HB511 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Scott StadthagenRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Counties and municipalities, building codes, Healthier Homes Construction Practices Act, created, authorization for installation and activities of temporary permanent electricity and temporary permanent gas under certain conditions

Summary

HB511 would create the Healthier Homes Construction Practices Act to let counties and municipalities set rules for installing and activating temporary permanent electricity and temporary permanent gas in homes under construction to improve indoor air quality.

What This Bill Does

The bill creates a new act that authorizes local governments to adopt procedures for installing and activating temporary permanent electricity or gas in new homes under construction. It requires a long list of pre-activation conditions (like securing the site, code-compliant service, completed inspections, permits, and proper equipment installation) before any temporary electricity or gas can be turned on. It also states that permanent electricity can only be supplied after all final inspections are completed and approved. An emphasis is placed on indoor air quality and proper venting and testing of systems to prevent moisture and mold issues.

Who It Affects

• Counties and municipalities that enforce building codes, who gain authority to establish and enforce the procedures for temporary permanent electricity and gas activation.
• Builders, contractors, and permittees (including licensed electrical and gas contractors and home builders) who must meet all the listed pre-activation requirements, obtain permits, and ensure systems are code-compliant before activation.

Key Provisions

• Establishes the Healthier Homes Construction Practices Act and authorizes local governments to adopt procedures for temporary permanent electricity and temporary permanent gas in new homes under construction.
• Before activating temporary electricity, requires conditions such as site security, code-compliant electrical service, all major inspections completed, drywall installed (except finishing), wired components secured, exterior outlets with GFCIs, service ready for service, equipment installed and vented, licensed builder permits, permittee requests, service in the permittee's name, and compliance with provider requirements.
• Before activating temporary gas, requires conditions including site security, gas line installation to code, gas lines not connected capped, temporary and final pressure tests, gas service certified ready for service, heating/cooling equipment installed and vented, MERV 4 return/ducting, building permit by a licensed builder or general contractor, permittee request, service in the permittee's name, and proof of complete, code-compliant gas system with required inspections.
• States that no additional requirements may be placed on contractors beyond these provisions, and that temporary electricity or gas cannot be occupied or permanently connected until final inspections are approved.
• Effective immediately upon the Governor's approval.

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

Subjects

Counties