Iowa 2025-2026 Regular Session

Iowa Senate Bill SF460

Introduced

2/27/25

Engrossed

3/26/25

Refer

3/26/25

Enrolled

4/17/25

Passed

4/18/25

Caption

A bill for an act relating to home inspections, including persons authorized to perform home inspections and requirements for independent home inspection reports, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable. (Formerly SSB 1144.) Effective date: 07/01/2025.

Impact

By enforcing stricter requirements for who may conduct home inspections, Senate File 460 seeks to protect consumers purchasing residential properties. It includes provisions for penalties against those who violate these regulations, thus aiming to prevent fraudulent practices within the home inspection industry. The bill's execution could lead to significant changes in the home buying landscape, ensuring that potential buyers receive credible information regarding the conditions of the properties they are considering. This regulatory framework could also impact related services by reinforcing a higher standard within the real estate market.

Summary

Senate File 460 aims to regulate home inspections in Iowa by establishing requirements for the individuals authorized to perform inspections and the independent inspection reports they must provide. The bill mandates that only licensed home inspectors, architects, or professional engineers can issue home inspection reports, thereby improving the standards for home evaluations. The legislation also specifies the responsibilities of these professionals and outlines the necessary protocols to follow during inspections, enhancing the transparency and reliability of the home buying process.

Sentiment

The sentiment surrounding Senate File 460 appears to be largely supportive among legislators and stakeholders who prioritize consumer protection in real estate transactions. The bill emphasizes accountability and professional integrity, which resonates well with the expectation of quality assurance from home inspectors. However, there may be apprehensions among some business owners in the home inspection field regarding the potential increase in regulatory burdens and associated costs that could result from stricter licensing and insurance requirements.

Contention

While Senators generally supported Senate File 460, there could be contention regarding the implementation of penalties for non-compliance and the perceived encroachment of state regulations on local practices. Critics may argue that the regulations could stifle competition among inspectors or create barriers to entry for new professionals wishing to enter the field. Ensuring a balance between protecting consumers and maintaining a fair market environment will likely remain a topic of discussion as the bill is debated further.

Latest IA SF460 Activity

View All Events: IA 2025-2026 Regular Session SF460

Companion Bills

IA SSB1144

Related A bill for an act relating to home inspections, including persons authorized to perform home inspections and requirements for independent home inspection reports, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.(See SF 460.)

Previously Filed As

IA HF475

A bill for an act relating to unfair residential real estate service agreements, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable. (Formerly HSB 175.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HF2390

A bill for an act relating to certain powers and duties of the department of inspections, appeals, and licensing including confidentiality of information and records, and dependent adult abuse, and making penalties applicable. (Formerly HSB 596.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.

IA HF634

A bill for an act relating to persons certified to conduct time-of-transfer inspections of private sewage disposal systems, and providing penalties. (Formerly HSB 194.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HF461

A bill for an act relating to boiler inspections. (Formerly HSB 150.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HF265

A bill for an act relating to midwife licensure, providing for fees, and making penalties applicable. (Formerly HSB 80.) Effective date: 07/01/2023.

IA HSB98

A bill for an act modifying provisions applicable to individuals licensed by the plumbing and mechanical systems board, providing for state inspections of certain plumbing and mechanical system installations, making penalties applicable, and including effective date provisions.

IA SF417

A bill for an act relating to unfair residential real estate service agreements, providing penalties, and making penalties applicable.(Formerly SSB 1156.)

IA SF2295

IA SF75

A bill for an act relating to certain health facilities including ambulatory surgical centers and rural emergency hospitals, including licensing requirements and fees, providing penalties and making penalties applicable, providing emergency rulemaking authority, and including applicability and effective date provisions. Effective date: 03/28/2023, 07/01/2023. Contingent applicability date.

IA HF2669

A bill for an act relating to the sale of wine, including private wine sales and wine auction permits, providing fees, and making penalties applicable. (Formerly HF 2449, HSB 629.) Effective date: 07/01/2024.