FINAL BILL REPORT

SSB 6474

                                  C 205 L 88

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

Requiring continuing education for real estate brokers and salespeople.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

House Committe on Commerce & Labor

SYNOPSIS AS ENACTED

BACKGROUND:

After a real estate agent or salesperson becomes licensed, only 30 additional hours of education are required as a condition of obtaining a second license.  These 30 hours are required only during the first year of licensure.  The Washington Association of Realtors is interested in maintaining a well-informed membership through continuing education of its members.

SUMMARY:

Real estate brokers and salespersons are required to provide proof to the Director of Licensing of 30 hours of continuing education every two years.  The real estate courses taken must be those approved by the director.  Up to 15 hours in excess of the required 30 could be carried over to the next two year period, but only if the excess credit hours were taken during the second year of the prior two year period.

The Director of Licensing may require any broker or salesperson who violates any aspect of real estate practice to successfully complete a course of study on that aspect of real estate practice violated.  This penalty may be imposed in lieu of or in addition to other penalties provided under this chapter.

An effective date of January 1, 1991, is provided for the continuing education provision.  A sunset date of January 1, 1991, is provided for the current requirement that licensees perform 30 hours of continuing education for the first relicensure.  It is clarified that the director may impose any available sanctions in combination or independently of other sanctions.  Inactive license holders do not need to comply with the 30-hour continuing education requirements of this act.  It is clarified that the director may appoint or deputize assistants to perform duties in regard to disciplinary actions.

VOTES ON FINAL PASSAGE:

      Senate    41     7

      House 97   0 (House amended)

      Senate    44     1 (Senate concurred)

EFFECTIVE:June 9, 1988