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[Introduced][Status][Bill Documents][Fiscal Note]
[Bills Directory]
H.B. 346 Enrolled
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DIVISION OF REAL ESTATE RELATED
2
AMENDMENTS
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2008 GENERAL SESSION
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STATE OF UTAH
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Chief Sponsor: Gage Froerer
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Senate Sponsor:
Sheldon L. Killpack
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LONG TITLE
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General Description:
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This bill modifies provisions related to areas regulated by the Division of Real Estate.
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Highlighted Provisions:
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This bill:
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. addresses rulemaking by the Real Estate Commission;
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. addresses fines that may be imposed;
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. addresses firms;
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. addresses disciplinary actions that may be imposed under provisions related to real
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estate brokers and agents, the Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and Certification Act,
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and the Utah Residential Mortgage Practices Act;
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. provides for registration of trainees under the Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and
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Certification Act;
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. addresses terminology for experts under the Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and
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Certification Act;
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. modifies criminal penalties under the Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and
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Certification Act and the Utah Residential Mortgage Practices Act;
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. addresses the hours required of prelicensing education for mortgage licensing
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including providing for rulemaking;
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. removes grandfathering language related to principal lending manager;
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. provides for deposit of certain fees into the Residential Mortgage Loan Education,
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Research, and Recovery Fund; and
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. makes technical and conforming amendments.
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Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
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None
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Other Special Clauses:
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None
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Utah Code Sections Affected:
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AMENDS:
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61-2-5.5, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 325
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61-2-13, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1991, Chapter 165
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61-2-20, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 325
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61-2-21, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 325
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61-2b-2, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 199
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61-2b-6, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 199
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61-2b-8, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 199
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61-2b-18, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 199
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61-2b-21, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 199
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61-2b-22, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 199
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61-2b-24, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 199
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61-2b-25, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 306
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61-2b-26, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 199
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61-2b-27, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 199
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61-2b-28, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 325
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61-2b-29, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 325
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61-2b-30.5, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 199
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61-2b-31, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 325
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61-2b-33, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 199
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61-2c-202, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 325
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61-2c-206, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 325
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61-2c-403, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 325
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61-2c-502, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 325
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ENACTS:
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61-2c-405, Utah Code Annotated 1953
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Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
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Section 1.
Section
61-2-5.5
is amended to read:
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61-2-5.5. Real Estate Commission.
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(1) There is created within the division a Real Estate Commission. The commission
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shall:
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(a) make rules for the administration of this chapter that are not inconsistent with this
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chapter, including:
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(i) licensing of:
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(A) principal brokers;
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(B) associate brokers;
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(C) sales agents;
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(D) real estate companies; and
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(E) branch offices;
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(ii) prelicensing and postlicensing education curricula;
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(iii) examination procedures;
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(iv) the certification and conduct of:
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(A) real estate schools;
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(B) course providers; and
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(C) instructors;
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(v) proper handling of funds received by real estate licensees;
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(vi) brokerage office procedures and recordkeeping requirements;
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(vii) property management;
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(viii) standards of conduct for real estate licensees; [and]
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(ix) rules made under Section
61-2-26
regarding an undivided fractionalized long-term
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estate; and
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(x) if the commission determines necessary, rules as provided in Subsection
61-2-20
(3)
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regarding legal forms;
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(b) establish, with the concurrence of the division, all fees as provided in this chapter
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and Title 61, Chapter 2a, Real Estate Recovery Fund Act;
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(c) conduct all administrative hearings not delegated by the commission to an
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administrative law judge or the division relating to the:
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(i) licensing of any applicant;
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(ii) conduct of any licensee;
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(iii) the certification or conduct of any real estate school, course provider, or instructor
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regulated under this chapter; or
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(iv) violation of this chapter by any person;
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(d) with the concurrence of the director, impose sanctions as provided in Section
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61-2-12
;
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(e) advise the director on the administration and enforcement of any matters affecting
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the division and the real estate sales and property management industries;
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(f) advise the director on matters affecting the division budget;
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(g) advise and assist the director in conducting real estate seminars; and
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(h) perform other duties as provided by:
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(i) this chapter; and
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(ii) Title 61, Chapter 2a, Real Estate Recovery Fund Act.
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(2) (a) The commission shall be comprised of five members appointed by the governor
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and approved by the Senate.
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(b) Four of the commission members shall:
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(i) have at least five years' experience in the real estate business; and
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(ii) hold an active principal broker, associate broker, or sales agent license.
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(c) One commission member shall be a member of the general public.
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(d) No more than one commission member described in Subsection (2)(b) shall at the
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time of appointment reside in any given county in the state.
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(e) At least one commission member described in Subsection (2)(b) shall at the time of
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an appointment reside in a county that is not a county of the first or second class.
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(3) (a) Except as required by Subsection (3)(b), as terms of current commission
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members expire, the governor shall appoint each new member or reappointed member to a
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four-year term ending June 30.
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(b) Notwithstanding the requirements of Subsection (3)(a), the governor shall, at the
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time of appointment or reappointment, adjust the length of terms to ensure that the terms of
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commission members are staggered so that approximately half of the commission is appointed
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every two years.
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(c) Upon the expiration of the term of a member of the commission, the member of the
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commission shall continue to hold office until a successor is appointed and qualified.
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(d) A commission member may not serve more than two consecutive terms.
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(e) Members of the commission shall annually select one member to serve as chair.
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(4) When a vacancy occurs in the membership for any reason, the replacement shall be
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appointed for the unexpired term.
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(5) (a) A member may not receive compensation or benefits for the member's services,
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but may receive per diem and expenses incurred in the performance of the member's official
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duties at the rates established by the Division of Finance under Sections
63A-3-106
and
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63A-3-107
.
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(b) A member may decline to receive per diem and expenses for the member's service.
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(6) (a) The commission shall meet at least monthly.
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(b) The director may call additional meetings:
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(i) at the director's discretion;
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(ii) upon the request of the chair; or
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(iii) upon the written request of three or more commission members.
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(7) Three members of the commission constitute a quorum for the transaction of
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business.
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Section 2.
Section
61-2-13
is amended to read:
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61-2-13. Grounds for revocation of principal broker's license -- Automatic
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inactivation of affiliated associate brokers and sales agents licenses.
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(1) (a) [Any] An unlawful act or [any] violation of this chapter committed by [any real
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estate sales agent or associate broker employed or engaged as an independent contractor by or
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on behalf of a licensed principal broker or committed by any employee, officer, or member of a
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licensed principal broker] a person listed in Subsection (1)(b) is cause for:
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(i) the revocation, suspension, or probation of [the] a principal broker's license[,]; or
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[for]
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(ii) the imposition of a fine against the principal broker in an amount not to exceed
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[$500] $2,500 per violation.
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(b) Subsection (1)(a) applies to an act or violation by any of the following:
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(i) a real estate sales agent or associate broker employed by a licensed principal broker;
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(ii) a real estate sales agent or associate broker engaged as an independent contractor
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by or on behalf of a licensed principal broker; or
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(iii) an employee, officer, or member of a licensed principal broker.
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(2) (a) The revocation or suspension of a principal broker license automatically
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inactivates [every] an associate broker or sales agent license granted to [those persons] a person
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by reason of [their] that person's affiliation with the principal broker whose license [was] is
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revoked or suspended, pending a change of broker affiliation.
