HB594 Alabama 2025 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Neil RaffertyRepresentative

Democrat

Session

2025 Regular Session

Title

Alabama Board of Examiners of Landscape Architects, definitions, fees, examination requirements, and reciprocity provisions revised; role of the Council of Landscape Architectural Registration Boards (CLARB) provided

Summary

HB594 updates Alabama's landscape architecture licensing rules by clarifying definitions, updating exams and fees, adding reciprocity with CLARB and other states, and updating language, effective October 1, 2025.

What This Bill Does

Clarifies definitions and scope of practice for landscape architecture, including the roles of the board and CLARB. Updates licensure exams (to be developed by CLARB, with possible digital formats) and creates a reciprocity pathway for out-of-state and foreign licensees; the old reciprocity rules are repealed. Adjusts the fee schedule, updates education/experience requirements for licensure, and requires a continuing education program; the act takes effect on October 1, 2025.

Who It Affects

• Prospective and current Alabama landscape architects: changes to education/experience requirements, licensing process, continuing education requirements, and new or revised fees.
• Landscape architects licensed in other states or countries seeking Alabama licensure: new reciprocity pathway and standards for qualification, with CLARB involvement in exam administration.

Key Provisions

• Defines key terms (board, CLARB, landscape architect, landscape architecture) and clarifies scope of practice, including what is and is not considered landscape architecture.
• Establishes licensing examinations to be held at least annually; exams may be digital and developed by CLARB; boards may include oral examinations.
• Creates a reciprocity framework allowing licensure by reciprocity from other states/countries if qualifications are substantially equivalent and recognition is similar to Alabama's licenses; repeals the previous reciprocity statute (34-17-23).
• Updates the fee schedule: application $150; exam/reexamination fees set by the board to cover costs; original/duplicate certificates $50; annual license $150; delinquent $50; reinstatement $300; inactive $75; and a $150 fee for supplemental exam attestation/recording.
• Alters education/experience requirements to license landscape architects, including paths based on degrees (or approved equivalents), combined education/experience, and possible exceptions for long practical experience; includes provisions for eight years of experience as an alternative path if started before August 1, 2012.
• Requires the board to adopt a continuing education program with minimum annual requirements; continuing education is not a licensing test.
• Authorizes non-substantive, technical revisions to update language to current style; effective date is October 1, 2025.

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