Building codes; standardization of certain non-residential building codes, provided; practice architecture and duties of local building code officials, further provided

This bill would standardize building codes across Alabama for all non-residential buildings (like offices, stores, and factories), expanding coverage beyond the current limited scope that only applied to state buildings, schools, hotels, and theaters. It would transfer the authority to adopt these codes from local governments to the state Division of Construction Management within the Department of Finance, while keeping local governments responsible for enforcement. Coastal counties and municipalities would also gain authority to create supplemental hurricane-resistant building codes. The bill includes criminal penalties for code violations and requires regular code updates starting in 2025. (Note: The bill is pending committee review as of February 6, 2025.)