SENATE BILL REPORT

SB 5486

BYSenators McCaslin, DeJarnatt, Thorsness and Johnson

Increasing the license period for real estate brokers and salespersons from one year to two years.

Senate Committee on Economic Development & Labor

Senate Hearing Date(s):February 7, 1989; February 8, 1989

Majority Report:  That Substitute Senate Bill No. 5486 be substituted therefor, and the substitute bill do pass.

      Signed by Senators Lee, Chairman; McMullen, Matson, Murray, Saling, Smitherman, West, Williams.

Senate Staff:Charles A. Woods (786-7452)

                  February 8, 1989

AS REPORTED BY COMMITTEE ON ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & LABOR, FEBRUARY 8, 1989

BACKGROUND:

Real estate brokers and sales persons are required to renew their licenses every year before the renewal date.  Licensees are required to provide proof of continuing education every two years.

SUMMARY:

Real estate broker and sales person licenses are renewable every two years with a fee to be set by rule to reflect a biennial license.

EFFECT OF PROPOSED SUBSTITUTE:

Brokers are no longer required to obtain branch office licenses for real estate sales activities related strictly to one subdivision or tract within 35 miles of licensed business (SB 5573).  The exemption from real estate licensing laws for lawyers only applies to attorneys at law acting without compensation, as well as those attorneys acting in the performance of their duties (SB 5574).

Appropriation:    none

Revenue:    none

Fiscal Note:      none requested

Effective Date:January 1, 1991

Senate Committee - Testified: Tom McCabe, Washington Association of Realtors (pro); Burt Talcott, Washington Association of Realtors (pro); Syd Beckett, Department of Licensing (pro)