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(b) A principal broker shall, [prior to] before the effective date of [the] a suspension or
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revocation of [his] the principal broker's license, notify in writing every licensee affiliated with
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[him] the principal broker of the revocation or suspension of [his] the principal broker license.
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Section 3.
Section
61-2-20
is amended to read:
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61-2-20. Rights and privileges of real estate licensees to fill out forms or
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documents.
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[A] (1) Except as provided in Subsection (2), a real estate licensee may fill out only
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those legal forms approved by the commission and the attorney general, and those forms
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provided by statute[, with the following exceptions:].
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[(1)] (2) (a) (i) A principal broker may fill out any documents associated with the
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closing of a real estate transaction.
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[(b)] (ii) A branch broker or associate broker may fill out any documents associated
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with the closing of a real estate transaction if designated to fill out the documents by the
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principal broker with whom the branch broker or associate broker is affiliated.
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[(2)] (b) A real estate licensee may fill out real estate forms prepared by legal counsel of
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the buyer, seller, lessor, or lessee.
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[(3)] (c) If the commission and the attorney general have not approved a specific form
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for the transaction, a principal broker, associate broker, or sales agent may fill out real estate
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forms prepared by any legal counsel, including legal counsel retained by the brokerage to
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develop these forms.
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(3) The commission may by rule, made in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah
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Administrative Rulemaking Act, provide a process for the approval of a legal form under this
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section by the commission and the attorney general.
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Section 4.
Section
61-2-21
is amended to read:
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61-2-21. Remedies and action for violations.
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(1) (a) The director shall issue and serve upon a person an order directing that person
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to cease and desist from an act if:
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(i) the director has reason to believe that the person has been engaging, is about to
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engage, or is engaging in the act constituting a violation of this chapter; and
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(ii) it appears to the director that it would be in the public interest to stop the act.
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(b) Within ten days after receiving the order, the person upon whom the order is served
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may request [an adjudicative proceeding] a hearing.
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(c) Pending [the] a hearing requested under Subsection (1)(b), [any] a cease and desist
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order shall remain in effect.
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(d) If a request for a hearing is made, the division shall follow the procedures and
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requirements of Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act.
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(2) (a) After [the] a hearing requested under Subsection (1), if the commission and the
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director agree that [the] an act of the person violates this chapter, the director:
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(i) shall issue an order making the order issued under Subsection (1) permanent; and
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(ii) may impose [a civil penalty not to exceed the greater of:] another disciplinary action
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under Section
61-2-12
.
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[(A) $2,500 for each violation; or]
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[(B) the amount of any gain or economic benefit derived from each violation.]
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(b) The director shall file suit in the name of the Department of Commerce and the
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Division of Real Estate, in the district court in the county in which an act described in
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Subsection (1) [occurred] occurs or where the person resides or carries on business, to enjoin
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and restrain the person from violating this chapter if:
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(i) (A) [no] a hearing is not requested under Subsection (1); and
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(B) the person fails to cease the act described in Subsection (1); or
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(ii) after discontinuing the act described in Subsection (1), the person again commences
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the act.
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(c) [The] A district [courts] court of this state [shall have] has jurisdiction of an action
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brought under this section.
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(d) Upon a proper showing in an action brought under this section [related to an
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undivided fractionalized long-term estate], the court may:
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(i) issue a permanent or temporary, prohibitory or mandatory injunction;
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(ii) issue a restraining order or writ of mandamus;
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(iii) enter a declaratory judgment;
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(iv) appoint a receiver or conservator for the defendant or the defendant's assets;
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(v) order disgorgement;
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(vi) order rescission;
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(vii) impose a civil penalty not to exceed the greater of:
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(A) $2,500 for each violation; or
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(B) the amount of any gain or economic benefit derived from [each] a violation; and
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(viii) enter any other relief the court considers just.
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(e) The court may not require the division to post a bond in an action brought under
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this Subsection (2).
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(3) [The remedies and action] A remedy or action provided in this section [may] does
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not limit, interfere with, or prevent the prosecution of[, any other remedies or actions] another
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remedy or action, including a criminal [proceedings] proceeding.
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Section 5.
Section
61-2b-2
is amended to read:
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61-2b-2. Definitions.
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(1) As used in this chapter:
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(a) (i) "Appraisal" means an unbiased analysis, opinion, or conclusion relating to the
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nature, quality, value, or utility of a specified [interests] interest in, or [aspects] aspect of,
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identified real estate or identified real property.
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(ii) An appraisal [shall be] is classified by the nature of the assignment as a valuation
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appraisal, an analysis assignment, or a review assignment in accordance with the following
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definitions:
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(A) "Valuation appraisal" means an unbiased analysis, opinion, or conclusion that
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estimates the value of an identified parcel of real estate or identified real property at a particular
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point in time.
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(B) "Analysis assignment" means an unbiased analysis, opinion, or conclusion that
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relates to the nature, quality, or utility of identified real estate or identified real property.
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(C) "Review assignment" means an unbiased analysis, opinion, or conclusion that forms
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an opinion as to the adequacy and appropriateness of a valuation appraisal or an analysis
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assignment.
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(b) "Appraisal Foundation" means the Appraisal Foundation that was incorporated as
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an Illinois not-for-profit corporation on November 30, 1987.
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(c) (i) "Appraisal report" means [any] a communication, written or oral, of an appraisal.
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(ii) An appraisal report [shall be] is classified by the nature of the assignment as a
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valuation report, analysis report, or review report in accordance with the definitions provided in
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Subsection (1)(a)(ii).
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(iii) The testimony of a person relating to the person's analyses, conclusions, or
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opinions concerning identified real estate or identified real property is considered to be an oral
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appraisal report.
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(d) "Board" means the Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board that is
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established in Section
61-2b-7
.
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(e) "Certified appraisal report" means a written or oral appraisal report that is certified
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by a state-certified general appraiser or state-certified residential appraiser.
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(f) (i) (A) "Consultation service" means an engagement to provide a real estate
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valuation service analysis, opinion, conclusion, or other service that does not fall within the
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definition of appraisal.
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(B) "Consultation service" does not mean a valuation appraisal, analysis assignment, or
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review assignment.
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(ii) Regardless of the intention of the client or employer, if a person prepares an
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unbiased analysis, opinion, or conclusion, the analysis, opinion, or conclusion is considered to
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be an appraisal and not a consultation service.
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(g) "Contingent fee" means a fee or other form of compensation, payment of which is
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dependent on or conditioned by:
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(i) the reporting of a predetermined analysis, opinion, or conclusion by the person
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performing the analysis, opinion, or conclusion; or
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(ii) achieving a result specified by the person requesting the analysis, opinion, or
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conclusion.
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(h) "Division" means the Division of Real Estate of the Department of Commerce.
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(i) "Federally related transaction" means [any] a real estate related transaction that is
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required by federal law or by federal regulation to be supported by an appraisal prepared by:
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(i) a state-licensed appraiser; or
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(ii) a state-certified appraiser.
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(j) "Real estate" means an identified parcel or tract of land including improvements if
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any.
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(k) "Real estate appraisal activity" means the act or process of making an appraisal of
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real estate or real property and preparing an appraisal report.
