HB326 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Anthony DanielsRepresentative

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Education, Construction Trade Academy Funding Act, created, Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board, required to develop program, ADECA, required to administer program

Summary

The bill creates a dedicated Alabama Construction Trade Academy Fund and a statewide program to expand construction trade education with grants and matched funding overseen by the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board and ADECA.

What This Bill Does

It establishes the Alabama Construction Trade Academy Fund in the State Treasury, funded by federal, state, and private money to expand construction trade education. It requires the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board to develop a statewide grant program and guidelines, with the Energy Division of ADECA administering the program. It sets matching fund rules, project types, reporting requirements, and conditions for recipients, including a five-year commitment to continue funded courses and data reporting.

Who It Affects

• Public and private construction trade schools and their students (high school, postsecondary, and adult learners) would gain access to grants, equipment, and programs to expand construction trade education.
• Private sector partners, nonprofit entities, and other funders would participate through matching funds and advisory requirements, with the program overseen by ADECA's Energy Division and the Board.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Alabama Construction Trade Academy Fund in the State Treasury to fund expansion of construction trade education using federal, state, and private funds; aims to leverage private funding.
• Creates a statewide program to provide educational grants for public and private construction trade schools; the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board develops guidelines and an application process for grant review and distribution.
• The Energy Division of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs administers the program under the Board; the Board evaluates applications, distributes funds, promotes the program, monitors outcomes, and may adopt rules; administrative costs capped at 15%.
• Provides funding mechanisms (tool grants, incentives, supplies, mobile facilities) to support construction trade education; requires matching funds with at least 10% from private sources and not exceeding 25% of awarded state funds in most cases.
• Eligibility allows for-profit or nonprofit applicants; applicants must show capacity, impact, private sector support, and form an advisory council with trade representatives; must commit to offering funded courses for at least five years and meet data collection/reporting requirements.
• Funding decisions consider private sector support, need, projected learners, impact, and ability to leverage additional funds; projects may include mobile demonstration units and distance learning, with priority for carpentry and underserved areas.
• If a recipient fails to comply, equipment and materials funded may be transferred to the Alabama Home Builders Foundation for redistribution to eligible programs.
• Requires annual reporting to the Legislature on funded projects, geographic distribution, private sector participation, administrative costs, and outcomes (e.g., number of learners trained).
• Effective date is the first day of the third month after passage and 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

Education