SENATE BILL REPORT
SB 6133
This analysis was prepared by non-partisan legislative staff for the use of legislative members in their deliberations. This analysis is not a part of the legislation nor does it constitute a statement of legislative intent. |
As Reported by Senate Committee On:
Commerce & Labor, February 3, 2014
Title: An act relating to real estate brokers and managing brokers.
Brief Description: Concerning expiration dates related to real estate broker provisions.
Sponsors: Senators Braun, Conway, King and Tom.
Brief History:
Committee Activity: Commerce & Labor: 1/31/14, 2/03/14 [DP, DNP].
SENATE COMMITTEE ON COMMERCE & LABOR |
Majority Report: Do pass.
Signed by Senators Braun, Vice Chair; Conway, Ranking Member; Hasegawa, Hewitt, King and Kohl-Welles.
Minority Report: Do not pass.
Signed by Senator Holmquist Newbry, Chair.
Staff: Mac Nicholson (786-7445)
Background: The Washington Center for Real Estate Research (Center) is an industry-focused center housed at the University of Washington and tasked with providing credible research, information, and education services to real estate licensees, consumers, public agencies, and communities throughout the state and the Pacific Northwest. Specifically the Center may:
conduct studies and research on affordable housing and strategies to meet the affordable housing needs of the state;
conduct studies in all areas directly or indirectly related to real estate and urban or rural economics and economically isolated communities;
disseminate finding and results of real estate research conducted at or by the center or elsewhere, using a variety of dissemination media;
supply research results and educational expertise to the Washington State Real Estate Commission to support its regulatory functions, as requested;
prepare information of interest to real estate consumers and make the information available to the general public, universities, colleges, and appropriate state agencies;
encourage economic growth and development within the state of Washington;
support the professional development and continuing education of real estate licensees in Washington;
study and recommend changes in state statutes relating to real estate; and
develop a vacancy rate standard for low-income housing in the state.
The Center is funded by a $10 surcharge on real estate licensees, both new licenses and renewals. The surcharge initial surcharge authorization was set to expire in September 2005, and has been extended twice, most recently in 2010. The surcharge and the Center are slated to expire September 30, 2015.
Summary of Bill: The expiration date for the surcharge and the Center is extended ten years to September 30, 2025.
Appropriation: None.
Fiscal Note: Available.
[OFM requested ten-year cost projection pursuant to I-960.]
Committee/Commission/Task Force Created: No.
Effective Date: Ninety days after adjournment of session in which bill is passed.
Staff Summary of Public Testimony: PRO: The Center has been supported since its inception in 1989 by realtor license fees. Realtors want to continue to support the Center. Research done by the Center provides the public and the industry information necessary to make business decisions. It is important to the state as a whole.
Persons Testifying: PRO: George McGilliard, Bob Mitchell, WA Realtor Assn.