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(l) "Real estate related transaction" means:
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(i) the sale, lease, purchase, investment in, or exchange of real property or an interest in
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real property, or the financing of such a transaction;
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(ii) the refinancing of real property or an interest in real property; or
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(iii) the use of real property or an interest in real property as security for a loan or
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investment, including mortgage-backed securities.
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(m) "Real property" means one or more defined interests, benefits, or rights inherent in
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the ownership of real estate.
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(n) "State-certified general appraiser" means a person who holds a current, valid
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certification as a state-certified general appraiser issued under this chapter.
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(o) "State-certified residential appraiser" means a person who holds a current, valid
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certification as a state-certified residential real estate appraiser issued under this chapter.
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(p) "State-licensed appraiser" means a person who holds a current, valid license as a
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state-licensed appraiser issued under this chapter.
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[(q) "State-registered appraiser" means a person who before May 3, 1999, was
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registered as an appraiser under this chapter.]
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[(r)] (q) "Trainee" means an individual who:
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(i) does not hold an appraiser license or appraiser certification issued under this chapter;
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[and]
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(ii) works under the direct supervision of a [state-licensed appraiser or] state-certified
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appraiser to earn experience for licensure[.]; and
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(iii) is registered as a trainee under this chapter.
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[(s)] (r) "Unbiased analysis, opinion, or conclusion" means an analysis, opinion, or
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conclusion relating to the nature, quality, value, or utility of identified real estate or identified
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real property that is prepared by a person who is employed or retained to act, or would be
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perceived by third parties or the public as acting, as a disinterested third party in rendering the
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analysis, opinion, or conclusion.
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(2) (a) If a term not defined in this section is defined by rule, the term shall have the
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meaning established by the division by rule made in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah
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Administrative Rulemaking Act.
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(b) If a term not defined in this section is not defined by rule, the term shall have the
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meaning commonly accepted in the business community.
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Section 6.
Section
61-2b-6
is amended to read:
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61-2b-6. Duties and powers of division.
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(1) The division [shall have] has the powers and duties listed in this Subsection (1).
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(a) The division shall:
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(i) receive [applications] an application for licensing [and], certification, or registration;
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(ii) establish appropriate administrative procedures for the processing of [applications]
324
an application for licensure [or], certification, or registration;
325
(iii) issue [licenses and certifications to qualified applicants] a license or certification to
326
a qualified applicant pursuant to this chapter; and
327
[(iv) maintain a registry of the names and addresses of individuals who are currently
328
licensed or certified as appraisers under this chapter.]
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(iv) register an individual who applies for registration as a trainee under this chapter.
330
(b) (i) The division shall require [a trainee to notify the division that the trainee is
331
acting] an individual to register as a trainee with the division before the individual acts in the
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capacity of a trainee earning experience for licensure.
333
(ii) The board shall adopt rules in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah
334
Administrative Rulemaking Act, for the trainee [notification] registration required by this
335
Subsection (1)(b).
336
(c) The division shall hold public hearings under the direction of the board.
337
(d) The division may:
338
(i) solicit bids and enter into contracts with one or more educational testing services or
339
organizations for the preparation of a bank of questions and answers approved by the board for
340
licensing and certification examinations; and
341
(ii) administer or contract for the administration of licensing and certification
342
examinations as may be required to carry out the division's responsibilities under this chapter.
343
(e) The division shall provide administrative assistance to the board by providing to the
344
board the facilities, equipment, supplies, and personnel that are required to enable the board to
345
carry out the board's responsibilities under this chapter.
346
(f) The division shall assist the board in upgrading and improving the quality of the
347
education and examinations required under this chapter.
348
(g) The division shall assist the board in improving the quality of the continuing
349
education available to [persons] a person licensed and certified under this chapter.
350
(h) The division shall assist the board with respect to the proper interpretation or
351
explanation of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice as required by Section
352
61-2b-27
when an interpretation or explanation becomes necessary in the enforcement of this
353
chapter.
354
(i) The division shall establish fees in accordance with Section
63-38-3.2
:
355
(i) for processing:
356
(A) a trainee [notifications] registration;
357
(B) [applications] an application for licensing and certification; and
358
(C) [registration of expert witnesses] approval of an expert witness; and
359
(ii) for all other functions required or permitted by this chapter.
360
(j) The division may:
361
(i) investigate [complaints] a complaint against:
362
(A) [trainees] a trainee; [or]
363
(B) [persons] a person licensed or certified under this chapter; or
364
(C) a person required to be licensed, certified, or registered under this chapter;
365
(ii) subpoena [witnesses and the production of books, documents, records, and other
366
papers;] a witness;
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(iii) subpoena the production of a book, document, record, or other paper;
368
[(iii)] (iv) administer [oaths] an oath; and
369
[(iv)] (v) take testimony and receive evidence concerning [all matters] a matter within
370
the division's jurisdiction.
371
(k) The division may:
372
(i) promote research and conduct studies relating to the profession of real estate
373
appraising; and
374
(ii) sponsor real estate appraisal educational activities.
375
(l) The division shall adopt, with the concurrence of the board, rules for the
376
administration of this chapter pursuant to Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative
377
Rulemaking Act, that are not inconsistent with this chapter or the constitution and laws of this
378
state or of the United States.
379
(m) The division shall employ an appropriate staff to investigate allegations that
380
[persons] a person required to be licensed [or], certified, or registered under this chapter [failed]
381
fails to comply with this chapter.
382
(n) The division may employ [such] other professional, clerical, and technical staff as
383
may be necessary to properly administer the work of the division under this chapter.
384
(o) The division may make available, at a reasonable cost determined by the division, a
385
list of the names and addresses of all persons licensed or certified by the division under this
386
chapter to the extent the information is a public record under Title 63, Chapter 2, Government
387
Records Access and Management Act.
388
(2) (a) The division shall [register expert witnesses who are] approve an expert witness
389
who is not otherwise licensed or certified under this chapter to appear in [all] an administrative
390
[and] or judicial tax [proceedings] proceeding to provide evidence related to the valuation of
391
real property that is assessed by the tax commission, provided that the:
392
(i) [registration] approval is limited to a specific proceeding;
393
(ii) [registration] approval is valid until the proceeding becomes final;
394
(iii) applicant pays [a registration] an approval fee to the division;
395
(iv) applicant provides the applicant's name, address, occupation, and professional
396
credentials; and
397
(v) applicant provides a notarized statement that:
398
(A) the applicant is competent to render an appraisal and to testify as an expert witness
399
in the proceeding; and
400
(B) the appraisal and testimony to be offered shall be in accordance with the Uniform
401
Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice adopted by the board.
402
(b) Subsection (2)(a) [shall be] is effective for [all] an administrative [and] or judicial
403
property tax [proceedings] proceeding related to the valuation of real property that is assessed
404
by the tax commission, including those filed but which are not final as of May 3, 1994.
405
(3) (a) [The division shall be] If the conditions of Subsection (3)(b) are met, the division
406
is immune from any civil action or criminal prosecution for initiating or assisting in [any] a
407
lawful investigation of [the actions of] an act of, or participating in [any] a disciplinary
408
proceeding concerning [a trainee or]:
409
(i) a person required to be licensed, certified, or registered pursuant to this chapter; or
410
(ii) a person approved as an expert witness pursuant to this chapter [if the action is
411
taken].
