SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 6621

As of February 4, 2004

Title: An act relating to real estate brokers' and salespersons' exemptions from licensing.

Brief Description: Modifying exemptions from real estate licensing requirements.

Sponsors: Senator T. Sheldon.

Brief History:

Committee Activity: Commerce & Trade: 2/5/04.

SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & TRADE

Staff: John Dziedzic (786-7784)

Background: The definition of a real estate broker or salesperson includes a person who sells or offers for sale, lists or offers to list, buys or offers to buy, negotiates or offers to negotiate either directly or indirectly the purchase, sale, exchange, lease, or rental of real estate or business opportunities or any interest for others. Real estate brokers and real estate salespersons must be licensed by the Department of Licensing pursuant to Chapter 18.85 RCW.

Specified persons are exempt from the licensing and other requirements of Chapter 18.85 RCW: a person who purchases property for himself or herself or for a group to which the person belongs; an attorney-in-fact acting without compensation; an attorney at law acting in the performance of his or her duties; an executor, guardian or other person acting under a court order; certain clerical staff; an owner or manager of residential rental or lease property, or a self storage facility.

Summary of Bill: A person who contracts with a local public agency to acquire real estate for the agency under the agency's right of eminent domain is added to the list of persons exempt from Chapter 18.85 RCW. A local public agency is defined as any county, city, or town, or other municipal corporation or political subdivision of the state that has the authority to exercise the power of eminent domain under state law.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.