Statutes Authorizing the Agency to Adopt Rules on this Subject: RCW 18.140.050, 43.24.086.

Reasons Why Rules on this Subject may be Needed and What They Might Accomplish: Under provision of RCW 43.24.086, the cost of each professional licensing program shall be borne by the members of that profession. The director of the Department of Licensing is charged with setting fees at a level sufficient to defray the costs of administering the program.

Projected revenue for the 1997-99 biennium from licensing fees is not sufficient to cover projected operating costs for the real estate appraiser program. An increase in original license applications anticipated as a result of mandatory licensing legislation has not been realized. In addition, many licensees have opted not to renew due to market conditions and perceptions regarding the value of certification or licensing.

Current resources are needed, at a minimum, to maintain program effectiveness. Program workload has shifted from primarily an application review process to include an emphasis on the enforcement of practice standards. Consumer complaints are technical in nature, related enforcement involves increased staff training, investigation and legal support costs.

Process for Developing New Rule: Agency study.

Interested parties can participate in the decision to adopt the new rule and formulation of the proposed rule before publication by contacting Cleotis Borner, Jr., Real Estate Appraiser Program, Department of Licensing, P.O. Box 9015, Olympia, WA 98507-9015, phone (360) 753-1062, FAX (360) 586-0998.

May 1, 1998

Cleotis Borner, Jr.

Program Manager