The proposed bill establishes the Office of Occupational and Professional Licensing within the Alabama Department of Workforce, adding Chapter 2A to Title 25 of the Code of Alabama 1975. This new office will oversee various occupational and professional licensing boards, ensuring public health, safety, and welfare by licensing qualified individuals and enforcing professional conduct standards. The bill outlines the office's structure, including the appointment of an executive director and deputy directors, and allows for necessary staff employment. It also creates the Occupational and Professional Licensing Fund to manage the financial aspects of the office and the boards. Additionally, the bill amends Section 41-20-5 of the Code of Alabama 1975 to facilitate the transfer of agencies to the new office as recommended by the Sunset Committee, ensuring that existing licenses and rules remain in effect until amended or repealed.

Moreover, the bill empowers the executive director to issue or deny temporary licenses and to temporarily renew licenses, with the requirement that these decisions be reviewed by the respective board at their next meeting. It mandates that any rules adopted by the boards must receive approval from the executive director before certification, ensuring compliance with the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act. The bill clarifies that it does not invalidate existing laws, such as the Military Family Jobs Opportunity Act, and establishes that its provisions are cumulative. It also specifies that legislative committee reviews of enumerated agencies will occur in the year prior to their scheduled termination, with recommendations for their future due by the first legislative day following the review. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2026.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 25-2A-1, 25-2A-2, 25-2A-3, 25-2A-4, 25-2A-5, 25-2A-6, 25-2A-7, 25-2A-8, 25-2A-6, 25-2A-9, 25-2A-10, 25-2A-11, 41-22-6, 41-22-5, 25-2A-12, 31-1-6, 25-2A-13, 41-20-5
Engrossed: 25-2A-1, 25-2A-2, 25-2A-3, 25-2A-4, 25-2A-5, 25-2A-6, 25-2A-7, 25-2A-8, 25-2A-6, 25-2A-9, 25-2A-10, 25-2A-11, 41-22-6, 41-22-5, 25-2A-12, 31-1-6, 25-2A-13, 41-20-5