HB163 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chip BrownRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to building codes; to authorize the use of certain refrigerants and refrigerant-equipped products that are in compliance with the National Clean Air Act.

Summary

HB163 authorizes the use of federally accepted substitute refrigerants in Alabama building codes and requires safe listing and installation of equipment using them.

What This Bill Does

The bill prevents state and local building codes from prohibiting or restricting substitute refrigerants that comply with the National Clean Air Act. It requires that heating, ventilation, air conditioning, or refrigeration equipment using these refrigerants be listed and installed according to safety standards and conditions tied to their designation. It becomes effective on the first day of the third month after passage and Governor approval, or otherwise becomes law.

Who It Affects

• Local and state building code officials and authorities, who must not restrict federally compliant substitute refrigerants or refrigerant-equipped products.
• HVAC manufacturers, installers, and building owners/operators who use or install equipment with substitute refrigerants, who must ensure proper listing and safe installation per the designation's safety standards.

Key Provisions

• Prohibits any state or local building code, or other law or rule, from prohibiting or limiting substitute refrigerants or substitute refrigerant-equipped products compliant with the National Clean Air Act.
• Requires equipment containing such refrigerants to be listed and installed in accordance with all applicable safety standards and use conditions under the designation; sets the act's effective date as the first day of the third month after passage and 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.