Jefferson County, levy of additional residential building permit fee in county and municipalities for Central Alabama Homebuilding Academy authorized

HB 398 authorizes Jefferson County and its municipalities to add up to $20 to residential building permits (covering permits for home construction, remodeling, or related trades). The funds collected will be directed exclusively to the Central Alabama Homebuilding Academy to train individuals in 14 specific construction trades, including carpentry, plumbing, electrical work, roofing, and HVAC. County and city governments must approve the academy’s annual budget before distributing funds, and the academy must provide annual reports on program activities and finances. This bill directly affects homebuilders paying permits and benefits the academy’s training programs, with funds flowing to the academy starting June 1, 2025.