BILL REQ. #:  S-4074.1 

Read first time 01/30/12.   Referred to Committee on Labor, Commerce & Consumer Protection.

     AN ACT Relating to exempting veterans from fingerprint and background check requirements for real estate broker, managing broker, and firm licensees; and amending RCW 18.85.191.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF WASHINGTON:

Sec. 1   RCW 18.85.191 and 2008 c 23 s 19 are each amended to read as follows:
     Before receiving a license, every real estate broker, managing broker, and firm must pay a license fee as prescribed by the director by rule. A license issued under the provisions of this chapter expires two years from the issuance date. Licenses issued to real estate firms that are partnerships, limited liability partnerships, limited liability companies, corporations, and other legally recognized business entities expire on the date when the registration or certificate of authority filed with the secretary of state expires. Licenses must be renewed every two years on or before the date established under this section and a biennial renewal license fee as prescribed by the director by rule must be paid. A license is considered expired when the licensee fails to meet the renewal requirements as of the date of renewal for that license.
     If the director does not receive the application for a renewal license on or before the renewal date, a penalty fee as prescribed by the director by rule shall be paid. Acceptance by the director of an application for renewal after the renewal date shall not be a waiver of the delinquency.
     The license of a person whose license renewal fee is not received within one year from the date of expiration is canceled. This person may obtain a new license by satisfying the procedures and requirements as prescribed by the director by rule.
     The director may issue to each active licensee a license and a pocket identification card in the form and size as prescribed by rule.
     The director must develop by rule a procedure and a schedule to ensure all active licensees and licensees applying for active status, renewal, or reinstatement have a fingerprint and background check done on a regular basis. Veterans who have been honorably discharged from a branch of the United States armed forces are exempt from the fingerprint and background check under this section upon presentation of their DD-214 form with their initial or renewal application.