Senate Bill 215 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Tim MelsonSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

Home Builders Licensure Board; proof of liability insurance, signature and attestation requirements of required disclosures, further provided

Summary

SB215 changes how Alabama home builders disclose liability insurance to homeowners by adjusting signature and witness rules and setting an Oct. 1, 2026 effective date.

What This Bill Does

Before construction, a builder must disclose whether they have liability insurance. If the builder confirms coverage, the disclosure can be signed by both parties without a witness (signatures may be electronic). If the builder does not have coverage, the disclosure must be signed by both parties and attested by a witness chosen by the homeowner, with in-person attestation. The disclosure can be included in the original contract or as a separate addendum and must be provided prior to starting construction. If a builder fails to follow these rules, it is a violation enforceable by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board.

Who It Affects

• Residential home builders in Alabama: must follow the new sign-off rules based on whether they have liability insurance; insured builders can use a witness-free, potentially electronic signing process, while uninsured builders must have in-person signatures with a homeowner-selected witness; noncompliance can trigger board penalties.
• Homeowners/homebuyers: must sign the disclosure; in insured cases they may sign electronically, while in uninsured cases they must sign in person and obtain a homeowner-selected witness; they also participate in attestation when no insurance is reported.

Key Provisions

• Disclosures may be included as part of the original contract or as a separate addendum.
• If the builder has liability insurance, the disclosure may be signed or initialed by the builder and homeowner without a witness, and signatures may be electronic.
• If the builder does not have liability insurance, the disclosure must be signed by the builder and homeowner and attested by one witness selected by the homeowner, with in-person attestation.
• Failure to comply with these provisions is a violation punishable by the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board under Section 34-14A-8.
• The act becomes effective October 1, 2026.

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

Subjects

Authorities, Boards, & Commissions