Texas House Bill HB2911

Texas 2013 - 83rd Regular

Caption

Relating to the regulation of real estate inspectors; changing fees.

Impact

The bill modifies existing statutes under Chapter 1102 of the Occupations Code, emphasizing the importance of due diligence in ensuring that vendors who provide inspection services do not have disqualifying criminal records. These measures aim at increasing public trust in the real estate inspection process. Additionally, the bill introduces a financial responsibility provision requiring inspectors to maintain liability insurance coverage of at least $100,000, which enhances consumer protection against potential mistakes made during an inspection.

Summary

House Bill 2911 aims to enhance the regulation of real estate inspectors in Texas by implementing requirements regarding criminal history checks and financial responsibility. The bill mandates that candidates for a real estate inspector license must submit fingerprints to allow for background checks, which would include reviewing the individual's criminal history through the Department of Public Safety and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The intent is to ensure that only qualified and trustworthy individuals are granted licenses to act in the capacity of real estate inspectors.

Contention

During discussions about HB 2911, notable points of contention revolved around the balance between ensuring thorough inspections and the accessibility of the profession. Critics raised concerns that the added criminal history requirements might disproportionately affect individuals with past offenses, potentially limiting opportunities for qualified inspectors. Supporters of the bill argue that these measures are necessary to protect homeowners and buyers from unreliable inspections, as trust is a crucial component of the real estate market.