HB198 Enrolled is a legislative bill that amends Alabama building codes, focusing on the establishment of the Alabama Residential Building Code and its enforcement. The bill designates new sections within the Alabama Code and repeals Article 5, which pertains to the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board. It introduces the Alabama Residential Building Code Division within the Home Builders Licensure Board, the Alabama Residential Building Code Fund, and the Alabama Residential Building Code Advisory Council. Additionally, it establishes the Alabama Commercial Energy Code Advisory Committee within the State Licensing Board for General Contractors. The bill includes insertions such as the establishment of the Alabama Residential Building Code, redefinitions of terms, and provisions for the licensure of residential roofers. It also includes deletions, such as references to the "Advisory Council" and the term "natural person," replacing it with "individual."

The bill grants the board authority to adopt the Alabama Residential Building Code and the Alabama Residential Energy Code, which will be enforced by local jurisdictions and will not supersede local codes in effect as of January 1, 2027. It allows local amendments to the standards based on local conditions, specifies exemptions for agricultural buildings, and outlines the authority of county commissions regarding building laws and codes. The bill also establishes the Alabama Construction Trade Academy Fund to support construction trade education and mandates annual reporting to the Legislature on program outcomes. Furthermore, it introduces new building code requirements effective January 1, 2027, and prohibits certain restrictions on residential fire sprinkler systems. The bill details the establishment and responsibilities of the Alabama Residential Building Code Council and the Alabama Commercial Energy Code Advisory Committee, including their structure, terms, and diversity of membership. The bill requires the proposed Alabama Commercial Energy Code to be submitted by December 31, 2025, and specifies that the bill will become effective on October 1, 2024, with amendments made by the Senate and concurred by the House.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 34-14A-1, 34-14A-2, 34-14A-7, 34-14A-12, 34-14A-20, 34-14A-12, 34-14A-12, 34-14A-41
Engrossed: 34-14A-1, 34-14A-2, 34-14A-7, 34-14A-12, 34-14A-20, 34-14A-12, 34-14A-12, 34-14A-41
Enrolled: 34-14A-1, 34-14A-2, 34-14A-7, 34-14A-12, 34-14A-20, 34-14A-12, 34-14A-12, 34-14A-41