Relating to the practices and professions regulated by the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board; requiring an occupational license; imposing fees.
If passed, HB 2850 would significantly impact existing statutes regulating appraisers in Texas, formalizing new categories of licensed professionals and setting strict adherence to educational requirements for appraiser certification. The proposal includes provisions for the board to adopt rules for certifying appraisers in alignment with federal laws, which is expected to elevate the professionalism and uniformity of appraisals across the state. Additionally, the bill mandates the board to implement rules related to continuing education, which would place a continuous learning requirement upon licensed appraisers to maintain their certification.
House Bill 2850 proposes amendments to the Occupations Code regarding the practices and professions regulated by the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board. Primarily, this bill aims to refine the definitions and regulations surrounding appraiser licensing, introducing new terms such as 'appraisal review' and 'appraiser trainee'. It establishes guidelines for the processes involved in certification and licensure while ensuring compliance with federal standards set by the Appraisal Foundation. Notably, it prescribes the necessity for educational courses and examinations as prerequisites for appraiser certification, ensuring they meet the established educational and ethical standards.
While the bill seeks to enhance and clarify the standards within the appraisal profession, it may face contention regarding the implications of increased fees associated with the proposed licensing requirements. Opponents could argue that the additional fees and burdensome regulations might discourage new appraisers from entering the profession, potentially leading to a decrease in the number of qualified appraisers available to the market. Proponents of the bill, however, claim that these changes are necessary to uphold the integrity of property valuations and protect consumer interests in real estate transactions.