Senate Bill 113 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Chris ElliottSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Alabama Behavior Analyst Licensing Board, continued under Sunset Law as Behavior Analyst Advisory Board under Department of Mental Health

Summary

SB113 would continue the Alabama Behavior Analyst Licensing Board, rename it the Alabama Behavior Analyst Advisory Council under the Department of Mental Health, and extend its operation to October 1, 2027 with the department taking regulatory authority over licensed behavior analysts and licensed assistant behavior analysts.

What This Bill Does

The bill preserves the existing board framework but places it within the Department of Mental Health as an advisory council that oversees the practice of behavior analysis. It creates a seven-member advisory council with specified composition, appoints responsibilities, and requires the department to provide administrative and other support. It updates licensing rules, background checks, renewal processes, reciprocity, temporary licenses, and disciplinary powers (fines, suspension, revocation) for licensees, and transfers all relevant records and property to the department. It repeals the prior sunset review mechanism, shifting ongoing oversight from the Sunset Committee to the department, and directs the act to take effect immediately.

Who It Affects

• Licensed behavior analysts and licensed assistant behavior analysts will be regulated by the Department of Mental Health through the advisory council, including licensure, renewal, supervision, and disciplinary processes.
• Public clients and consumers of behavior-analytic services will gain state-regulated oversight and protections through updated rules, a public member on the advisory council, and enhanced accountability.

Key Provisions

• Renames the Alabama Behavior Analyst Licensing Board to the Alabama Behavior Analyst Advisory Council and places it within the Department of Mental Health to regulate licensees.
• Transfers all records, property, and administrative functions to the department and establishes the Alabama Behavior Analyst Advisory Council Fund to finance operations; requires budgetary controls and payroll through state processes.
• Creates a seven-member advisory council (four licensed analysts, one state-licensed psychologist, one parent/guardian, and one public member) with defined terms and appointment processes to ensure diversity; requires staff, meeting provisions, and rulemaking authority.
• Sets licensing requirements (criminal background checks, ongoing national certifications, supervision for assistants, and reciprocity provisions) and a two-year license cycle with renewal and reinstatement options; authorizes disciplinary actions (fines, censure, suspension, revocation) for violations.
• Repeals the former sunset review provision (34-5A-8) and makes the act effective immediately.

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