HB398 Summary

• Jefferson County Commission and municipalities wholly or partially within Jefferson County may levy an additional fee of up to $20 per residential building permit to address skilled tradesman shortage in residential construction.

• All collected fees shall be deposited into respective treasuries and distributed to the Central Alabama Homebuilding Academy for training in skilled trades including home building, framing, carpentry, electrical, plumbing, masonry, HVAC, roofing, and other construction-related trades.

• Central Alabama Homebuilding Academy must submit annual proposed operating budgets to Jefferson County Commission by October 1 for approval by December 1, with distributions to the academy limited to quarterly payments during the approved budget year.

• Academy must provide annual reports to participating governing bodies by June 1 each year including programs, activities, and audited financial statements prepared by independent certified public accountants before any funds may be distributed.

• Upon termination of the academy's operations, any remaining collected funds shall be distributed to the Alabama Construction Trade Academy Fund in the State Treasury; act becomes effective June 1, 2025.