412
(b) This Subsection (3) applies if the division takes the action:
413
(i) without malicious intent; and
414
(ii) in the reasonable belief that the action [was] is taken pursuant to the powers and
415
duties vested in the [members of the] division under this chapter.
416
Section 7.
Section
61-2b-8
is amended to read:
417
61-2b-8. Duties of board.
418
(1) (a) The board shall provide technical assistance to the division relating to real estate
419
appraisal standards and real estate appraiser qualifications [and shall have the responsibilities,
420
powers,].
421
(b) The board has the powers and duties listed in this section.
422
[(1)] (2) The board shall:
423
(a) determine the experience, education, and examination requirements appropriate for
424
[persons] a person licensed under this chapter;
425
(b) determine the experience, education, and examination requirements appropriate for
426
[persons] a person certified under this chapter in compliance with the minimum requirements of
427
Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989, and consistent with the
428
intent of this chapter;
429
(c) determine the appraisal related acts that may be performed by:
430
(i) a trainee on the basis of the trainee's education and experience;
431
(ii) clerical staff; and
432
(iii) a person who:
433
(A) does not hold a license or certification; and
434
(B) assists [appraisers] an appraiser licensed or certified under this chapter in providing
435
appraisal services or consultation services;
436
(d) determine the procedures for a trainee [notifying] to register with the division [that
437
the trainee will assist persons licensed or certified under this chapter in providing appraisal
438
services or consultation services]; and
439
(e) develop one or more programs to upgrade and improve the experience, education,
440
and examinations as required under this chapter.
441
[(2)] (3) (a) The experience, education, and examination requirements established by
442
the board for [persons] a person licensed or certified under this chapter shall be the minimum
443
criteria established by the Appraiser Qualification Board of the Appraisal Foundation, unless,
444
after notice and a public hearing held in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah
445
Administrative Rulemaking Act, the board finds that the minimum criteria are not appropriate
446
for a state-licensed [appraisers or] appraiser or a state-certified [appraisers] appraiser in this
447
state.
448
(b) If under Subsection [(2)] (3)(a) the board makes a finding that the minimum criteria
449
are not appropriate, the board shall recommend appropriate criteria to the Legislature.
450
[(3)] (4) The board shall:
451
(a) determine the continuing education requirements appropriate for the renewal of
452
[licenses and certifications] a license or certification issued under this chapter;
453
(b) develop one or more programs to upgrade and improve continuing education; and
454
(c) recommend to the division one or more available continuing education courses that
455
meet the requirements of this chapter.
456
[(4)] (5) (a) The board shall consider the proper interpretation or explanation of the
457
Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice as required by Section
61-2b-27
when:
458
(i) an interpretation or explanation [becomes] is necessary in the enforcement of this
459
chapter; and
460
(ii) the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation has not [as yet] issued
461
an interpretation or explanation.
462
(b) If the conditions of Subsection [(4)] (5)(a) are met, the board shall recommend to
463
the division the appropriate interpretation or explanation that the division should adopt as a rule
464
under this chapter.
465
[(5)] (6) The board shall develop and establish or approve the examination
466
specifications and the minimum score required to pass [the examinations] an examination for
467
licensure [and] or certification.
468
[(6)] (7) The board [shall] may review the:
469
(a) bank of questions and answers that comprise the examination for [persons] a person
470
licensed and certified under this chapter;
471
(b) procedure that is established for selecting individual questions from the bank of
472
questions for use in each scheduled examination; and
473
(c) questions in the bank of questions and the related answers to determine whether
474
they meet the examination specifications established by the board.
475
[(7)] (8) (a) The board shall conduct an administrative [hearings] hearing, not delegated
476
by the board to an administrative law judge, in connection with [all] a disciplinary [proceedings]
477
proceeding under Sections
61-2b-30
and
61-2b-31
concerning:
478
(i) a person required to be licensed [or], certified, or registered under this chapter; and
479
(ii) the person's failure to comply with this chapter and the Uniform Standards of
480
Professional Appraisal Practice as adopted under Section
61-2b-27
.
481
(b) The board shall issue in [each] an administrative hearing a decision that contains
482
findings of fact and conclusions of law.
483
(c) When a determination is made that a person required to be licensed [or], certified, or
484
registered under this chapter has violated [any provision of] this chapter, the division shall
485
implement disciplinary action determined by the board.
486
[(8) The members of the board shall be]
487
(9) A member of the board is immune from [any] a civil action or criminal prosecution
488
for [any] a disciplinary proceeding concerning a person required to be registered, licensed, [or]
489
certified, or approved as an expert under this chapter if the action is taken without malicious
490
intent and in the reasonable belief that the action taken was taken pursuant to the powers and
491
duties vested in [the members] a member of the board under this chapter.
492
[(9)] (10) The board shall require and pass upon proof necessary to determine the
493
honesty, competency, integrity, and truthfulness of [each] an applicant for:
494
(a) original [or renewal] licensure [or], certification, or registration; and
495
(b) renewal licensure or certification.
496
Section 8.
Section
61-2b-18
is amended to read:
497
61-2b-18. Application for licensure, certification, or registration -- Approval as
498
an expert witness.
499
(1) An application for the following shall be sent to the division on [forms] a form
500
approved by the division:
501
(a) original certification [or], licensure, or registration;
502
(b) [registration] approval as an expert witness; and
503
(c) renewal of certification or licensure.
504
(2) The payment of the appropriate fee, as fixed by the division with the concurrence of
505
the board in accordance with Section
63-38-3.2
, must accompany an application for:
506
(a) [registration] approval as an expert witness;
507
(b) original certification [or], licensure, or registration; and
508
(c) renewal of certification or licensure.
509
(3) At the time of filing an application described in Subsection (1), [each] an applicant
510
shall:
511
(a) sign a pledge to comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal
512
Practice and the ethical rules to be observed by an appraiser that are established under Section
513
61-2b-27
for:
514
(i) a certified or licensed [appraisers or registered expert witnesses] appraiser;
515
(ii) a trainee; or
516
(iii) an expert witness approved under this chapter; and
517
(b) certify that the applicant understands the types of misconduct, as set forth in this
518
chapter, for which a disciplinary [proceedings] proceeding may be initiated against [persons] a
519
person certified [or], licensed, or registered under this chapter.
520
Section 9.
Section
61-2b-21
is amended to read:
521
61-2b-21. Denial of licensure, certification, or registration.
522
The division may, upon compliance with Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative
523
Procedures Act, deny the issuance of a license [or], certification, or registration to an applicant
524
on any of the grounds enumerated in this chapter.
525
Section 10.
Section
61-2b-22
is amended to read:
526
61-2b-22. Licensing, certification, registration, or expert witness requirements for
527
nonresidents -- Temporary license or certificate -- Revocation.
