SB 268, sponsored by Senator Steve Livingston, (R-Scottsboro), passed the Senate last week with a vote of 27-3. 

SB 268 is a 28-page bill that would largely address the internal operation of the Home Builder’s Licensure Board, expand the Homeowner’s Recovery fund, and lower the threshold for the minimum costs of a roofing project that brings residential roofers under the jurisdiction of the Home Builders Licensure Board.

This bill has been amended several times and passed the Senate with an amendment on the Senate floor that would exempt real estate licensees and property managers from the bill. The bill would bring residential roofers under the jurisdiction of the board when the cost of projects exceeds $2,500. This bill will help consumers who have been harmed by unregulated, unlicensed contractors. This type of situation frequently happens after a storms, hurricanes, and natural disasters when out of state roofing contractors prey upon unsuspecting consumers.

The AAR Government Affairs Team worked with the Alabama Real Estate Commission, the Home Builders Association, the Home Builders Licensure Board and the bill sponsor to ensure REALTORS® who engage in property management activities, multi-family or commercial real estate within the scope of their license on behalf of their customers or clients were not inadvertently affected by this bill.

SB 268 is pending final passage in the House.