House Bill 195 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Matthew HammettRepresentative

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

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

Summary

HB195 would overhaul Alabama's water-well licensing by creating two license types, raising fees, extending licensure to two years, and authorizing implementing rules.

What This Bill Does

It creates two licensure categories: an unrestricted well driller license for broad drilling and pump work, and a restricted license for limited drilling or pump activities. Licenses would last two years starting October 1, 2026, with fees of $1,000 for the unrestricted license and $500 for the restricted license, plus a separate $500 business license fee; renewals occur on October 1 with a delinquency penalty of $20 per month. Beginning October 1, 2028, licensees must complete eight hours of continuing education per renewal, with a grace period to finish by March 31 after the new license period starts. The Environmental Management Commission would adopt implementing rules, including fees for water well completion certifications, while existing rules would continue until amended.

Who It Affects

• Water well drillers and drilling companies would need to obtain and maintain either an unrestricted or restricted license, pay higher fees, and meet continuing education requirements.
• Public health and environmental oversight bodies, including the Alabama Department of Environmental Management, the Environmental Management Commission, local health authorities, and the State Geological Survey, would administer, enforce, and report on licensing, well completions, and related activities.

Key Provisions

• Creates two license types: unrestricted well driller license and restricted license to cover specific wells or related work.
• Licenses can be issued to individuals or to a business; a business license requires a licensed principal employee listed on the entity's license.
• Licenses are valid for two years starting October 1, 2026; unrestricted license fee $1,000; restricted license fee $500; separate $500 business license fee; renewal on October 1 with delinquency at December 31 and $20/month late fee.
• Initial license exams apply for new individual licensees; license fee for new licensees prorated monthly for the balance of the period.
• Eight hours of continuing education required per renewal beginning October 1, 2028, with a grace period to complete by March 31 after the new period starts.
• Violations can lead to license denial, suspension, or revocation; penalties include misdemeanor charges and fines of $100-$500 per violation, with daily increments for ongoing violations.
• Licensee must display the current license at the drill site; must file an intent to drill before starting; must file a well completion certification form after completion; notification to local health authorities for potable/agricultural wells; logs and samples must be provided to the State Geological Survey; fees for completion certifications may be up to $1,000 (resident specifics vary) and deposited into the Environmental Management Fund.
• The Environmental Management Commission may adopt implementing rules; existing rules under Division 9 Title 335 continue until amended.
• Effective date is October 1, 2026.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 11, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.

Subjects

Occupational Licensing Boards