528
(1) [Each] An applicant for [registration as an expert witness, licensure, or certification
529
under this chapter] one of the following who is not a resident of this state shall submit with the
530
applicant's application an irrevocable consent that service of process upon the applicant may be
531
made by delivery of the process to the director of the division if, in an action against the
532
applicant in a court of this state arising out of the applicant's activities [as a real estate
533
appraiser] governed by this chapter in this state, the plaintiff cannot, in the exercise of due
534
diligence, obtain personal service upon the applicant[.]:
535
(a) approval as an expert witness; or
536
(b) licensure, certification, or registration under this chapter.
537
(2) A nonresident of this state who [has complied with the provisions of] complies with
538
Subsection (1) may obtain [a registration] approval as an expert witness, a license, [or] a
539
certification, or a registration in this state by complying with [all of] the provisions of this
540
chapter relating to [registration of] approval as an expert [witnesses] witness, licensure, [or]
541
certification, or registration.
542
(3) A nonresident of this state who [has complied with the provisions of] complies with
543
Subsection (1) may obtain a temporary permit for a license or certification to perform a contract
544
relating to the appraisal of real estate or real property in this state. To qualify for the issuance
545
of a temporary permit for a license or certification, an applicant must:
546
(a) submit an application on a form approved by the division;
547
(b) submit evidence that the applicant is licensed or certified in the state in which the
548
applicant primarily conducts business;
549
(c) certify that no formal charges alleging violation of state appraisal licensing or
550
certification laws have been filed against the applicant by the applicant's state of domicile; and
551
(d) pay an application fee in an amount established by the division with the concurrence
552
of the board.
553
(4) In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
554
division, with the concurrence of the board, shall make rules establishing:
555
(a) the duration of a temporary permit; and
556
(b) procedures for renewal of a temporary permit.
557
(5) A temporary permit issued under this section shall be immediately and automatically
558
revoked if the appraiser's license or certification is suspended or revoked in the appraiser's state
559
of domicile.
560
(6) [Any] A person whose temporary permit for a license or certification [has been] is
561
revoked under Subsection (5) is entitled to a postrevocation hearing to challenge the revocation.
562
The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative
563
Procedures Act.
564
Section 11.
Section
61-2b-24
is amended to read:
565
61-2b-24. Expert witness, licensing, certification, registration documents --
566
Assigned number to be used on contracts -- Surrender of documents upon suspension.
567
(1) The division shall issue to [each] a person [registered] approved as an expert
568
witness, licensed, [or] certified, or registered under this chapter a document:
569
(a) stating that the person is [registered] approved as an expert witness, licensed, [or]
570
certified, or registered under this chapter; and
571
(b) specifying the expiration date of [the] a license or certification.
572
(2) (a) [A registration] An approval as an expert witness, a license, [or] a certification,
573
or a registration document issued under this chapter shall bear [a registration] an approval,
574
license, [or] certification, or registration number assigned by the division.
575
(b) [The] An assigned number shall be used in [all statements of qualification, contracts,
576
or other instruments used by the registration, license, or certificate holder] a statement of
577
qualification, a contract, or another instrument used by the holder of the approval, license,
578
certificate, or registration when reference is made to [his] the holder's status as being
579
[registered] approved, licensed, [or] certified, or registered under this chapter.
580
(3) (a) [Licensing, certification, and expert witness registration documents remain] An
581
approval, license, certification, or registration document is the property of the state.
582
(b) Upon [any] a suspension or revocation of a license [or], certification, or registration
583
under this chapter, the individual holding the [respective documents] applicable document shall
584
immediately return the document to the division.
585
Section 12.
Section
61-2b-25
is amended to read:
586
61-2b-25. Other law unaffected.
587
Nothing contained in this chapter shall be considered to prohibit [any] a person
588
[registered] approved, licensed, or certified under this chapter from engaging in the practice of
589
real estate appraising as a professional corporation or a limited liability company in accordance
590
with [the provisions of]:
591
(1) Title 16, Chapter 11, Professional Corporation Act; or
592
(2) Title 48, Chapter 2c, Utah Revised Limited Liability Company Act.
593
Section 13.
Section
61-2b-26
is amended to read:
594
61-2b-26. Principal place of business -- Display of documents -- Notify of changes
595
-- Nonresidents.
596
(1) [Each] A person licensed or certified under this chapter shall:
597
(a) designate and maintain a principal place of business; and [shall]
598
(b) conspicuously display the person's license or certification.
599
(2) (a) Upon [any] a change of a person's principal business location or home address, a
600
person licensed or certified under this chapter shall promptly send the division a signed
601
statement notifying the division of [any] the change within ten business days of the change.
602
(b) Upon [any] a change of an expert witness's address listed on the expert witness's
603
[registration] application for approval, the expert witness shall [promptly] send the division a
604
signed statement notifying the division of [any] the change within ten business days of the
605
change.
606
(3) A nonresident licensee or certificate holder, or a nonresident [registered] approved
607
as an expert witness is not required to maintain a place of business in this state if the nonresident
608
maintains an active place of business in the nonresident's state of domicile.
609
Section 14.
Section
61-2b-27
is amended to read:
610
61-2b-27. Professional conduct -- Uniform standards.
611
(1) (a) [Each] A person licensed, certified, [or] registered, or approved as an expert
612
witness under this chapter must comply with:
613
(i) generally accepted standards of professional appraisal practice; and
614
(ii) generally accepted ethical rules to be observed by a real estate appraiser.
615
(b) Generally accepted standards of professional appraisal practice are evidenced by the
616
Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice promulgated by the Appraisal
617
Foundation.
618
(c) After a public hearing held in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah
619
Administrative Rulemaking Act, the board shall adopt and may make modifications of or
620
additions to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice as the board considers
621
appropriate to comply with the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act
622
of 1989.
623
[(2) If the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation modifies the Uniform
624
Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, issues supplemental appraisal standards which it
625
considers appropriate for residential real estate appraisers or for general real estate appraisers,
626
or issues ethical rules to be observed by a real estate appraiser and requests the board to
627
consider the adoption of the modified or supplemental standards or ethical rules, the]
628
(2) The board shall schedule a public hearing pursuant to Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah
629
Administrative Rulemaking Act, for the purpose of deciding whether or not the board should
630
require [the] a modified or supplemental [standards] standard or the ethical [rules] rule to be
631
observed by [persons] a person licensed, certified, [or] registered, or approved as an expert
632
witness under this chapter[.] if the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation:
633
(a) (i) modifies the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice;
634
(ii) issues a supplemental appraisal standard which it considers appropriate for:
635
(A) a residential real estate appraiser; or
636
(B) a general real estate appraiser; or
637
(iii) issues an ethical rule to be observed by a real estate appraiser; and
638
(b) requests the board to consider the adoption of the modified or supplemental
639
standard or ethical rule.
640
(3) If, after the notice and public hearing described in Subsection (2), the board finds
641
that [the] a modified or supplemental [standards] standard or the ethical [rules] rule issued by
642
the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation [are] is appropriate for [persons] a
643
person licensed, certified, [or] registered, or approved as an expert witness under this chapter,
644
the board shall recommend [rules] a rule requiring [all persons] a person licensed, certified, [or]
645
registered, or approved as an expert witness under this chapter to observe the modified or
646
supplemental [standards] standard or the ethical [rules] rule.
647
Section 15.
Section
61-2b-28
is amended to read:
648
61-2b-28. Enforcement -- Investigation -- Orders -- Hearings.
