HB548 Alabama 2019 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Wes KitchensSenator

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2019

Title

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors, Board of, replace definition, qualifications, and registration requirements for positions of an apprentice with the positions of Technician I and Technician II, Secs. 34-31-18, 34-31-24, 34-31-25, 34-31-28 am'd.

Summary

HB 548 would replace the apprentice designation with Technician I and Technician II in the Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors, updating definitions, qualifications, and registration requirements.

What This Bill Does

It changes the entry-level roles in the board’s rules from 'apprentice' to two technician levels: Technician I and Technician II, with new definitions and requirements. It sets registration and renewal processes and caps for these technician registrations (up to $50 for initial registration and up to $100 for renewal) and allows the board to require continuing education before renewal. It also creates a new registration category for duct envelope (duct air tightness) testers, including training requirements (HERS, BPI, or QCATV), renewal rules, and potential disciplinary action for noncompliance. The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after governor approval.

Who It Affects

• Individuals seeking to work in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration who would be defined as Technician I or Technician II under the new rules, replacing the current apprentice classification.
• HVACR contractors and their businesses that hire or supervise technicians, who must register, renew registrations, and comply with any continuing education and fee requirements.
• Duct envelope/duct air tightness testers, who would need to register with the board, complete approved training, renew annually, and be subject to board discipline for noncompliance.

Key Provisions

• Redefines 'apprentice' as Technician I and Technician II with specific definitions and supervision/learning requirements.
• Sets registration and annual renewal fees for Technician I/II (up to $50 initial, up to $100 renewal) and allows continuing education before reregistration.
• Adds a new registration category for duct envelope testing contractors, with required trainings (HERS, BPI, QCATV or related) and annual renewal; board may discipline noncompliant testers and may charge up to $100 for this category.
• Maintains existing license and certification requirements (e.g., exams, display of certification numbers, and rules on use of licenses), updated to reflect the Technician I/II structure.
• Effective date: the act takes effect on the first day of the third month after governor’s 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

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors, State Board of