Senate Bill 160 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Matt WoodsSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Athletic Trainers; interstate licensure compact, established

Summary

SB160 would adopt the Athletic Trainer Compact in Alabama, creating a framework for licensed athletic trainers to practice across member states with unified standards.

What This Bill Does

The bill adopts the Athletic Trainer Compact as Alabama law and creates the Athletic Trainer Compact Commission to administer and enforce it. It establishes eligibility and certification paths for compact privileges, including background checks and continuing competence requirements. It allows licensed athletic trainers to practice in other member states through a compact privilege, subject to each remote state's scope of practice and rules. It provides for discipline, joint investigations, data sharing, rulemaking, and funding mechanisms to run the compact and enforce its terms.

Who It Affects

• Licensed athletic trainers in Alabama (and those seeking licensure) who would be able to obtain a compact qualifying license and practice in other member states under a compact privilege, subject to background checks, continuing education, and adherence to the remote state's scope of practice.
• Alabama licensing authorities and other member states’ licensing authorities, along with the Athletic Trainer Compact Commission, which would oversee participation, enforce rules, manage a data system, handle investigations and adverse actions, and collect fees to fund the compact.

Key Provisions

• Adopts the Athletic Trainer Compact and establishes the Athletic Trainer Compact Commission to govern the compact.
• Allows a compact privilege for practice in remote states, contingent on meeting specific qualification pathways (BOC certification or CAATE-accredited education and related exam), background checks, and continuing competence.
• Requires a shared data system and joint investigations, enabling the exchange of licensure, investigation, and disciplinary information across member states; permits adverse actions and deactivation of compact privileges when warranted.
• Defines scope of practice and requires adherence to the remote state’s practice laws and supervision requirements; licensees must follow remote-state rules when practicing there.
• Authorizes funding mechanisms, including annual assessments of member states and fees for licensees, and mandates financial oversight and reporting for the compact commission.
• Provides for emergency rulemaking, public notice, and hearings; allows withdrawal or termination processes for member states with timelines and protections for licensees.
• Includes protections for active military members and spouses, and outlines enforcement, dispute resolution, and remedies across states.
• Sets the effective date of October 1, 2026, and explains how the compact becomes effective after multiple member states enact the statute.

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