649
(1) (a) The division may investigate the actions of:
650
(i) [any] a person registered, licensed, or certified under this chapter;
651
(ii) an applicant for registration, licensure, or certification;
652
(iii) an applicant for renewal of licensure or certification; or
653
(iv) a person required to be registered, licensed, or certified under this chapter.
654
(b) The division may initiate an agency action against a person described in Subsection
655
(1)(a) in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act, to:
656
(i) impose disciplinary action;
657
(ii) deny issuance to an applicant of:
658
(A) an original [or renewal] registration, license, or certification; or
659
(B) a renewal of a license or certification; or
660
(iii) issue a cease and desist order as provided in Subsection (3).
661
(2) (a) The division may:
662
(i) administer an oath or affirmation;
663
(ii) subpoena [witnesses] a witness;
664
(iii) take evidence; and
665
(iv) require the production of [books, papers, contracts, records,] a book, paper,
666
contract, record, other [documents] document, or information relevant to the investigation
667
described in Subsection (1).
668
(b) The division may serve [subpoenas] a subpoena by certified mail.
669
(c) [Each] A failure to respond to a request by the division in an investigation
670
authorized under this chapter is considered to be a separate violation of this chapter, including:
671
(i) failing to respond to a subpoena;
672
(ii) withholding evidence; or
673
(iii) failing to produce [documents or records] a document or record.
674
(3) (a) The director shall issue and serve upon a person an order directing that person
675
to cease and desist from an act if:
676
(i) the director has reason to believe that the person has been engaging, is about to
677
engage, or is engaging in the act constituting a violation of this chapter; and
678
(ii) it appears to the director that it would be in the public interest to stop the act.
679
(b) Within ten days after receiving the order, the person upon whom the order is served
680
may request [an adjudicative proceeding] a hearing.
681
(c) Pending [the] a hearing requested under Subsection (3)(b), [the] a cease and desist
682
order shall remain in effect.
683
(d) If a request for hearing is made, the division shall follow the procedures and
684
requirements of Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act.
685
(4) (a) After [the] a hearing requested under Subsection (3), if the board agrees that
686
[the acts] an act of the person [violate] violates this chapter, the board:
687
(i) shall issue an order making the cease and desist order permanent; and
688
(ii) may impose [a civil penalty not to exceed the greater of:] another disciplinary action
689
under Section
61-2b-29
.
690
[(A) $2,500 for each violation; or]
691
[(B) the amount of any gain or economic benefit derived from each violation.]
692
(b) The director shall commence an action in the name of the Department of Commerce
693
and Division of Real Estate, in the district court in the county in which an act described in
694
Subsection (3) occurs or where the person resides or carries on business, to enjoin and restrain
695
the person from violating this chapter if:
696
(i) (A) [no] a hearing is not requested under Subsection (3); and
697
(B) the person fails to cease the act described in Subsection (3); or
698
(ii) after discontinuing the act described in Subsection (3), the person again commences
699
the act.
700
(5) [The remedies and action] A remedy or action provided in this section [do] does not
701
limit, interfere with, or prevent the prosecution of [any other remedies or actions] another
702
remedy or action, including a criminal [proceedings] proceeding.
703
Section 16.
Section
61-2b-29
is amended to read:
704
61-2b-29. Disciplinary action -- Grounds.
705
(1) (a) The board may order disciplinary action against [any] a person:
706
(i) registered, licensed, or certified under this chapter; or
707
(ii) required to be registered, licensed, or certified under this chapter.
708
(b) On the basis of [any of the grounds] a ground listed in Subsection (2) for
709
disciplinary action, board action may include:
710
(i) revoking, suspending, or placing a person's registration, license, or certification on
711
probation;
712
(ii) denying a person's original [or renewal] registration, license, or certification;
713
(iii) denying a person's renewal license or certification;
714
[(iii)] (iv) in the case of denial or revocation of a registration, license, or certification,
715
setting a waiting period for an applicant to apply for a registration, license, or certification under
716
this chapter;
717
[(iv)] (v) ordering remedial education;
718
[(v)] (vi) imposing a civil penalty upon a person not to exceed the greater of:
719
(A) $2,500 for each violation; or
720
(B) the amount of any gain or economic benefit from [each] a violation;
721
[(vi)] (vii) issuing a cease and desist order; or
722
[(vii)] (viii) doing any combination of Subsections (1)(b)(i) through [(vi)](vii).
723
(2) The following are grounds for disciplinary action under this section:
724
(a) procuring or attempting to procure a registration, license, or certification under this
725
chapter:
726
(i) by fraud; or
727
(ii) by making a false statement, submitting false information, or making a material
728
misrepresentation in an application filed with the division;
729
(b) paying money or attempting to pay money other than [the fees] a fee provided for
730
by this chapter to [any] a member or employee of the division to procure a registration, license,
731
or certification under this chapter;
732
(c) an act or omission in the practice of real estate appraising that constitutes
733
dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation;
734
(d) entry of a judgment against a registrant, licensee, or certificate holder on grounds of
735
fraud, misrepresentation, or deceit in the making of an appraisal of real estate;
736
(e) a guilty plea to a criminal offense involving moral turpitude that is held in abeyance,
737
or a conviction, including a conviction based upon a plea of guilty or nolo contendere, of a
738
criminal offense involving moral turpitude;
739
(f) engaging in the business of real estate appraising under an assumed or fictitious
740
name not properly registered in this state;
741
(g) paying a finder's fee or a referral fee to a person not licensed or certified under this
742
chapter in connection with an appraisal of real estate or real property in this state;
743
(h) making a false or misleading statement in:
744
(i) that portion of a written appraisal report that deals with professional qualifications;
745
or [in any]
746
(ii) testimony concerning professional qualifications;
747
(i) violating or disregarding [any]:
748
(i) a provision of this chapter[,];
749
(ii) an order of the board[,]; or [any]
750
(iii) a rule issued under this chapter;
751
(j) violating the confidential nature of governmental records to which a person
752
registered, licensed, [or] certified, or approved as an expert under this chapter gained access
753
through employment or engagement as an appraiser by a governmental agency;
754
(k) accepting a contingent fee for performing an appraisal as defined in Subsection
755
61-2b-2
(1)(a) if in fact the fee is or was contingent upon:
756
(i) the appraiser reporting a predetermined analysis, opinion, or conclusion [or is or was
757
contingent upon];
758
(ii) the analysis, opinion, conclusion, or valuation reached; or [upon]
759
(iii) the consequences resulting from the appraisal assignment;
760
(l) unprofessional conduct as defined by statute or rule;
761
(m) in the case of a dual licensed title licensee as defined in Section
31A-2-402
:
762
(i) providing a title insurance product or service without the approval required by
763
Section
31A-2-405
; or
764
(ii) knowingly providing false or misleading information in the statement required by
765
Subsection
31A-2-405
(2); or
766
(n) [any] other conduct that constitutes dishonest dealing.
767
Section 17.
Section
61-2b-30.5
is amended to read:
768
61-2b-30.5. Reinstatement of license, certification, registration, approval --
769
Expert witness -- Trainee.
