Washington State

House of Representatives

Office of Program Research

BILL

ANALYSIS

Business & Financial Services Committee

HB 2566

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.

Brief Description: Increasing the penal sum of a surety bond required to be maintained by an appraisal management company.

Sponsors: Representatives Stanford, Takko, Blake and Hudgins.

Brief Summary of Bill

  • Increases the amount of the surety bond that an appraisal management company must maintain from $25,000 to $100,000.

Hearing Date: 1/24/12

Staff: Alexa Silver (786-7190).

Background:

An appraisal management company is a business entity that administers a panel of appraisers to complete real estate appraisal assignments on behalf of other entities. An appraisal management company's functions include recruiting appraisers, negotiating fees, and administering appraisal orders. It is unlawful to engage in business as an appraisal management company or to perform appraisal management services without obtaining a license from the Department of Licensing.

Appraisal management services include the following functions performed on behalf of a lender, financial institution, mortgage broker, loan originator, or any other person:

An application for licensure must include certain information about the entity and controlling persons, as well as certifications that the entity: has a system for verification of appraisal panel members' licensure or certification; has a system to review the work of appraisers who perform real estate appraisal services; maintains a detailed record of each service request; and maintains a complete copy of appraisal reports.

An applicant for licensure must maintain a $25,000 surety bond for the use and benefit of the state and any person with a cause of action against the licensee. The bond must be conditioned that the licensee will abide by the applicable licensing laws and rules.

Summary of Bill:

An applicant for licensure as an appraisal management company must file and maintain a surety bond of at least $100,000.

Appropriation: None.

Fiscal Note: Not requested.

Effective Date: The bill takes effect 90 days after adjournment of the session in which the bill is passed.