Bill > HB335

This bill addresses the shortage of skilled tradesmen in Alabama's residential construction industry by establishing a mechanism for counties and municipalities to collect an additional $20 fee on construction-related permits, with all proceeds going to the Alabama Construction Trade Academy Fund. The bill modifies existing law to expand the fund's capabilities, allowing it to receive federal, state, and private funding for construction trade education, and creates more robust guidelines for distributing and managing these funds. Key changes include allowing the board to award grants to programs recognized by the Alabama Home Builders Foundation, extending advisory council member terms from one to three years, requiring detailed reporting on funded projects, and establishing stricter accountability measures such as requiring recipients to submit annual operating budgets and financial statements. The bill aims to support the development of construction trade education programs by providing funding for tools, supplies, mobile facilities, and other educational initiatives, with a particular focus on addressing the shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry. The additional permit fees and fund management provisions are designed to create a sustainable mechanism for supporting and expanding construction trade education across Alabama, with an effective date of October 1, 2025.

Business and Industry, Government Affairs

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