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 the redefinition of terms, replacing "BOARD" with "Environmental Management Commission" and "DIRECTOR" with "Alabama Department of Environmental Management." The bill establishes a two-year licensure period for drillers, increases licensing fees, and mandates continuing education for licensees. It introduces two types of licenses—Unrestricted Water Well Driller's License and Restricted License—each with specific authorizations and emphasizes the need for supervision by licensed individuals during drilling operations. The bill also allows the Environmental Management Commission to adopt rules and a fee schedule for water well completion certifications, streamlining the regulatory process.

Additionally, the bill modifies the fee structure for water well completion certifications, allowing the commission to set fees up to $1,000 based on the well's intended use, with a cap of $250 for single-family residences or duplexes. It also permits electronic payment of these fees, which will be deposited into the Environmental Management Fund. The bill changes the penalties for non-compliance, replacing previous misdemeanor classifications with penalties outlined in the Environmental Management Act. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, and includes provisions for license renewals, continuing education requirements, and conditions for license denial or revocation.

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