HB130 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Neil RaffertyRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Sunset Law; Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists continued with modification until October 1, 2027

Summary

HB130 keeps the Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists in place through October 1, 2027 and updates how its members are selected and rotated, including district-based representation and diversity goals.

What This Bill Does

It extends the board’s existence to 2027 and changes member appointments to require representation from each congressional district starting in 2025. The seven-member board will consist of licensed professional geologists (after the initial board) with deliberate diversity, and terms are three years with staggered starts and a limit of two consecutive terms. Vacancies must be filled within 90 days, governors can remove members for specified reasons, and the board can hire staff, reimburse expenses, and form committees.

Who It Affects

• Licensed professional geologists in Alabama, who may serve on the board and must be licensed geologists after the initial board.
• The Governor and nominating bodies, who will appoint seven board members from nominees and must ensure district-based representation and diversity.
• Geology-related employers and institutions (universities, government agencies, mining, petroleum, environmental and engineering firms, independent consultants) that interact with the board for licensing and oversight.

Key Provisions

• Continues the Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists until October 1, 2027 and preserves the existing code sections governing the board.
• Beginning June 1, 2025, requires board membership to include one member from each congressional district; the board will have seven members who must be licensed geologists after the initial appointment; initial board members come from various professional subgroups (academia, government, business, mining, petroleum, geotechnical engineering, environmental engineering, independent consultants).
• Terms are three years, with staggered start terms for the initial members (one year for two members, two years for two members, three years for three members); no member may serve more than two consecutive three-year terms and terms expire September 30 of the year scheduled.
• Vacancies must be filled within 90 days; the Governor appoints new or reappointed members from nominees submitted by the board; the Governor may remove members for neglect of duty, unexcused absences, malfeasance, violation of the chapter, or felony/moral turpitude.
• Board members receive per diem and mileage reimbursement; the board can hire staff, set compensation, and appoint committees to assist in its functions.

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