RELATING TO FEES FOR PUBLIC RECORDS UNDER CHAPTER 92F.

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Della Belatti and 14 co-sponsors

House Bill 130 extends the Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists until October 1, 2027, ensuring proper licensing and standards for geologists.

Re-referred to JHA, FIN, referral sheet 5

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Overview

Title: Sunset Law; Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists continued with modification until October 1, 2027
Status: Enacted
Introduced: February 3, 2025
Effective Date: June 1, 2025
Sponsor: Representative Neil Rafferty

House Bill 130 (HB 130) is a legislative measure aimed at continuing the existence and functioning of the Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists. This bill is enacted under the Alabama Sunset Law, which periodically reviews state agencies to determine their necessity and effectiveness.

Main Purpose and Intent

The primary intent of HB 130 is to extend the operational life of the Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists until October 1, 2027. This extension allows the board to continue its regulatory functions, ensuring that professional geologists in Alabama are properly licensed and that standards within the profession are maintained.

Key Provisions

Continuation of the Board: The Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists will remain active until October 1, 2027.

Membership Requirements:

The board will consist of seven members, all of whom must be licensed professional geologists.
Starting June 1, 2025, one member must be appointed from each congressional district in Alabama, ensuring geographic representation.
The board's composition should reflect the racial, gender, geographic, and economic diversity of the state.

Appointment Process:

Members are appointed by the Governor from a list of nominees provided by the board or designated entities.
Members must be U.S. citizens, residents of Alabama for at least five years prior to appointment, and at least 25 years old.

Term Limits: Each member serves a three-year term, with a maximum of two consecutive terms allowed.

Removal of Members: The Governor can remove board members for neglect of duty, malfeasance, or other specified reasons.

Impact

Professionals Affected: The bill directly impacts licensed professional geologists in Alabama, ensuring they have a governing body that oversees licensing and regulatory standards.

No Financial Impact: According to the fiscal notes associated with the bill, the provisions will not affect state or local funding.

Procedural Timeline

February 3, 2025: Bill filed.

February 4, 2025: First reading and referral to the House Committee on Boards, Agencies, and Commissions.

February 6, 2025: Passed in the House with amendments.

March 4, 2025: Read for the first time in the Senate and referred to the Committee on Fiscal Responsibility and Economic Development.

April 10, 2025: Passed in the Senate.

April 17, 2025: Enacted and delivered to the Governor for signature.

Conclusion

House Bill 130 serves to ensure the continued operation of the Alabama Board of Licensure for Professional Geologists, with modifications aimed at enhancing representation and diversity within the board. The bill's enactment reflects a commitment to maintaining professional standards within the geological field in Alabama.

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