HOUSE BILL REPORT

SSB 6474

As Amended by the House

BYSenate Committee on Economic Development & Labor (originally sponsored by Senator McCaslin)

Requiring continuing education for real estate brokers and salespeople.

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

Majority Report:  Do pass with amendments.  (11)

      Signed by Representatives Wang, Chair; Cole, Vice Chair; Fisher, Jones, R. King, O'Brien, Patrick, Sanders, Sayan, C. Smith and Walker.

House Staff:Joan Elgee (786-7166)

AS PASSED HOUSE MARCH 3, 1988

BACKGROUND:

Real estate salespersons and brokers must renew their licenses annually.  A salesperson renewing his or her license a second time must furnish proof of completion of thirty clock hours of instruction in real estate courses approved by the director of the Department of Licensing.  Also, if a salesperson or broker is inactive for more than three years, he or she must complete thirty hours of instruction to become active.  Otherwise, no continuing education is required.

The disciplinary sanctions which the director may impose on a broker or salesperson found to have violated the chapter or rules are suspension or revocation of his or her license, or imposition of a fine up to $1000.

SUMMARY:

Additional continuing education requirements for real estate brokers and salespersons are imposed.  All brokers and salespersons must furnish proof of completion of thirty clock hours of instruction every two years in real estate courses approved by the director in order to renew their licenses.  Up to fifteen hours of instruction beyond the thirty hours may be carried forward to the subsequent two year period.  A course shall commence within thirty-six months of the date of renewal.  The requirement applies to renewal dates after January 1, 1991.

The director of the Department of Licensing may require a broker or salesperson to complete a course in a selected aspect of real estate practice relevant to the provision which he or she has violated.  The director may impose more than one sanction on a licensee.

Fiscal Note:      Requested February 12, 1988.

House Committee ‑ Testified For:    Gary Wright, Washington Association of Realtors; Bob Mitchell, Department of Licensing.

House Committee - Testified Against:      None Presented.

House Committee - Testimony For:    Continuing education will help realtors attain the highest level of technical competency and will enhance the public's awareness of and confidence in realtors.  When a realtor makes an unintentional error as a result of lack of knowledge, it makes good public policy to require remedial education as a sanction.

House Committee - Testimony Against:      None Presented.