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HB 319

Alabama Lead Ban Act; percentages of lead that constitute "lead-free" revised; city and county plumbing codes required to conform; certain applications exempted

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Randy Wood

Alabama bill lowers permissible lead content in plumbing materials and mandates municipal code compliance while exempting unspecified applications from stricter standards.

Read for the Second Time and placed on the Calendar (County and Municipal Government)
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Bill Summary · HB 319

Legislative bill overview

HB 319 revises Alabama's definition of "lead-free" plumbing materials by lowering allowable lead percentages and requires all city and county plumbing codes to conform to this new standard. The bill exempts certain applications from the stricter lead restrictions, though specific exemptions are not detailed in the available information.

Why is this important

Lead in drinking water pipes poses documented health risks, particularly to children and pregnant women, making plumbing standards a public health issue. Standardizing lead-free definitions across municipalities prevents inconsistent regulations and potential gaps in consumer protection, while exemptions must balance health goals against cost and practical implementation concerns.

Potential points of contention

  • Cost impact: Stricter lead standards may increase plumbing material and construction costs for municipalities and private property owners
  • Exemption scope: The bill's specific exemptions are unclear; debate may center on whether exempted applications create loopholes that undermine public health goals
  • Compliance burden: Requiring all local codes to conform creates regulatory uniformity but may conflict with local government autonomy and existing infrastructure replacement timelines

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

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