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HB 267

COMMERCIAL REGULATIONS: Provides with respect to the membership of the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Polly Thomas

HB 267 standardizes the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors with four-year terms for all members, expands candidate pools, and tightens qualification rules.

Effective date: 08/01/2026.
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Bill Summary · HB 267

Summary of Bill HB 267 (2026, Louisiana)

Overview

  • Title: COMMERCIAL REGULATIONS: Provides with respect to the membership of the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors
  • Bill Number: HB 267
  • Session: 2026 Regular Session
  • Sponsor: Representative Thomas (co-sponsor: Polly Thomas)
  • Jurisdiction: Louisiana
  • Subject: Reforms to the membership structure, qualifications, and terms for the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors

Purpose and Intent

The bill modifies how members of the Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors are selected, who may submit candidate names, and the term limits for board members. It aims to standardize terms to four years for all members and update qualification requirements for both candidates and licensees submitting names.

Key Provisions and Changes

1) Composition and Appointment Process

  • The board shall be composed of:
    • One member from each congressional district
    • One at-large member
  • Appointments are made by the governor.
  • Names submitted to the governor will come from a broadened pool:
    • Previously: Names submitted by the board of directors of the Louisiana Chapter of the American Society of Home Inspectors, the Louisiana Realtors Association, and the Louisiana Home Builders Association.
    • HB 267 adds: Names may be submitted by any active licensed Louisiana home inspector residing within the district of the board vacancy.
  • Both the candidates and the licensees submitting candidate names must meet defined qualifications (see below).

2) Qualifications for Board Candidates and Submitting Licensees

  • New qualifications established for both:
    • Candidates for the board
    • Licensees who submit candidate names
  • General qualifications (summarized):
    • Must hold a license for at least three years
    • Must not have been found guilty of any board-rule or licensing-law violations in the preceding three years
    • Must be in good standing with the board
    • Must be a U.S. citizen and a Louisiana resident
    • Must have been actively engaged in the home inspection business on a full-time basis for the three years preceding appointment
  • Initial board members must obtain a license under the chapter; thereafter, each board member must be a licensed home inspector.

3) Term Lengths and Limits

  • HB 267 repeals the prior, staggered-term structure and replaces it with a uniform four-year term for all members.
  • Each member may serve up to two four-year terms (consecutive or nonconsecutive).
  • A formal nomination is required for reappointment to a second consecutive term.
  • Interim service after term expiration is permitted until a replacement is appointed and does not count toward the term limit.
  • Vacancies (due to death, resignation, or disability) are filled by the governor for the unexpired term, from the congressional district where the vacancy occurred.
  • Exception maintained: The at-large member designation remains, but the bill repeals the specific pre-2017 arrangement concerning the at-large seat.

4) At-Large Member Provision

  • The bill repeals the existing provision that, after August 1, 2017, the Third Congressional District member designated as the at-large member fills vacancies, and the at-large vacancy is handled by appointment.
  • Under HB 267, the at-large member vacancy rules align with standard vacancy practices (governor appoints for the unexpired term).

5) Administrative Text

  • The bill amends and reenacts R.S. 37:1474(B) and (D) to reflect these changes.
  • Initial board members are required to obtain licensing per the chapter’s provisions.

Who is Affected

  • Louisiana State Board of Home Inspectors (structure, appointment process, and term limits)
  • Active licensed Louisiana home inspectors (as potential candidates and in submitting names)
  • The governor (as the appointing authority)
  • Organizations previously involved in candidate nomination (revised to include any eligible active licensed inspector, broadening the pool)

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

  • Present law changes take effect upon enactment of HB 267 (no specific effective date stated within the provided text).
  • Term structure changes: all members will serve four-year terms, with a maximum of two terms.
  • Interim service rules apply if a replacement has not yet been appointed.
  • Vacancies to be filled for the unexpired term by gubernatorial appointment.

Potential Impacts

  • Expanded pool of potential board candidates, fostering broader representation from practicing inspectors.
  • Clarified and potentially tightened qualifications to ensure candidates and submitters are in good standing with verifiable experience.
  • Simplified and standardized term lengths and limits, potentially enhancing board continuity while allowing renewal.
  • Changes may affect the timeline for board vacancies and appointments, depending on gubernatorial action.

If you’d like, I can provide a side-by-side comparison with the current law (R.S. 37:1474) to highlight all substantive differences.

Compiled from official sources — confirm details with the bill’s official record.

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