Alabama Administrative Code Title 303 - ALABAMA STATE BOARD OF ELECTRICAL CONTRACTORS
The Alabama Administrative Code, Title 303, is the regulatory framework for the Alabama State Board of Electrical Contractors (ASBEC). This Board is responsible for licensing, regulating, and disciplining individuals engaged in electrical contracting and journeyman electrician work within the state.
The primary goal of these rules is to safeguard homeowners, property owners, and tenants against faulty, inadequate, inefficient, or unsafe electrical installations, thereby protecting life, health, and property in Alabama.
Key Responsibilities and Powers of the Alabama State Board of Electrical Contractors, as outlined in Title 303:
Licensing: The Board determines the qualifications for and issues licenses to:
Electrical Contractors: Individuals or entities engaged in the business of soliciting, installing, maintaining, altering, or repairing electrical wiring devices, equipment, or systems.
Journeyman Electricians: Individuals qualified to perform electrical work.
The rules specify requirements for initial application, examination, and license renewal.
Examination Administration: The Board prepares, administers, or approves all examinations for both electrical contractors and journeyman electricians.
Qualification Determination: It sets the specific experience, education, and other criteria that applicants must meet to be deemed qualified for licensure.
Investigation of Complaints: The Board is authorized to investigate written complaints concerning alleged violations of the Alabama Electrical Contractors Law (Code of Ala. 1975, §§ 34-36-1, et seq.) and its own administrative rules. This includes investigating both licensed and unlicensed contractors.
Discipline of Licenses: The Board has the authority to suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew a license after due notice and opportunity for a hearing. It can also impose civil penalties (fines up to $5,000 per violation, or $6,000 for unlicensed contractors) and issue cease and desist orders.
Rulemaking: The Board establishes and amends its rules and regulations to effectively carry out its statutory duties.
Reinstatement: It provides procedures and fees for the reinstatement of expired licenses.
Personnel: The Board is authorized to employ personnel, including an Executive Director, investigators, and attorneys, to administer and enforce the law.
Financial Operation: The Board manages its own financial operations, collecting fees and disbursing funds for its expenses.
Key Chapters within Alabama Administrative Code Title 303:
The rules are organized into chapters addressing specific aspects of the Board's functions:
Chapter 303-X-1: COMPOSITION AND OPERATIONS OF THE BOARD:
Outlines the Board's composition (e.g., number of members, appointment process, terms).
Details the powers and duties of the Board members.
Covers the financial operations of the Board.
Sets rules for Board meetings, quorum requirements, and public access to meetings and minutes.
Chapter 303-X-2: OPERATIONS OF THE BOARD: This is a comprehensive chapter covering critical aspects of licensure:
Qualifications For An Electrical Contractor's License: Specifies the minimum experience (e.g., 8,000 hours of supervisory experience in electrical construction activities), educational substitutions, and application process.
Qualifications For A Journeyman Electrician's License: Outlines the required hours of experience and technical knowledge for journeymen.
Renewal Of Licenses And Continuing Education: Sets the requirements for annual license renewal and mandatory continuing education hours for both contractors and journeymen.
Inactive Status Certification & Reinstatement: Procedures for placing a license on inactive status and for reinstating an expired license.
Display Of License: Rules for how licenses must be displayed.
Administration Of Examinations: Details how examinations are prepared, administered, and approved.
Discipline Of A License: This crucial section outlines the grounds for disciplinary action (e.g., violation of state law, bribery, fraud, negligence, practicing on an inactive/suspended/revoked license, aiding unlicensed practice, conviction of related crimes, or disciplinary action in another jurisdiction). It also details the complaint and hearing procedures.
Application for Spouses of Active Duty Military Personnel: Special provisions for military spouses seeking licensure.
License Exemptions: Specifies certain electrical work or individuals who may be exempt from the state licensing requirements (e.g., property owners doing work on their own property, or their W-2 employees, though local permits may still apply).
Chapter 303-X-3: RULEMAKING PROCEDURE: Details the process the Board must follow to adopt, amend, or repeal its administrative rules, in accordance with the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act.
Chapter 303-X-4: DECLARATORY RULINGS: Outlines the process for individuals or entities to request a formal interpretation (declaratory ruling) from the Board on how a specific rule applies to their situation.
Chapter 303-X-5: CONTINUING EDUCATION: Provides detailed regulations on continuing education requirements, including the number of hours, approved providers, and acceptable subject matter.
APPENDICES: May include forms or additional information related to the rules.
In essence, Title 303 ensures that only qualified and competent individuals perform electrical contracting and journeyman work in Alabama, thereby promoting safety and consumer protection throughout the state.
You can access the full text of these administrative rules through the Alabama Legislative Services Agency's Administrative Code website (admincode.legislature.state.al.us/administrative-code/303) or through the official website of the Alabama Electrical Contractors Board (aecb.alabama.gov), which also provides direct links to its laws and regulations.
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