The bill HB270 Engrossed amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the regulation of water well drillers by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. Key changes include redefining terms, such as replacing "board" with "Environmental Management Commission" and "director" with "department." The bill establishes a two-year licensure period for water well 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 license renewals. Additionally, it allows the commission to adopt a fee schedule for water well completion certifications, with fees not exceeding $1,000 based on the well's intended use, and permits electronic payment of these fees.

The bill also clarifies that licensing requirements extend to all underground drilling activities and introduces two types of licenses: an Unrestricted Water Well Driller's License and a Restricted License for specialized tasks. It outlines conditions for license refusal, suspension, or revocation, and emphasizes that all drillers must be licensed and comply with operational requirements. The penalties for non-compliance have been modified, replacing previous misdemeanor classifications with new stipulations for violations. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, ensuring that existing rules of the Department of Environmental Management remain in effect until amended or repealed.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