DIGEST The digest printed below was prepared by House Legislative Services. It constitutes no part of the legislative instrument. The keyword, one-liner, abstract, and digest do not constitute part of the law or proof or indicia of legislative intent. [R.S. 1:13(B) and 24:177(E)] HB 299 Original 2019 Regular Session Carmody Abstract: Provides for an approval process for continuing education programs by the Louisiana Real Estate Commission. Proposed law provides that vendors who have been licensed to provide continuing education courses shall be exempt from the approval process when seeking to conduct a course offered to obtain any certificate or designation awarded by the National Association of REALTORS or any live courses offered once a year in any one location in conjunction with a conference, meeting, or forum. Proposed law requires that courses specified by proposed law be approved by the La. Real Estate Commission (commission) in order to be utilized for continuing education credit for licensees. Proposed law requires a vendor of a continuing education program to submit the date, location and time the course will be offered when applying for approval to conduct the program or approval for renewal of the ability to conduct the program, at least 45 days before the program is held. If the date, location, or time is not known at the time of submission for approval, the vendor is required to submit the missing information at least 10 days before the program is conducted. Proposed law requires the vendor to submit the course content or a brief summary of the course content, or in the case of renewal, any changes to the content since it was approved. Proposed law requires the vendor to submit the name and credentials of the instructor. Proposed law requires the executive director of the commission to notify the vendor whether the course has been approved or not approved within seven days of the vendor's submission for approval. Proposed law provides that if the course was denied approval by the executive director, the issue shall be placed on the agenda of the next meeting to be voted upon by the commission. Proposed law provides that when a course is approved by the commission, it is valid for a period of three years. After three years, the course is no longer valid if the vendor fails to obtain renewed approval. Proposed law provides that once a course is approved, the instructor shall not be subject to additional an approval process. Proposed law further provides that if the instructor changes for a course, the vendor shall submit the name and credentials of the new instructor at least seven days before the course. Proposed law provides that when a vendor is seeking approval or approval for renewal, the commission or any outside contractor is prohibited from asking the vendor or instructor to provide more specific course information such as an instructor guide, a narrative, outline, time allotment, detailed learning objectives, or any instructional methods or aids. (Adds R.S. 37:1461.1)