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HB 195

Alabama Department of Environmental Management; water well drillers, licenses and fees revised

2026 Regular Session

HB 195 revises Alabama water well driller licensing, qualifications, and fee requirements through ADEM, affecting industry operations and groundwater protection standards.

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Bill Summary · HB 195

Legislative bill overview

HB 195 revises the licensing requirements, regulations, and fee structure for water well drillers under the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM). The bill modifies existing standards for who can drill wells, what qualifications they must meet, and what fees they must pay to operate legally in the state.

Why is this important

Water well drilling is a critical service affecting public health, groundwater protection, and rural water access. Changes to licensing and fees directly impact small businesses in the well-drilling industry, homeowners seeking well services, and the state's ability to oversee groundwater quality and prevent contamination.

Potential points of contention

  • Fee increases or restructuring – Changes may raise costs for drillers, potentially passed to consumers, or conversely, inadequate fees may limit state regulatory capacity
  • Licensing qualification standards – Stricter requirements could reduce the labor supply and increase service costs; looser requirements could compromise groundwater protection
  • Regulatory burden vs. environmental protection – Balance between reducing compliance costs for drillers versus ensuring proper well construction practices prevent aquifer contamination and cross-contamination

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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