renewals by December 31 starting in 2016, along with a four-hour-per-year continuing education requirement and related exemptions. It also requires certification numbers to be displayed on advertising and service vehicles, and it directs excess funds to the Alabama Home Builders Foundation for classroom training, with a fallback to the State General Fund if the Foundation loses nonprofit status.

Who It Affects
Duct tightness testers (individuals who test and verify duct air tightness): must register with the board, complete required training, appear on a listed registry, pay fees, and renew annually; they may be disciplined for not following testing standards.
Board-certified heating and air conditioning contractors and Alabama Home Builders Foundation-licensed home builders who register as duct tightness testers: must complete the required training to qualify for tester registration and may test on their own projects or for third parties; they must meet the education and renewal requirements set by the board.

Key Provisions
Adds Duct Air Tightness Testing Contractor category and requires testers to register with the Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors.
Tests registrants must complete defined training (Residential Energy Services Network HERS, Building Performance Institute Building Analyst, or QCATV training) depending on status; proof of training must be submitted to the board.
Registration and renewal: annual renewals by December 31 (starting 2016) with nonrefundable fees; board may set fees for certificates, renewals, and testing-related registrations (caps noted in law).
Continuing education: every certified contractor must complete at least four hours of continuing education annually, with carryover options and exemptions (e.g., 65+ age).
Advertising and identification: contractors must display their certification number and company name on all advertising and service/installation vehicles.
Discipline and oversight: the board may discipline registrants for failing to perform duct testing to approved standards; board has authority to hold hearings and enforce penalties.
Funding and training for builders: excess board funds are transferred to the Alabama Home Builders Foundation for classroom training; if the foundation loses nonprofit status, funds go to the State General Fund.
Effective date: the act becomes law after governor approval.
Additional definitions and governance: updates to terms and board procedures related to regulation and administration of these activities.

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