SB379 Alabama 2016 Session

Updated Feb 27, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Gerald H. AllenSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2016
Title: Behavior Analyst Licensing Board, revised to remove maximum fines, establish board within Mental Health, further provide for board members and qualifications for licensure, Secs. 34-5A-3, 34-5A-4, 34-5A-6, 34-5A-7 am'd.
Summary: SB379 creates and reorganizes the Alabama Behavior Analyst Licensing Board within the Department of Mental Health, adds background checks, sets license terms and renewal rules, and creates a dedicated board fund.
What This Bill Does
The bill places the Alabama Behavior Analyst Licensing Board inside the Department of Mental Health and sets up a seven-member board representing licensed behavior analysts, a licensed psychologist, a parent/guardian or service recipient, and a public member. It requires criminal background checks for licensure (fingerprints and state history check), with costs paid by applicants, and updates references to certification by certifying entities. It establishes two-year licenses, outlines renewal, reinstatement, and revocation rules, and allows reciprocity with out-of-state licenses that have similar requirements. It also creates the Alabama Behavior Analyst Licensing Board Fund in the State Treasury to support board operations and specifies enforcement and disciplinary powers, including fines, suspensions, and cease-and-desist actions.

Who It Affects
Prospective and current behavior analysts and assistant behavior analysts in Alabama, who must undergo background checks, maintain certification, receive supervision (for assistants), and handle renewal and reinstatement requirements.
The general public in Alabama, who will be protected by the board's regulation and disciplinary authority, as well as by the governance and funding mechanisms for the licensing process.

Key Provisions
The board is established within the Department of Mental Health, Division of Developmental Disabilities, and shall consist of seven members: four licensed behavior analysts, one licensed psychologist, one parent/guardian or service recipient, and one public member; terms are three years with staggered start terms and diversity requirements.
Initial board members must be board-certified behavior analysts and become licensed during their term; appointments involve the Commissioner and certain recommending groups; subsequent appointments are by the Governor.
A majority of the board constitutes a quorum; the board elects a chair annually and may meet as needed; the board may promulgate rules and establish fees.
A dedicated Alabama Behavior Analyst Licensing Board Fund is created in the State Treasury; all receipts go to the fund to support board operations.
Licensure requires criminal background checks (state history, fingerprints) at applicant cost; ongoing supervision for assistant behavior analysts and active status requirements for licensed analysts.
Reciprocity is allowed for licensed individuals from other states with comparable licensure requirements, subject to proof of ethical compliance and certifying board status.
Licenses are issued for two years and must be renewed; renewal requires continued certification and payment of renewal fees; expired licenses may not be renewed after two years without reapplication under the initial licensure standards.
Disciplinary powers include fines, censure, license denial, suspension, revocation, probation, and cease-and-desist orders; summary suspension may occur for imminent danger with a hearing within 10 days.
The board may investigate complaints, hold hearings, and enforce disciplinary actions; information from background checks is confidential except as needed to support license decisions.
Technical corrections to references to certifying entities and provisions for expiration, renewal, reinstatement, and related procedures are included.

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