SB158 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Bobby D. SingletonSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Lead reduction, Alabama Lead Reduction Act, lead abatement and further regulation of lead hazard reductions, Secs. 22-37A-2 to 22-37A-7, inclusive, am'd.

Summary

SB158 strengthens Alabama's lead hazard reductions by tightening rules, expanding enforcement, and increasing penalties.

What This Bill Does

It broadens definitions for lead abatement, accredited workers, and lead hazard reduction activities, and gives the State Board of Health greater authority to certify workers, set standards, and enforce compliance. It creates Safe State as the approved accrediting body, maintains a registry of trained workers, and allows fees and grants to support certification and training. It increases civil and criminal penalties for violations and allows penalties to be collected through circuit court proceedings, all aimed at reducing lead exposure in homes and public buildings.

Who It Affects

• Lead hazard reduction contractors and firms must become certified, complete approved training, register with Safe State, follow removal procedures, and could face decertification or higher penalties for violations.
• Property owners, managers of rental and public buildings, and occupants must comply with lead hazard reduction standards, receive required information before renovations, and may face inspections, enforcement actions, and penalties for noncompliance.

Key Provisions

• Defines key terms (abatement, accredited individual, lead hazard reduction activities, etc.) and clarifies the scope of the act.
• Transfers certification and enforcement powers to the State Board of Health, including certifying/decertifying workers, enforcing rules, educating owners/occupants, and overseeing lead hazard programs.
• Designates Safe State (University of Alabama) as the state accrediting and training body, creates a registry of accredited individuals, and requires Safe State registration and board certification before performing lead hazard work.
• Imposes a tiered civil penalty structure (up to $250/day first violation, up to $500/day second, up to $2,500/day with a $5,000 cap for third+), allows injunctive relief, and establishes the Lead Reduction Fund to receive penalties and fees; also adds criminal penalties (Class A misdemeanor).
• Allows the board to pursue civil penalties in circuit court (Section 7.1) and authorizes the board to adopt rules, issue guidelines, charge reasonable fees, and coordinate with other agencies to carry out lead hazard reduction.

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

Subjects

Lead Reduction