SENATE BILL REPORT

SSB 6474

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

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 3, 1988; February 4, 1988

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 6474 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; Anderson, Vice Chairman; Cantu, Conner, McMullen, Saling, Smitherman, West.

Senate Staff:Charles A. Woods (786-7911)

                  March 4, 1988

AS PASSED SENATE, FEBRUARY 16, 1988

BACKGROUND:

After a real estate agent or salesperson becomes licensed, only 30 additional hours of education are required as a condition of obtaining their 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:

This bill requires real estate brokers and salespersons 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 real estate laws to successfully complete a course of study on that aspect of real estate law 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, 1989 is provided.

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      available

Senate Committee - Testified: Gary Wright, Washington Association of Realtors (for); Andrew Kollmer, Washington Association of Realtors (for)

HOUSE AMENDMENTS:

It is clarified that the director may impose any available sanctions in combination or independently of other sanctions.  A sunset of January 1, 1991 is provided for the current requirement that licensees perform 30 hours of continuing education for first relicensure.  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.  A necessary title amendment is provided.