HB336 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Rex ReynoldsRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Plumbers and gas fitters, journeyman plumber replaced with a residential plumber as a member of the board, expand examination options for a journeyman plumber or gas fitter, definitions, Secs. 34-37-1, 34-37-3, 34-37-6 am'd.

Summary

HB336 updates Alabama's plumbers and gas fitters rules by expanding board membership, definitions for residential work, and examination options, plus emergency endorsements, continuing education, and apprenticeship ratios.

What This Bill Does

The bill adds definitions for residential dwelling and residential jobsite and expands the board to include master plumbers and master gas fitters as members. It allows emergency certificates of endorsement during a declared state of emergency for out-of-state licenses and lets the board establish continuing education requirements. It broadens how journeyman plumbers and gas fitters are examined, sets apprentice-to-journeyman/master ratios, and strengthens the board's disciplinary authority with clear procedures and penalties, while making some technical language updates.

Who It Affects

• Licensed plumbers, gas fitters, apprentices, journeymen, and master-level professionals (including medical gas piping fitters) who perform or supervise installation, repair, or replacement of plumbing or gas systems; they gain new residential definitions, potential CE requirements, expanded exam options, and the possibility of emergency endorsements during emergencies.
• Employers, contracting entities, and local governments that oversee or rely on plumbing or gas work; they must register with the board, display the company name on vehicles, ensure principals are certified, and adhere to the board's disciplinary rules and licensing standards.

Key Provisions

• Defines residential dwelling and residential jobsite, clarifying where residential-focused work occurs.
• Adds master plumber and master gas fitter as board members and emphasizes diverse representation on the board.
• Allows emergency certificates of endorsement during a declared state of emergency for out-of-state licenses, valid for the emergency duration and up to 60 days.
• Empowers the board to adopt continuing education requirements, approve courses/providers, and set related fees.
• Expands examination options for journeyman plumbers and gas fitters; requires independent examining agency administration and sets experience prerequisites (e.g., two years as an apprentice).
• Implements apprenticeship ratios: at least 3 apprentices per journeyman/master on non-residential sites and at least 5 on residential sites.
• Requires statewide certification upon annual renewal and permits the board to regulate and discipline entities and individuals, including fines up to $2,000 per violation and defined due-process procedures.
• Establishes principal requirements for businesses, including the need for an active certified master to be connected with the business and to oversee operations.

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

Subjects

Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board