HB235 Alabama 2024 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Craig LipscombRepresentative

Republican

Session

Regular Session 2024

Title

Scope of practice of architecture and duties of board

Summary

HB235 updates Alabama's architecture licensing law to clarify the board's duties, regulate architectural practice by firms, and modernize the code language.

What This Bill Does

HB235 amends sections 34-2-33 to 34-2-41, repeals 34-2-42, and adds 34-2-43 to govern the Alabama Board for Registration of Architects. It allows architectural work by entities only if controlling individuals meet credential rules (two-thirds architects or engineers authorized in Alabama, with at least one Alabama-registered architect) and if a responsible Alabama-registered architect oversees the work and signs documents. It strengthens disciplinary tools (cease-and-desist orders, fines up to 5,000 per day and up to 25,000 per violation) and creates civil and criminal penalties for violations, with due process and appeals. It also creates emeritus status for long-time retirees, establishes continuing education requirements, and reorganizes board governance, funding, and public entity rosters, while implementing a sunset provision and removing the annual reporting requirement.

Who It Affects

• Licensed architects in Alabama who must meet renewal, seal, continuing education, and disciplinary rules and may qualify for emeritus status.
• Architectural firms and other entities (corporations, professional corporations, professional associations, partnerships, LLCs) that practice architecture and must meet ownership/control rules, obtain board approval, maintain a roster, and pay annual fees.

Key Provisions

• Updates to Sections 34-2-33 through 34-2-41; repeal of 34-2-42; addition of 34-2-43 Sunset; effective October 1, 2024.
• Entity practice rules: two-thirds of controlling persons must be registered architects or professional engineers (or both) with at least one Alabama-registered architect; responsible control by an Alabama-registered architect; entity must seal documents and provide annual information and fees up to 250; public roster maintained.
• Registration/testing: NCARB qualifications or alternatives; board or approved agency administers exams; exam costs paid by applicant; qualifications determined by board by majority vote.
• Discipline and penalties: cease-and-desist, reprimands, fines up to 5,000 per day (not to exceed 25,000 per violation); license suspension or revocation; defined grounds for action; notices by certified mail and hearing rights; civil penalties and enforcement through Attorney General; appeals to Circuit Court.
• Emeritus status and continuing education: emeritus status for eligible architects with waived renewal; continuing education program required; board may prescribe methods and penalties for noncompliance.
• Board governance and funding: six-member board from districts; four-year terms; general rules, seal, and ongoing funding from the Board fund; per diem and expense reimbursements; sunset law applicability; effective date October 1, 2024.

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

Subjects

Occupational Licensing Boards