SB222 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Linda Coleman-MadisonSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2022

Title

Landscape Architects, Board of Examiners of, use of the landscape architect title, by individuals and certain business entities, Secs. 34-17-4, 34-17-7, 34-17-24, 34-17-25 am'd.

Summary

SB222 updates Alabama's landscape architecture licensing rules by allowing certain firms to use the title with board authorization, strengthening enforcement, and adding new options and fees for license maintenance.

What This Bill Does

It clarifies that individuals must be licensed to practice landscape architecture and that corporations or partnerships cannot be licensed themselves, but may obtain a certificate of authorization to use the title 'landscape architect' in connection with their business name if they meet conditions such as having a licensed landscape architect in charge and ensuring all practicing staff are licensed. It gives the board power to seek injunctive relief in court against violations of the licensing law. It adds rules for license maintenance, including active, inactive, and reinstatement processes, along with associated fees and continuing education requirements. It creates a detailed fee schedule and delinquency penalties to support licensing operations.

Who It Affects

• Individual landscape architects: must maintain an active license, pay annual fees, may place their license in inactive status, and must meet continuing education requirements for reinstatement; penalties apply for misusing the title or letting licenses lapse.
• Corporations, partnerships, and other business entities that practice landscape architecture: may use the title 'landscape architect' only if they obtain a certificate of authorization and meet conditions (designated responsible landscape architect in charge, all practicing staff licensed, and board oversight).

Key Provisions

• Corporations/partnerships may use the title 'landscape architect' only with a board-issued certificate of authorization, and must have a designated landscape architect in charge and licensed staff.
• The board can file for injunctive relief in court against violations, with potential fines up to $5,000 per offense plus costs.
• License maintenance rules: annual license fee due January 1; delinquency after January 31; $50 per year delinquent penalty; possible suspension after March 15 if unpaid; reinstatement allowed within five years with renewal, continuing education, and payment of due fees and penalties (five-year limit requires new application).
• Inactive status option: licenses may be placed in inactive status with an annual fee; reactivation requires renewal, current fee, and one year of continuing education credits.
• Fee schedule includes: $150 application fee, exam fees up to actual cost, $50 for original and duplicate certificates, $150 annual license fee, $50 delinquent penalty, $150 supplemental exam fee, $300 reinstatement fee, and $75 inactive status fee.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after signing (July 1, 2022).

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

Subjects

Landscape Architects, Alabama Board of Examiners of