SB169 Alabama 2019 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Clay Scofield
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: The bill replaces the apprentice category in the HVACR Contractors Board with two technician levels, Technician I and Technician II, and updates definitions, registration, and related fees.
What This Bill Does
It replaces the apprentice definition with two new technician levels, defining who can be Technician I or II, what they do, and how they register and renew annually. It creates a new registration pathway for Duct Envelope Testing Contractors (duct tightness testers), including required training (HERS, BPI, or QCATV depending on background), annual renewal, and possible board discipline for noncompliance. It sets fee limits for Technician I/II registrations and renewals, maintains fee caps for certificates, and preserves licensure eligibility rules for certified contractors (based on Technician I/II registration, hours, or approved curriculum), with the act taking effect three months after governor approval.

Who It Affects
Individuals who would work as Technician I or Technician II (non-certified workers) who must register with the board, work under direct supervision, and pay annual registration fees.
HVACR contractors and businesses that employ technicians, who must adapt to new technician classifications, potential changes in fee structures, and the addition of a duct tightness tester registration and training requirement.

Key Provisions
Replaces apprentice definitions with Technician I and Technician II definitions in the Board rules.
Technician I and Technician II are non-certified personnel who learn and assist in installation, service, or repair of HVAC/R systems and must be supervised by a certified contractor; they must be voluntarily registered with the board for the current year.
Adds Duct Envelope Testing Contractors as a registrant category; requires registration, training (HERS/BPI/QCATV as applicable), annual proof of education, and annual renewal; the board may discipline testers not meeting testing standards; registrants may be charged fees up to $100.
Fees: Technician I/II registration and renewal fees shall not exceed $50 initial and $100 per year; certificate-related fees may not exceed $250; all fees accompany applications and are nonrefundable.
To qualify for a certified contractor license exam, applicants must have held Technician I or II registration for two or more years, or have 3,000 hours of coursework/experience, or be a graduate of an approved program.
Local governments cannot impose additional testing requirements beyond the state board for certified contractors.
Effective date: the act becomes law on 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: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors, State Board of