HB501 Alabama 2021 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Howard Sanderford
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2021
Title: Occupational licensing boards, a waiver process established for certain occupational licensing boards to be used to allow an employing entity, employed licensees, and certificate holders of that entity, to continue operations on a temporary basis after death of the designated qualifying representative of the employing entity, Sec. 41-9A-3 added.
Summary: HB501 creates a temporary waiver process so an employing entity and its licensed staff can keep operating if the person in charge dies or becomes incapacitated.
What This Bill Does
It adds a new section to allow certain licensing boards to issue a special hardship or temporary waiver to an employing entity and its licensees when the designated qualifying representative dies or is incapacitated. The waiver requires notice within 45 days, may be denied after a show cause hearing if filed late, lasts 90 to 135 days, and may include a fee equal to half the renewal cost. The boards must adopt rules to implement this process and the act takes effect immediately after approval.

Who It Affects
Employing entities (businesses that hold licenses) and their employed licensees/certificate holders, who may continue operations temporarily after the death or incapacity of the designated qualifying representative if a waiver is granted and terms are met.
The specified occupational licensing boards (Electrical Contractors, General Contractors, Heating/AC/Refrigeration Contractors, Home Builders Licensure Board, Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board), which issue waivers, set the waiver fee, and establish implementation rules.

Key Provisions
Adds Section 41-9A-3 to Alabama law to create a waiver process for listed occupational licensing boards.
Boards covered: Alabama Board of Electrical Contractors; State Licensing Board for General Contractors; Board of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Contractors; Home Builders Licensure Board; State Plumbing and Gas Fitting Examining Board.
If the designated qualifying representative dies or is incapacitated and the license is needed to operate, the board may issue a special hardship/temporary waiver to the employing entity.
Waiver allows the employing entity and its employed licensees/certificate holders to continue operations on a temporary basis.
To request a waiver, an employee must notify the board in writing within 45 days and provide required documentation; late requests may be denied after a show cause hearing.
Waiver duration is 90 to 135 days from the date the waiver is granted.
Boards may charge a waiver fee equal to half of the total renewal fee for the affected license/certificate.
Boards must adopt rules necessary to implement the act.
Effective date: immediately after the governor signs the act.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Occupational Licensing Boards