REAL ESTATE-APPRAISER LICENSES
The proposed bill is significant as it allows certain appraisers to bypass standard licensing requirements that could be seen as a barrier to entry. By providing a grandfather clause, the bill seeks to recognize the experience and established practices of practitioners who were operating before stricter regulations were in place. However, this may result in a dual standard where newer appraisers might face more hurdles compared to those who are grandfathered in. This change could impact the overall landscape of real estate appraisal in Illinois, potentially affecting regulatory consistency and market dynamics.
House Bill 1561 seeks to amend the Real Estate Appraiser Licensing Act of 2002 by introducing a specific amendment to licensing requirements for real estate appraisers in Illinois. The bill proposes that any individual or business that was practicing as an appraiser in the state as of January 1, 1995, with at least two years of experience, will be exempt from the licensure requirements as a certified general real estate appraiser. This would effectively allow seasoned appraisers to continue their practice without undergoing the state licensure process under certain conditions.
Notable points of contention may arise concerning the potential easing of standards that could accompany the grandfathering of existing appraisers. Opponents might argue that allowing exemptions could undermine the quality of appraisal services as it may reduce the overall pool of qualified appraisers under the newer licensing standards. Additionally, concerns could be raised regarding consumer protection and the integrity of real estate transactions if unlicensed individuals remain in practice indefinitely under the grandfather clause, especially after the cutoff date of July 1, 2029.