Relating to authorizing the Real Estate Commission to promulgate a legislative rule relating to licensing real estate brokers, associate brokers, and salespersons and the conduct of brokerage business

2025 Regular Session Introduced by Doug Smith

House Bill 2320 empowers West Virginia's Real Estate Commission to set new licensing rules for brokers and salespersons, enhancing industry standards and accountability.

To House Government Organization

#legislature--rulemaking

Summary of House Bill 2320

Bill Number: HB 2320
Title: Relating to authorizing the Real Estate Commission to promulgate a legislative rule relating to licensing real estate brokers, associate brokers, and salespersons and the conduct of brokerage business
Status: To House Government Organization
Introduced: January 29, 2025
Classification: Bill
Subject: Legislature--Rule Making

Purpose and Intent

House Bill 2320 aims to authorize the Real Estate Commission in West Virginia to create and implement a legislative rule concerning the licensing of real estate brokers, associate brokers, and salespersons, as well as the conduct of brokerage business. This bill is designed to enhance regulatory oversight and ensure that the licensing process aligns with current industry standards and practices.

Key Provisions

Legislative Rule Authorization: The bill specifically grants the Real Estate Commission the authority to promulgate a legislative rule that governs:

Licensing procedures for real estate brokers, associate brokers, and salespersons.
Standards and practices for conducting brokerage business.

Modification of Existing Rules: The bill references a legislative rule that was filed in the State Register on August 14, 2024, which was subsequently modified to address concerns raised by the Legislative Rule-Making Review Committee. This modified rule was refiled on October 15, 2024.

Impact

Real Estate Professionals: The primary beneficiaries of this bill will be real estate brokers, associate brokers, and salespersons who will be subject to the new licensing requirements and standards established by the Real Estate Commission.

Regulatory Framework: The bill aims to strengthen the regulatory framework governing real estate practices in West Virginia, potentially leading to improved professionalism and accountability within the industry.

Legislative Timeline

January 29, 2025: Bill filed with the Clerk by Rep. Tony M. McCombie.

February 4, 2025: First reading and referred to the Rules Committee.

February 12, 2025: Introduced in the House and referred to the Government Organization Committee.

March 4, 2025: Assigned to the Executive Committee.

March 12, 2025: Passed the Executive Committee with a vote of 12-0-0 and placed on the calendar for second reading.

March 27, 2025: Held on the calendar for second reading and underwent a short debate.

April 11, 2025: Third reading deadline extended to May 31, 2025.

May 31, 2025: Re-referred to the Rules Committee under Rule 19(a).

Conclusion

House Bill 2320 is a significant legislative effort aimed at modernizing the licensing framework for real estate professionals in West Virginia. By empowering the Real Estate Commission to establish relevant rules, the bill seeks to enhance the integrity and professionalism of the real estate industry in the state.