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Bill

S 2798

Permits State Real Estate Appraiser Board to revoke, suspend, or fine appraisers or appraisal management companies who knowingly engage in discriminatory appraisals of residential property on basis of race or national origin.

2026-2027 Regular Session Introduced by Angela McKnight

New Jersey bill empowers appraisal regulator to suspend, revoke licenses, or fine appraisers and companies for knowingly conducting race or national origin-based discriminatory property valuations.

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Commerce Committee
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Bill Summary · S 2798

Legislative bill overview

S 2798 authorizes New Jersey's State Real Estate Appraiser Board to revoke, suspend, or impose fines on appraisers and appraisal management companies that knowingly conduct discriminatory property appraisals based on race or national origin. The bill creates enforcement mechanisms and disciplinary procedures for violations of fair housing principles in the appraisal process.

Why is this important

Appraisal discrimination directly affects home values, mortgage approval rates, and wealth-building capacity in minority communities. Studies document patterns of undervaluation in properties located in predominantly minority neighborhoods, perpetuating housing segregation and limiting access to equity. This bill addresses a documented gap in enforcement by giving regulators explicit authority to penalize discriminatory appraisal practices.

Potential points of contention

  • Proving intent: The requirement to show appraisers "knowingly" engaged in discrimination sets a high legal bar; systemic bias or implicit discrimination may be harder to prosecute than explicit intent
  • Defining discriminatory appraisals: Without clear standards for what constitutes discrimination versus legitimate valuation differences, enforcement could be inconsistent or subject to disputes over methodology
  • Industry impact: Appraisers and management companies may argue the penalties are overly harsh or that the bill creates liability for honest professional disagreements about property values

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

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