Alabama's construction industry received a major boost with the unanimous passage of House Bill 335 in the state Senate, which is now set to be signed into law by Governor Kay Ivey. The bill, co-sponsored by Rep. Andy Whitt and Rep. Mike Shaw, focuses on providing critical support to local training programs for the construction industry, particularly the Home Builders Association of Alabama (HBAA)-recognized Home Builder Academies. These programs are designed to equip individuals with the skills needed to thrive in the homebuilding sector.

The legislation authorizes local funding for programs such as the North Alabama Homebuilding Academy, which has been instrumental in offering hands-on, free training in construction skills. This initiative helps prospective workers in the industry identify their strengths and specialize in areas where they can find their niche. By providing practical, real-world experience, these academies aim to create a more robust pipeline of skilled workers for Alabama’s growing construction sector.

The bill also establishes a framework for the Alabama Home Builders Licensure Board to oversee the distribution of funds to the various academies. However, these funds will only be allocated to areas where the funds are collected, ensuring that communities directly benefiting from the program are also contributing to its success.

“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.”

This legislative win marks a significant step toward addressing the shortage of skilled labor in Alabama’s construction industry. With the passage of this bill, Alabama is poised to build a stronger, more skilled workforce equipped to meet the increasing demand for housing and infrastructure projects across the state. By bolstering workforce development at the local level, the state hopes to see continued growth in both residential and commercial construction sectors.

Additionally, supporters of the bill highlight the positive ripple effect it will have not only on the construction industry but also on the state's economy as a whole. The increased training and development opportunities are expected to lower unemployment rates, improve job security, and create a more competitive workforce within the state.

Local construction companies and industry leaders have also voiced their approval of the bill, emphasizing that this type of investment in workforce training will help the state remain competitive in a highly demanding and fast-paced industry. With this bill, Alabama sets a strong precedent for the rest of the country by recognizing that workforce development is key to sustaining the future of construction and ensuring its long-term success.

For more details about the programs supported by this bill, visit the Alabama Home Builders Association's website at www.hbaa.org.

Originally Reported By NAHB.