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Bill

HB 170

Real estate appraisers; ed. requirements for licensure, fair housing and appraisal bias course.

2026 Regular Session Introduced by Alex Askew and 2 co-sponsors

Virginia requires real estate appraisers to complete fair housing and bias training for licensure to address documented valuation disparities.

Approved by Governor-Chapter 81 (effective 7/1/2026)
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Bill Summary · HB 170

Legislative bill overview

HB 170 requires real estate appraisers in Virginia to complete educational coursework on fair housing law and appraisal bias as a condition of licensure. The bill has already passed the House with strong support (81-18) and is now in the Senate's Committee on General Laws and Technology for consideration.

Why is this important

Appraisals directly determine property values and mortgage eligibility, making them critical gatekeepers in real estate transactions. Research has documented racial and socioeconomic disparities in appraisals, where identical properties receive different valuations based on neighborhood demographics. Requiring bias training aims to reduce discriminatory appraisal practices that can perpetuate wealth gaps and limit homeownership opportunities for marginalized communities.

Potential points of contention

  • Implementation burden: Appraisers may face increased licensing costs and administrative requirements, potentially affecting small practitioners and creating barriers to entry in the profession
  • Training effectiveness: Critics may question whether classroom coursework meaningfully changes appraiser behavior compared to other interventions like blind appraisal processes or accountability mechanisms
  • Scope definition: Unclear whether the bill specifies curriculum standards, instructor qualifications, or measurable competency assessments, which could result in inconsistent training quality across providers

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

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