SB147 Alabama 2018 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Steve LivingstonSenator
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2018
Title: Home Builders Licensure Board, hearing costs, collection, fines increased for violations, revocation of certain licenses, Secs. 34-14A-1 to 34-14A-8, inclusive, 34-14A-14, 34-14A-15 am'd.
Summary: SB 147 tightens regulation of residential construction in Alabama by licensing more workers, boosting penalties, and expanding the Homeowners' Recovery Fund and board powers.
What This Bill Does
It requires roofers to hold a Home Builders Licensure Board license when roofing projects exceed $2,500. It revises the board's structure and definitions, and allows the board to collect hearing costs and raise administrative fines up to $5,000 per violation; it can suspend or revoke licenses for violations. It changes the Homeowners' Recovery Fund by letting the board set the payment cap by rule, requiring licensees to contribute to the fund, and giving the board new enforcement tools, including license revocation if a licensee does not repay a judgment paid from the fund and instituting repayment with interest if the fund pays a claim. It also updates licensing processes, including qualifications, fees, and records, and strengthens consumer protection provisions for homeowners and the public.

Who It Affects
Roofers and roofing contractors: must obtain a board license for roofing work when the project cost exceeds $2,500 and will be subject to licensing rules, fees, discipline, and potential fines or license suspensions.
Homeowners and residential builders/licensees: may file claims through the Homeowners' Recovery Fund, face new limits and procedures for recoveries, and are subject to higher fines and possible license suspension or revocation if judgments funded by the Recovery Fund are not repaid; licensees must contribute to and participate in the fund and related enforcement provisions.

Key Provisions
Roofing licensing threshold lowered: a roofer must be licensed if the roofing project cost exceeds $2,500 ( Residential Home Builder definition updated to include this).
Board structure and authority: the Home Builders Licensure Board is defined with revised membership rules (nine members, including a consumer/public member and a building official) and has powers to collect hearing costs and to set and collect fees.
Administrative penalties: fines for violations can be up to $5,000 per violation and the board may suspend or revoke licenses for misconduct or violations of standards.
Homeowners' Recovery Fund: the cap on payments to aggrieved homeowners is to be set by rule; licensees must contribute to the fund (annual fee up to $60); the board can pay or settle claims and has subrogation rights when it pays from the fund.
License discipline tied to Recovery Fund judgments: if a licensee benefits from or is involved in a judgment paid by the Recovery Fund, the board may terminate or refuse to issue licenses until repayment (with interest at 12% per year) is made; failure to repay can lead to revocation or non-recognition of qualifications.

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