The original instrument was prepared by Michelle D. Ridge. The following digest,
which does not constitute a part of the legislative instrument, was prepared by J.W.
Wiley.
DIGEST
SB 257 Reengrossed 2017 Regular Session Morrell
Present law provides relative to the La. Home Inspector Board.
Present law defines "home inspector" as any person who, in accordance with the provisions of this
Chapter, holds himself out as a home inspector to the general public or engages in the business of
performing home inspections on resale residential buildings for compensation or who examines any
component of a building, through visual means and through normal user controls, without the use
of mathematical sciences.
Proposed law defines "home inspector" as any person who, in accordance with the provisions of this
Chapter, holds himself out as a home inspector to the general public or engages in the business of
performing home inspections on resale residential buildings for compensation and who examines
any component of a building, through visual means and through normal user controls, without the
use of mathematical sciences.
Present law provides that board members shall be appointed by the governor from a list of names
submitted by the board of directors of the La. Chapter of the American Society of Home Inspectors,
the La. Realtors Association, the La. Home Builders Association, and the La. Mortgage Lenders
Association.
Proposed law adds a member at-large to the board and removes the ability of the board of directors
of the La. Mortgage Lenders Association to contribute to the list of names submitted to the governor
for appointment consideration.
Present law provides that members shall be appointed for six years.
Proposed law reduces the length of the term from six years to four years.
Proposed law provides that the board member from the 3
rd
Congressional District who was appointed
to the board on July 27, 2012, is designated as the at-large member. Further provides that any
vacancy of the at-large member caused by death, resignation, or disability will be filled for the
unexpired term by appointment by the governor.
Present law provides that the board may charge and collect fees not in excess of certain amounts.
Proposed law adds authorization for the board to collect credit card service fees not to exceed the
amount charged to the board by the financial institution. Present law requires home inspectors to satisfy certain criteria.
Proposed law retains present law and adds that applicant shall submit a criminal background request
form to the office of state police.
Present law provides that the term "licensed home inspector" along with the license number shall
appear on all advertising, correspondence, and documents incidental to a home inspection.
Proposed law retains present law and adds that the term "licensed home inspector" or "L.H.I" shall
appear on reports.
Present law provides for insurance requirements for home inspectors.
Proposed law provides that the board shall establish terms and conditions of errors and omissions
insurance coverage, including but not limited to the permissible deductible, limits of liability, and
permissible exclusions. Such terms and conditions of errors shall be established by rule in
accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act.
Present law provides that each licensee shall be notified of the required terms and conditions of
coverage for the annual policy at least thirty days prior to the annual renewal date. Each licensee who
chooses not to participate in the group insurance program administered by the board shall file with
the board a certificate of coverage showing compliance with the required terms and conditions of
coverage by the annual license renewal date.
Proposed law provides that each licensee shall file with the board a certificate of coverage showing
compliance with the required terms and conditions of coverage by the annual license renewal date.
Effective August 1, 2017.
(Amends R.S. 37:1473(5), 1474(B) and (D), 1479(D), and 1481(A)(2) and (3); adds R.S.
37:1477(B)(8) and (C)(6))
Summary of Amendments Adopted by Senate
Senate Floor Amendments to engrossed bill
1. Makes legislative bureau and bureau note technical changes.