Bill > HB69

This bill revises the licensing requirements and fees for water well drillers in Alabama, expanding the scope of regulated activities to include not only water wells but also monitoring wells, geothermal wells, and cathodic protection wells, as well as pump installation, maintenance, and repair, and other related activities. The Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM), referred to as the "department," will now issue two types of licenses: an "Unrestricted Well Driller's License" for all regulated activities and a "Restricted License" for specific types of wells or pump work. Fees for these licenses are significantly increased, with an unrestricted license costing $1,000 and a restricted license costing $500, plus an additional $500 for business entities. Licenses will be valid for two years starting October 1, 2026, and will require eight hours of continuing education for renewal starting in October 2028. The bill also clarifies that the Environmental Management Commission ("commission") will adopt rules, with the department consulting affected parties beforehand, and outlines grounds for refusing, suspending, or revoking licenses, including incompetence or fraudulent practices. Furthermore, drillers must now display a current licensure sticker on their equipment, file an intent to drill, and submit a well completion certification within 30 days, with the potential for fees associated with this certification, which will be deposited into the Environmental Management Fund. Violations of the chapter or adopted rules will be subject to penalties as outlined in the Alabama Environmental Management Act.

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