Alabama Workforce Development Bill Passes Unanimously, Benefiting Local Academies

In a win for NAHB, Alabama House Bill 335 passed unanimously in the Senate and will be signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey.

The bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Andy Whitt and Rep. Mike Shaw, allows for local funding of Home Builders Association of Alabama-recognized (HBAA) Home Builder Academies, which train potential workers on the basics of the construction industry.

This will benefit key programs such as the North Alabama Homebuilding Academy, which provides free, hands-on construction skills training and allows prospective new builders find their niche.

The legislation authorizes the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board to oversee funds prior to distribution to the various academies. Funds distributed are restricted to areas where the funds are collected.

“The Home Builders Association of Alabama extends its sincere appreciation to Sen. Garlan Gudger for his support and efforts on behalf of the home building industry,” the HBAA said in a statement. “We also thank Sen. Sam Givhan for being the bill’s Senate sponsor and Sen. Steve Livingston and Lt. Governor Will Ainsworth for working tirelessly with Sen. Gudger to get the bill positioned on the Senate calendar to pass.”