770
(1) An individual who has had [an appraiser registration,] a license, [or] certification,
771
registration, or approval revoked under this chapter:
772
(a) may not apply for renewal of that [registration,] license, [or] certification, [but]
773
registration, or approval; and
774
(b) may apply for licensure [or], certification, registration, or approval as prescribed for
775
an original license or certification subject to the limitations in Subsection (2).
776
(2) An applicant for licensure, certification, [or for] registration, or approval as an
777
expert witness under Subsection (1):
778
(a) may not apply for licensure [or], certification, registration, or approval until at least
779
five years after the date of revocation of the applicant's original license [or], certification,
780
registration, or approval; and
781
(b) is not entitled to credit for experience gained prior to the date of revocation in
782
determining whether the applicant meets the experience requirement for licensure [or],
783
certification, registration, or approval.
784
(3) A person whose license or certification is revoked may not act as a trainee until at
785
least four years after the day on which the person's license or certification is revoked.
786
Section 18.
Section
61-2b-31
is amended to read:
787
61-2b-31. Disciplinary hearing process.
788
(1) Before disciplinary action may be taken by the board, the division shall:
789
(a) notify the person against whom the board seeks to take disciplinary action; and
790
(b) commence an adjudicative proceeding.
791
(2) If, after the hearing, the board determines that a person described in Subsection (1)
792
violated this chapter, the board may impose disciplinary action by written order as provided in
793
Section
61-2b-29
.
794
(3) (a) The board may:
795
(i) conduct hearings with the assistance of an administrative law judge; or [may]
796
(ii) delegate hearings to an administrative law judge.
797
(b) If [the] a hearing is delegated by the board to an administrative law judge, the
798
administrative law judge shall submit to the board for its consideration:
799
(i) written findings of fact[,];
800
(ii) written conclusions of law[,]; and
801
(iii) a recommended order [to the board for its consideration].
802
(4) (a) [Any] An applicant, licensee, certificate holder, registrant, or person aggrieved,
803
including the complainant, may obtain judicial review of [any] an adverse ruling, order, or
804
decision of the board. [Any appeal shall be governed by the Utah Rules of Appellate
805
Procedure.]
806
(b) If [the] an applicant, licensee, [or] certificate holder, or registrant prevails in [the] an
807
appeal and the court finds that the state action [was] is undertaken without substantial
808
justification, the court may award reasonable litigation expenses to the applicant, licensee, [or]
809
certificate holder, or registrant as provided under Title [78] 78B, Chapter [27a,] 8, Part 5, Small
810
Business Equal Access to Justice Act.
811
Section 19.
Section
61-2b-33
is amended to read:
812
61-2b-33. Penalty for violating this chapter.
813
[(1) Any person required by this chapter to be licensed or certified who engages in real
814
estate appraisal activity in this state without obtaining a license or certification or] In addition to
815
being subject to a disciplinary action by the board, a person who violates [any provision of] this
816
chapter:
817
[(a)] (1) is guilty of a class [B] A misdemeanor [punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to
818
six months in jail], upon a conviction of a first violation of this chapter; and
819
(2) is guilty of a third degree felony, upon conviction of a second or subsequent
820
violation of this chapter.
821
[(b) shall be ineligible to apply for a license or certificate for a period of one year from
822
the date of the person's conviction of the offense.]
823
[(2) The division, in its discretion, may grant a license or certification to a person
824
ineligible pursuant to Subsection (1) within the one-year period upon application and after an
825
administrative hearing.]
826
Section 20.
Section
61-2c-202
is amended to read:
827
61-2c-202. Licensure procedures.
828
(1) To apply for licensure under this chapter an applicant shall:
829
(a) submit to the division a licensure statement that:
830
(i) lists any name under which the individual or entity will transact business in this state;
831
(ii) lists the address of the principal business location of the applicant;
832
(iii) if the applicant is an entity:
833
(A) lists the principal lending manager of the entity; and
834
(B) contains the signature of the principal lending manager;
835
(iv) demonstrates that the applicant meets the qualifications listed in Section
61-2c-203
;
836
(v) if the applicant is an entity, lists:
837
(A) all jurisdictions in which the entity is registered, licensed, or otherwise regulated in
838
the business of residential mortgage loans; and
839
(B) the history of any disciplinary action or adverse administrative action taken against
840
the entity by any regulatory agency within the ten years preceding the application; and
841
(vi) includes any information required by the division by rule;
842
(b) pay to the division:
843
(i) an application fee established by the division in accordance with Section
63-38-3.2
;
844
and
845
(ii) the reasonable expenses incurred in processing the application for licensure,
846
including the costs incurred by the division under Subsection (4); and
847
(c) comply with Subsection (4).
848
(2) (a) The division shall issue a license to an applicant if the division, with the
849
concurrence of the commission, finds that the applicant:
850
(i) meets the qualifications of Section
61-2c-203
; and
851
(ii) complies with this section.
852
(b) The commission may delegate to the division the authority to:
853
(i) review [any] a class or category of application for an initial or renewed [licenses]
854
license;
855
(ii) determine whether an applicant meets the licensing criteria in Section
61-2c-203
;
856
(iii) conduct [any] a necessary hearing on an application; and
857
(iv) approve or deny a license application without concurrence by the commission.
858
(c) If the commission delegates to the division the authority to approve or deny an
859
application without concurrence by the commission and the division denies an application for
860
licensure, the applicant who is denied licensure may petition the commission for review of the
861
denial.
862
(d) An applicant who is denied licensure under [this] Subsection (2)(b) may seek agency
863
review by the executive director only after the commission [has reviewed] reviews the division's
864
denial of the applicant's application.
865
(3) Subject to Subsection (2)(d) and in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46b,
866
Administrative Procedures Act, an applicant who is denied licensure under this chapter may
867
submit a request for agency review to the executive director within 30 days following the
868
[issuance of] day on which the commission order denying the licensure is issued.
869
(4) (a) An individual applying for a license under this chapter shall:
870
(i) submit a fingerprint card in a form acceptable to the division at the time the licensure
871
statement is filed;
872
(ii) consent to a criminal background check by:
873
(A) the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification; and
874
(B) the Federal Bureau of Investigation;
875
(iii) provide proof using [methods] a method approved by the division of having
876
successfully completed [20 hours of] approved prelicensing education required by the
877
commission under Section
61-2c-104
:
878
(A) before taking the examination required by Subsection (4)(a)(iv); and
879
(B) in the number of hours, not to exceed 90 hours, required by rule made by the
880
division in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act; and
881
(iv) provide proof using [methods] a method approved by the division of having
882
successfully passed an examination approved by the commission under Section
61-2c-104
.
883
(b) The division shall request the Department of Public Safety to complete a Federal
884
Bureau of Investigation criminal background check for [each] an applicant [and each control
885
person of an applicant] through a national criminal history system.
886
(c) The applicant shall pay the cost of:
887
(i) the fingerprinting required by this section; and
888
(ii) the criminal background check required by this section.
889
(d) (i) A license under this chapter is conditional pending completion of the criminal
890
background check required by this Subsection (4).
891
(ii) If a criminal background check discloses that an applicant [failed] fails to accurately
892
disclose a criminal history, the license shall be immediately and automatically revoked.
893
(iii) An individual or entity whose conditional license is revoked under Subsection
894
(4)(d)(ii) may appeal the revocation in a hearing conducted by the commission:
895
(A) after the revocation; and
896
(B) in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act.
