SB215 Alabama 2023 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Kirk HatcherSenator

Democrat

Session

Regular Session 2023

Title

Relating to building codes; to create the Healthier Homes Construction Practices Act; to authorize counties and municipalities to adopt procedures for the installation and activation of temporary-permanent electricity or temporary-permanent gas under certain conditions; and to provide certain requirements for the activation.

Summary

SB215 creates the Healthier Homes Construction Practices Act, letting local governments set rules for installing temporary-permanent electricity or gas in homes under construction, with safety and inspection requirements before any permanent utility can be connected.

What This Bill Does

If passed, the act would authorize counties and municipalities to adopt procedures for the installation and activation of temporary-permanent electricity or gas in homes under construction. It outlines specific readiness and safety requirements that must be met before activation, such as securing the site, code-compliant electrical or gas work, completed inspections, proper permits, and equipment installed per manufacturer and code specifications; it also prohibits occupancy until final inspections are done and may require septic plans if sewer is not available. The act states no additional requirements may be placed on contractors beyond these rules, and it takes effect a few months after passage.

Who It Affects

• Local governments (counties and municipalities) that regulate building codes would gain authority to adopt and enforce procedures for temporary-permanent electricity or gas during construction.
• Builders, licensed residential builders or general contractors, and the permittees who apply for temporary-permanent electricity or gas would need to meet the listed safety, permitting, and inspection requirements before activation.

Key Provisions

• Authorizes counties and municipalities to adopt procedures for the installation and activation of temporary-permanent electricity or temporary-permanent gas in dwellings under construction in accordance with the International Residential Code.
• Before activation of temporary-permanent electricity, the jurisdiction may require conditions such as securing the structure, code-compliant electrical service, completed rough inspections, drywall installed (except finishing), electrical wires secured, exterior outlets with GFCI and at least one exterior outlet, electrical service ready for service, heating/cooling installed and vented, permits held by a licensed residential home builder or general contractor, a permittee-initiated request for temporary-permanent electricity, service in the permittee's name, and compliance with the electric provider’s requirements.
• Before activation of temporary-permanent gas, the jurisdiction may require conditions such as securing the structure, gas line installation per codes, capped unconnected gas lines, temporary and final pressure tests, gas service certified ready for service, heating/cooling installed and vented, return air with a MERV 4 filter, permits held by a licensed builder or contractor, a permittee-initiated request for temporary-permanent gas, gas service in the permittee's name, and proof that the gas system is complete, code compliant, and has passed required inspections.
• No additional requirements may be placed on the contractor beyond those specified for temporary-permanent electricity or gas.
• Temporary-permanent electricity or gas may not be occupied; permanent service may be connected only after all final inspections are completed.
• If sewer service is not available, the request for temporary-permanent electricity or gas must be accompanied by approved septic system plans and permits from the local health department.
• The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and approval.

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