SB229 Summary

• Establishes the Alabama Home Inspectors Licensure Board to license and regulate home inspectors and exterior insulation and finish systems (EIFS) inspectors, replacing the prior Division of Construction Management licensing authority.

• Board consists of nine members: two licensed real estate brokers, two licensed home builders, two licensed home inspectors, two public members, and one building official or inspector, appointed by the Governor, Senate President Pro Tempore, and House Speaker with staggered three-year terms.

• Applicants must demonstrate citizenship, character, financial condition, professional qualifications, insurance coverage, and understanding of standards of practice through written examination; initial license fees capped at $500 and renewable annually.

• Makes unlicensed practice of home or EIFS inspections a Class A misdemeanor and voids any inspection contracts entered into by unlicensed persons; requires licensees to maintain insurance and register all business names with the board.

• Creates the Alabama Home Inspectors Licensure Fund from collected fees and fines (up to $1,000 administrative penalties); board subject to Alabama Sunset Law with termination date of October 1, 2023, and every four years thereafter unless renewed.