Senate Bill 279 Alabama 2026 Session

Summary

Primary Sponsor

Clyde ChamblissSenator

Republican

Session

2026 Regular Session

Title

General Contractor Licensing Board; practice of general contracting, exemption expanded

Summary

SB279 would broaden the exemptions from Alabama's general contracting licensing rules to cover several routine services and update subcontractor licensing, with the changes taking effect October 1, 2026.

What This Bill Does

It adds painting, janitorial, waxing floor, pressure washing, maintenance of security systems, lighting and filter replacement, and maintenance of existing plumbing, HVAC, and electrical systems to the list of exemptions from general contracting licensure. It also reaffirms exemptions for work on private residences or on property owned by individuals, with protections against municipal rules that would restrict these exemptions. It creates new rules for subcontractors, including lower fee requirements, no bid limits, and specific licensing documentation and references, while allowing bidding before licensing but requiring licensure before starting work; it also notes that swimming pool contractors are generally excluded from these exemptions, except when the pool is being built on the owner's property.

Who It Affects

• General contractors and subcontracting firms (and the clients who hire them), who would see fewer tasks require a general contractor license and would face new or adjusted licensing requirements for subcontractors.
• Property owners and private builders who perform work on their own property, who would be exempt from general contracting licensure for many listed tasks, provided the work complies with the law and there are protections against local restrictions.

Key Provisions

• Adds painting, janitorial services, floor stripping/waxing, pressure washing, maintenance of security/access systems, lighting and filter replacement, and maintenance of existing plumbing, air conditioning, and electrical systems to the exemptions from the general contracting licensing requirements.
• Clarifies exemptions for work on private residences and on property owned by individuals, and restricts municipal laws from overturning these exemptions; swimming pool contractors are generally excluded unless the pool is being built on the owner's property.
• Establishes subcontractor provisions: they pay half the general contractor fees, no bid limits, must provide financial statements and three references, may bid before licensing but must be licensed before starting work, and their license denotes subcontractor status with no requirement to take an exam.
• Effective date set for October 1, 2026, with sections detailing the exemptions and licensing adjustments becoming operative on that date.

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