The Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board proposes amendments to §§153.1, 153.9, 153.13, and 153.18.

Section 153.1 amends the definition of a fundamental real estate course to tie it specifically to the courses recognized by the Appraiser Qualifications Board as qualifying education. Section 153.9 amends the legal questions on all applications relating to civil judgements rendered. Section 153.13 clarifies that fundamental or qualifying education courses must be approved by the Appraiser Qualifications Board or offered by an accredited college or university. It also simplifies the process for obtaining TALCB course approval and makes the period for which the course is approved the same as the period for AQB approval. Section 153.18 clarifies that an individual whose continuing education is deferred may be placed on inactive status and must complete the missed continuing education before returning to active status as mandated by the Appraisal Subcommittee. Section 153.18 provides that the Appraiser Continuing Education (ACE) classroom courses must have either AQB approval or be approved by another state appraiser licensing and certification board. ACE distance courses must be approved by the AQB or be offered by an accredited college or university.

Wayne Thorburn, Commissioner, Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board, has determined that for the first five-year period the sections are in effect there will be no fiscal implications for state or local government as a result of enforcing or administering the rules.

Mr. Thorburn also has determined that for each year of the first five years the amendments are in effect, the public benefit anticipated as a result of these amendments is that the process of obtaining appraiser course approval will be simplified. There will be no effect on small businesses. There is no cost to individuals required to comply with the proposed amendments.

Comments on the proposed amendments may be submitted to Wayne Thorburn, Commissioner, Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board, P.O. Box 12188, Austin, Texas 78711-2188.

The amendments are proposed under the Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Act, Subchapter D, Board Powers and Duties (Occupations Code, Chapter 1103), which provides the board with authority to adopt rules under Sec.1103.151 Rules Relating to Certification and Licenses.

No other code, article, or statute is affected by this proposal.