HB69 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Matthew HammettRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Alabama Department of Environmental Management; water well drillers, license types and fees revised

Summary

HB69 updates Alabama's water well licensing by creating two license types, extending the license period to two years, increasing fees, and adding ongoing education and reporting requirements.

What This Bill Does

Creates two types of water well licenses (an Unrestricted Well Driller's License and a Restricted License for specific wells or pump work). Extends the license period to two years starting October 1, 2026, with fees set at $1,000 for unrestricted licenses and $500 for restricted licenses (plus a $500 business license fee). Adds a continuing education requirement of eight hours per renewal beginning October 1, 2028 and allows EMS to adopt rules to implement these changes, including well completion certification fees. Requires pre-drilling notices, posted licenses at the work site, reporting of well completions within 30 days, and submission of logs and samples to the State Geological Survey, with related fees deposited into the Environmental Management Fund.

Who It Affects

• Water well drillers and drilling businesses would need to obtain or renew an EMA license every two years (with the new fee structure), post their license at work sites, file notices to drill, and complete continuing education.
• Local health authorities and the State Geological Survey would receive well completion data, logs, and samples, and would be involved in enforcement and administration of fees and reporting under the Environmental Management Fund.

Key Provisions

• Two license types: Unrestricted Well Driller's License and Restricted License with scope limits
• Licenses valid for two years beginning October 1, 2026 (previously annual)
• Fee schedule: unrestricted license $1,000; restricted license $500; business license $500
• Continuation education requirement: eight hours per renewal beginning October 1, 2028 (with grace period to complete)
• Pre-drilling notice, on-site license posting, and completion reporting (within 30 days) with logs and samples to State Geological Survey
• Well completion certification fees up to $1,000 based on use; $250 cap for single-family residences/duplex; fees deposited to Environmental Management Fund
• Enforcement provisions and penalties for violations; misdemeanors with daily fines

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 12, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Occupational Licensing Boards