The bill HB270 Engrossed amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the regulation and licensing of water well drillers and related underground drilling activities. Key changes include redefining terms, such as replacing "BOARD" with "Environmental Management Commission" and introducing new definitions like "LICENSEE." The scope of the chapter is expanded to encompass various underground drilling activities, while explicitly excluding quarry blast holes and mineral prospecting. The bill establishes a two-year licensure period for drillers, introduces new licensing fees—$1,000 for an unrestricted license and $500 for restricted and business entity licenses—and mandates continuing education requirements for licensees.

Additionally, the bill modifies the authority responsible for licensing actions, replacing "board" with "department" in several sections, and outlines grounds for refusing, suspending, or revoking licenses. It specifies that individuals whose licenses have been revoked cannot reapply for a new license within one year unless they demonstrate good cause. The bill also introduces a fee structure for water well completion certifications, allowing the commission to set fees based on the well's intended use, with a maximum fee of $250 for single-family residences. Furthermore, it updates penalties for non-compliance, removing previous misdemeanor classifications and fines, and stipulating that violations are subject to penalties under the Environmental Management Act. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, with existing rules remaining in effect until amended or repealed.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 22-24-1, 22-24-2, 22-24-3, 22-24-4, 22-24-5, 22-24-7, 22-24-8, 22-24-11
Engrossed: 22-24-1, 22-24-2, 22-24-3, 22-24-4, 22-24-5, 22-24-7, 22-24-8, 22-24-11