897
(iv) The commission may delegate to the division or an administrative law judge the
898
authority to conduct a hearing described in Subsection (4)(d)(iii).
899
(v) Relief from a revocation may be granted only if:
900
(A) the criminal history upon which the division based the revocation:
901
(I) did not occur; or
902
(II) is the criminal history of another person;
903
(B) (I) the revocation is based on a failure to accurately disclose a criminal history; and
904
(II) the applicant had a reasonable good faith belief at the time of application that there
905
was no criminal history to be disclosed; or
906
(C) the division [failed] fails to follow the prescribed procedure for the revocation.
907
(e) If a license is revoked or a revocation is upheld after a hearing described in
908
Subsection (4)(d)(iii), the person may not apply for a new license for a period of 12 months
909
after the day on which the license is revoked.
910
(f) The funds paid by an applicant for the cost of the criminal background check shall be
911
nonlapsing.
912
(g) The commission may delegate to the division the authority to make a decision on
913
whether relief from a revocation should be granted.
914
Section 21.
Section
61-2c-206
is amended to read:
915
61-2c-206. Principal lending manager licenses.
916
(1) [Except as provided in Subsection (2), to] To qualify as a principal lending manager
917
under this chapter, an individual shall, in addition to meeting the standards in Section
918
61-2c-203
:
919
(a) submit an application on a form approved by the division;
920
(b) pay [fees] a fee determined by the division under Section
63-38-3.2
;
921
(c) submit proof of having successfully completed 40 hours of prelicensing education
922
approved by the commission under Section
61-2c-104
;
923
(d) submit proof of having successfully completed the principal lending manager
924
examination approved by the commission under Section
61-2c-104
;
925
(e) submit proof on [forms] a form approved by the division of three years of full-time
926
active experience as a mortgage officer in the five years preceding the day on which the
927
application is submitted, or its equivalent as approved by the commission; and
928
(f) if the individual is not licensed under this chapter at the time of application, submit
929
to the criminal background check required by Subsection
61-2c-202
(4).
930
[(2) (a) Notwithstanding Subsection (1), an individual described in Subsection (2)(b)
931
may qualify as a principal lending manager without:]
932
[(i) meeting the requirements of Subsection (1)(c); and]
933
[(ii) completing the portions of the principal lending manager examination described in
934
Subsection (1)(d) that:]
935
[(A) relate to federal law; and]
936
[(B) do not relate to Utah law.]
937
[(b) An individual may qualify as a principal lending manager pursuant to Subsection
938
(2)(a) if the individual:]
939
[(i) submits to the division an affidavit that the individual has five years of experience in
940
the business of residential mortgage loans;]
941
[(ii) establishes that the individual's experience described in this Subsection (2)(b) was
942
acquired:]
943
[(A) under requirements substantially equivalent to the requirements of this chapter;
944
and]
945
[(B) in compliance with the requirements of this chapter; and]
946
[(iii) provides any other information required by the division by rule under Subsection
947
(2)(c).]
948
[(c) In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act,
949
the division shall define the information an individual shall provide to the division pursuant to
950
Subsection (2)(b).]
951
[(3)] (2) A principal lending manager may not engage in the business of residential
952
mortgage loans on behalf of more than one entity at the same time.
953
Section 22.
Section
61-2c-403
is amended to read:
954
61-2c-403. Cease and desist orders.
955
(1) (a) The director may issue and serve by certified mail, or by personal service, on an
956
individual or entity an order to cease and desist from an act if:
957
(i) the director has reason to believe that the individual or entity has been engaged, is
958
engaging in, or is about to engage in [acts] the act constituting a violation of this chapter; and
959
(ii) it appears to the director that it would be in the public interest to stop the [acts] act.
960
(b) Within ten days after service of the order, the party named in the order may request
961
[an adjudicative proceeding] a hearing to be held in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46b,
962
Administrative Procedures Act.
963
(c) Pending [the] a hearing requested under Subsection (1)(b), [the] a cease and desist
964
order shall remain in effect.
965
(2) (a) After the hearing described in Subsection (1), if the director finds that [the acts]
966
an act of the individual or entity [violate] violates this chapter, the director:
967
(i) shall issue an order making the cease and desist order permanent; and
968
(ii) may impose [a civil penalty not to exceed the greater of:] another disciplinary action
969
under Section
61-2c-402
.
970
[(A) $2,500 for each violation; or]
971
[(B) the amount of any gain or economic benefit derived from each violation.]
972
(b) (i) The director may file suit in the name of the division to enjoin and restrain an
973
individual or entity on whom an order is served under this section from violating this chapter if:
974
(A) (I) the individual or entity [did] does not request a hearing under Subsection (1); or
975
(II) a permanent cease and desist order is issued against the individual or entity
976
following a hearing or stipulation; and
977
(B) (I) the individual or entity fails to cease the [acts] act; or
978
(II) after discontinuing the [acts] act, the individual or entity again commences the
979
[acts] act.
980
(ii) The suit described in Subsection (2)(b)(i) shall be filed in the district court in the
981
county:
982
(A) in which the [acts occurred] act occurs;
983
(B) where the individual resides; or
984
(C) where the individual or entity carries on business.
985
(3) The cease and desist order issued under this section may not interfere with or
986
prevent the prosecution of a remedy or action enforcement under this chapter.
987
(4) An individual who violates a cease and desist order issued under this section is
988
guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
989
Section 23.
Section
61-2c-405
is enacted to read:
990
61-2c-405. Penalty for violation of chapter.
991
In addition to being subject to a disciplinary action by the commission, a person who
992
violates this chapter:
993
(1) is guilty of a class A misdemeanor, upon conviction of a first violation of this
994
chapter; and
995
(2) is guilty of a third degree felony, upon conviction of a second or subsequent
996
violation of this chapter.
997
Section 24.
Section
61-2c-502
is amended to read:
998
61-2c-502. Additional license fee.
999
(1) An individual who applies for or renews a license shall pay, in addition to the
1000
application or renewal fee, a reasonable annual fee:
1001
(a) determined by the division with the concurrence of the commission; and
1002
(b) not to exceed $18.
1003
(2) An entity that applies for or renews an entity license shall pay, in addition to the
1004
application or renewal fee, a reasonable annual fee:
1005
(a) determined by the division with the concurrence of the commission; and
1006
(b) not to exceed $25.
1007
(3) Notwithstanding Section
13-1-2
, the following shall be paid into the [fund]
1008
Residential Mortgage Loan Education, Research, and Recovery Fund to be used as provided in
1009
this part:
1010
(a) [fees] a fee provided in this section; [and]
1011
(b) a fee for certifying:
1012
(i) a mortgage school;
1013
(ii) a mortgage course; or
1014
(iii) a mortgage instructor; and
1015
[(b)] (c) a civil [penalties] penalty imposed under this chapter.
1016
(4) If the balance in the [fund] Residential Mortgage Loan Education, Research, and
1017
Recovery Fund that is available to satisfy [judgments] a judgment against [licensees] a licensee
1018
decreases to less than $100,000, the division may make an additional [assessments] assessment
1019
to [licensees] a licensee to maintain the balance available at $100,000 to satisfy judgments.
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