The bill amends the Code of Alabama 1975 to enhance the regulation of well drillers and related activities under the Alabama Department of Environmental Management. Key changes include the introduction of new definitions such as "cathodic protection well," "geothermal well," and "monitoring well," while outdated terms are removed. The licensing requirements now encompass not only water wells but also monitoring wells, geothermal wells, and cathodic protection wells, along with the installation, maintenance, and repair of pumps. The bill establishes a two-year licensure period for well drillers, replacing the previous annual requirement, and mandates continuing education for licensees. It also increases licensing fees and empowers the Environmental Management Commission to adopt rules for implementation, ensuring stakeholder consultation before any changes.

Additionally, the bill introduces a new fee structure for drilling activities, with unrestricted licenses costing $1,000 and restricted licenses at $500, alongside a business license fee of $500. Licenses must be renewed annually, with a delinquency fee for late renewals. The bill modifies the process for refusing, suspending, or revoking licenses, transferring authority to the department, and outlines responsibilities for licensed drillers, including posting a current license sticker and submitting well completion certification forms. It also establishes a fee cap for well usage based on purpose and allows for electronic payment, with funds directed to the Environmental Management Fund. Penalties for violations are updated, replacing previous misdemeanor classifications with fines as per the Alabama Environmental Management Act, and all current rules remain effective until amended or repealed, with the bill set to take effect on October 1, 2026.