AL
Alabama Senate Bill SB288

Alabama 2024 Regular Session

Alabama Senate Bill SB288

Introduced
4/4/24  
Introduced
4/4/24  
Report Pass
4/10/24  
Refer
4/4/24  

Caption

Building codes; Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board; Alabama Residential Building Code, authorized to be established

Impact

The introduction of SB288 is expected to significantly impact local governance and existing building regulations. By imposing a statewide standard, it may limit the ability of municipalities to enforce laws that exceed the minimum requirements set by the Alabama Residential Building Code. However, municipalities are still permitted to adopt measures that address specific local conditions, provided they do not conflict with state mandates, particularly regarding fire sprinkler systems. The requirement for local codes to align with the state standard could unify building practices but might also restrict local authorities' capacity to address unique community needs effectively.

Summary

SB288 aims to establish a comprehensive regulatory framework for residential building codes in Alabama by creating the Alabama Residential Building Code Advisory Council and defining the Alabama Residential Building Code. The bill mandates that all counties and municipalities must adopt or amend local building codes in alignment with standards set by the Alabama Residential Building Code. This centralization of building standards seeks to streamline the regulatory environment, thus enhancing safety and efficiency in residential construction across the state.

Contention

One of the notable points of contention surrounding SB288 is the regulation concerning the installation of residential fire sprinkler systems. The bill explicitly prevents local governments from adopting codes that mandate the installation of sprinklers, raising concerns regarding residential fire safety. Opponents argue that such restrictions may hinder local efforts to enhance safety regulations tailored to the risks peculiar to specific areas. Proponents, however, claim that adhering to a unified standard simplifies compliance and fosters more predictable and efficient building practices throughout Alabama.

Latest SB288 Activity

Companion Bills

AL HB198

Same As Building codes; Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board; Alabama Residential Building Code, authorized to be established

Similar Bills

AL HB214

Relating to building codes; to amend Section 27-2-39, Code of Alabama 1975, to provide for a portion of fees and taxes collected by the Department of Insurance to the Alabama Residential Building Code Fund; to designate Sections 34-14A-1 through 34-14A-20 as Article 1 of Chapter 14A of Title 34, Code of Alabama 1975; to amend Sections 34-14A-1, 34-14A-2, 34-14A-7, 34-14A-12, 34-14A-20, Code of Alabama 1975, to provide for the establishment of the Alabama Residential Building Code and its authority; to further provide for the practice of residential home building; to further provide for the duties of the Home Builders Licensure Board; to add Article 2, commencing with Section 34-14A-41, to Chapter 14A of Title 34, Code of Alabama 1975, to establish the Alabama Residential Building Code Division within the Home Builders Licensure Board and provide for its duties; to establish the Alabama Residential Building Code Fund in the State Treasury and provide for its administration; to add Article 6A, commencing of Section 41-9-175, to Chapter 9 of Title 41, Code of Alabama 1975, to establish the Alabama Residential Building Code Advisory Council and provide for its membership and duties; to amend Sections 41-23-80, 41-23-81, 41-23-82, 41-23-84, 41-23-85, Code of Alabama 1975, to provide for the change of the name of the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board to the Alabama Commercial Energy Code Board and further provide for the membership of the board; and to provide requirements for certain local building codes adopted or amended after a date certain.

AL SB136

Relating to building codes; to amend Section 27-2-39, Code of Alabama 1975, to provide for a portion of fees and taxes collected by the Department of Insurance to the Alabama Residential Building Code Fund; to designate Sections 34-14A-1 through 34-14A-20 as Article 1 of Chapter 14A of Title 34, Code of Alabama 1975; to amend Sections 34-14A-1, 34-14A-2, 34-14A-7, 34-14A-12, 34-14A-20, Code of Alabama 1975, to provide for the establishment of the Alabama Residential Building Code and its authority; to further provide for the practice of residential home building; to further provide for the duties of the Home Builders Licensure Board; to add Article 2, commencing with Section 34-14A-41, to Chapter 14A of Title 34, Code of Alabama 1975, to establish the Alabama Residential Building Code Division within the Home Builders Licensure Board and provide for its duties; to establish the Alabama Residential Building Code Fund in the State Treasury and provide for its administration; to add Article 6A, commencing of Section 41-9-175, to Chapter 9 of Title 41, Code of Alabama 1975, to establish the Alabama Residential Building Code Advisory Council and provide for its membership and duties; to amend Sections 41-23-80, 41-23-81, 41-23-82, 41-23-84, 41-23-85, Code of Alabama 1975, to provide for the change of the name of the Alabama Energy and Residential Codes Board to the Alabama Commercial Energy Code Board and further provide for the membership of the board; and to provide requirements for certain local building codes adopted or amended after a date certain.

AL HB198

Building codes; Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board; Alabama Residential Building Code, authorized to be established

AL SB246

Home building, Alabama Residential Building Code Advisory Council, established, provides for powers and authority, provides for adoption of Alabama Residential Building Code, establishes Alabama Residential Building Code Division within the Home Builders Licensure Board, Secs. 27-2-39, 34-14A-1, 34-14A-2, 34-14A-7, 34-14A-12, 34-14A-20, 41-23-80, 41-23-81, 41-23-82, 41-23-84, 41-23-85 am'd.

TX SB19

Relating to certain residential and other structures and mitigation of loss to those structures resulting from natural catastrophes; providing a criminal penalty.

GA SB503

Residential and General Contractors; the general contractor license as a commercial general contractor license; rename

TX SB1031

Relating to design, construction, renovation, and energy efficiency standards for buildings.

TX SB1340

Relating to the creation of the Energy Efficiency Council and to statewide energy efficiency; providing penalties.