SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 5510

BYSenate Committee on Commerce & Labor (originally sponsored by Senators Warnke, McCaslin and Smitherman; by request of Department of Licensing)

Modifying provisions relating to real estate licenses.

Senate Committee on Commerce & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 24, 1987; February 27, 1987

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5510 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Warnke, Chairman; Smitherman, Vice Chairman; Lee, Sellar, Tanner, Vognild, West, Williams.

Senate Staff:Jean Meyn (786-7472)

                  April 17, 1987

AS PASSED SENATE, MARCH 17, 1987

BACKGROUND:

The Department of Licensing requests this legislation in order to clarify and strengthen its regulatory authority over licensure of individuals and corporations in real estate.  To upgrade the education of licensees, the Department wants the ability to make grants to higher education institutions.

The Department sees a need to have authority to impose fines for enforcement and use the money generated for the education of licensees.

Existing law sets specific dollar amounts for all fees; the Department requests the flexibility to set fees.

SUMMARY:

The Department of Licensing is given authority to impose fines, not to exceed $1,000, for violation of real estate licensure, to make grants to higher education institutions and to set all the fee amounts.

The fines collected are deposited in an account to be used solely for the education of licensees, either through Department sponsored programs or through grants to higher education.  Fees for certification of real estate schools are established.  The residency requirement is removed.  Fingerprinting of applicants is no longer required.

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Senate Committee - Testified: John Clark, Department of Licensing; Andy Kollmer, Washington Association of Realtors

HOUSE AMENDMENT:

The Director of the Department of Licensing may waive the 30-hour course requirement for new licenses and for reactivation of an inactive license for individuals who are similarly qualified through practical experience.