HB326 - Alabama Construction Trade Academy Funding Act

• Establishes the Alabama Construction Trade Academy Fund in the State Treasury, comprised of federal, state, and private funding for expansion of construction trade education.

• Requires the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board to develop a statewide program providing educational grants to public and private construction trade schools serving high school, postsecondary, and adult learners.

• Designates the Energy Division of the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to administer the program under board supervision, with no more than 15 percent of fund monies reserved for administrative costs.

• Eligible projects include mobile demonstration units, tool and supply grants, incentives for new construction trade courses (prioritizing carpentry), and adult education initiatives serving underserved areas.

• Requires applicants to demonstrate implementation capacity, positive impact on construction trade education, private sector matching support (minimum 10 percent from non-governmental sources), and establish advisory councils with at least three active trade representatives; funded projects must continue for a minimum of five years.