SB229 Alabama 2018 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Steve LivingstonSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2018

Title

Home Inspectors Licensure Board, established to license and regulate the practice of home inspections, penalty for unlawful practice, Secs. 34-14D-1 to 34-14D-9, inclusive, added; Secs. 34-14B-1 to 34-14B-10, inclusive, repealed

Summary

Creates the Alabama Home Inspectors Licensure Board to license and regulate home inspectors and EIFS inspectors, replacing the current licensing system.

What This Bill Does

It establishes a nine-member board to license, regulate, and discipline home and EIFS inspectors, replacing the Division of Construction Management in licensing duties. It sets licensing requirements, allows the board to issue, renew, suspend, or revoke licenses, and to impose fees (up to $500) and fines (up to $1,000); it also creates a dedicated Alabama Home Inspectors Licensure Fund to pay board expenses. It requires applicants to meet specified qualifications and insurance requirements, may require a written exam, and makes unlicensed practice a Class A misdemeanor. It includes transition provisions for current licensees, transfers records from the former licensing entity, repeals the old licensing chapter, and places the board under the Sunset Law for periodic review.

Who It Affects

• Home inspectors and EIFS inspectors who must apply for licensure, meet qualifications, possibly pass an exam, maintain insurance, and follow board rules.
• Licensed real estate brokers, licensed home builders, and related industry groups who help compose the board and influence licensing standards.
• The public, who gain regulatory oversight, licensing, and potential discipline of inspectors to protect health and safety.
• The Division of Construction Management (and current licensees), which will transfer licensing responsibilities and records to the new board, with potential exemptions for some requirements for those previously licensed.

Key Provisions

• Establishes Chapter 34D and the Alabama Home Inspectors Licensure Board to license and regulate home inspectors and EIFS inspectors; repeals Chapter 14B (current licensure by the Division of Construction Management).
• Board composition: nine members (two licensed real estate brokers, two licensed home builders, two licensed home inspectors, two public members, and one building official) with specific appointment rules, terms, and diversity requirements.
• Board powers and funding: issue, renew, suspend, or revoke licenses; investigate complaints; set licensure fees (not to exceed $500) and fines (not to exceed $1,000); create and fund the Alabama Home Inspectors Licensure Fund to pay expenses.
• Licensing process: applicants must meet criteria (including insurance and character); may be required to pass a written exam; licenses issued with initial term through December 31; annual renewals; advertising and record-keeping requirements.
• Regulatory requirements: unlicensed practice is a Class A misdemeanor and any related contracts are void; licensees must register name and license number in advertising; auditors and insurance termination trigger license suspension.
• Transition and records: current licensees from the Division may continue; records transferred to the board; some requirements may be exempted for those previously licensed.
• Sunset and effectiveness: the board is subject to the Alabama Sunset Law with a termination date of October 1, 2023 and periodic four-year reviews; the act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage.

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 Inspectors