SB304 Alabama 2022 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kirk HatcherSenator

Democrat

Co-Sponsors

Will BarfootWilliam “Bill” M. BeasleyLinda Coleman-MadisonVivian Davis FiguresGarlan GudgerSteve LivingstonBobby D. Singleton

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, 34-37-8, 34-37-12 am'd.

Summary

SB304 updates Alabama's Plumbers and Gas Fitters Examining Board with residential-focused definitions, new board members, emergency endorsements, continuing education, expanded exam options, apprentice ratios, and stronger disciplinary and statewide certification rules.

What This Bill Does

It defines residential dwelling and residential jobsite and adds master plumber and master gas fitter seats to the board, including roles focused on residential work. It allows emergency certificates of endorsement during declared emergencies for out-of-state licensees and lets the board require continuing education with approved courses. It expands examination options for journeyman plumbers and gas fitters (oral, written, or other board-approved methods) and sets apprentice-to-journeyman/master ratios (at least 3 apprentices per journeyman/master on non-residential jobsites and at least 5 on residential jobsites). It strengthens the board's disciplinary authority, requires statewide certification (preempting local certifications), and updates related rules and language.

Who It Affects

• Licensed plumbers, gas fitters, medical gas piping fitters, apprentices, and related professionals in Alabama, who gain new definitions, board composition, education requirements, and expanded exam options that affect licensing and ongoing compliance.
• Contractors, business owners, and local governments in Alabama, who must register entities with the board, display the business name on vehicles, follow new apprentice ratios, and comply with statewide certification and disciplinary processes.

Key Provisions

• Adds definitions for residential dwelling and residential jobsite; expands definitions for apprentice, journeyman, master plumber, and master gas fitter.
• Adds master plumber and master gas fitter as board members (including seats for residential-focused work).
• Allows emergency certificates of endorsement during declared emergencies for out-of-state licensees; endorsements valid for the emergency duration, up to 60 days.
• Empowers the board to adopt continuing education requirements; may approve courses/providers and set related fees.
• Expands examination options for journeyman plumbers/gas fitters to include oral, written, or other board-approved methods; exams administered by an independent agency.
• Establishes apprentice-to-journeyman/master ratios: at least 3 apprentices per journeyman/master on non-residential sites; at least 5 on residential sites.
• Clarifies and strengthens the board's disciplinary authority, including suspension/revocation of certificates, fines up to $2,000 per violation, restitution, and due process for hearings.
• Requires statewide certification and preempts local certification requirements; mandates display of the business name on vehicles and defines registration requirements for entities and principals.
• Specifies medical gas piping certification requirements for those performing such work and supervision rules for apprentices in medical gas piping.
• Effective date: the act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage; the board may implement rules for emergency endorsements.

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