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Second Substitute H.B. 346

Representative Gage Froerer proposes the following substitute bill:


             1     
DIVISION OF REAL ESTATE RELATED

             2     
AMENDMENTS

             3     
2008 GENERAL SESSION

             4     
STATE OF UTAH

             5     
Chief Sponsor: Gage Froerer

             6     
Senate Sponsor: Sheldon L. Killpack

             7     
             8      LONG TITLE
             9      General Description:
             10          This bill modifies provisions related to areas regulated by the Division of Real Estate.
             11      Highlighted Provisions:
             12          This bill:
             13          .    addresses rulemaking by the Real Estate Commission;
             14          .    addresses fines that may be imposed;
             15          .    addresses disciplinary actions that may be imposed under provisions related to real
             16      estate brokers and agents, the Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and Certification Act,
             17      and the Utah Residential Mortgage Practices Act;
             18          .    provides for registration of trainees under the Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and
             19      Certification Act;
             20          .    addresses terminology for experts under the Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and
             21      Certification Act;
             22          .    modifies criminal penalties under the Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and
             23      Certification Act and the Utah Residential Mortgage Practices Act;
             24          .    addresses the hours required of prelicensing education for mortgage licensing
             25      including providing for rulemaking;


             26          .    removes grandfathering language related to principal lending manager;
             27          .    provides for deposit of certain fees into the Residential Mortgage Loan Education,
             28      Research, and Recovery Fund; and
             29          .    makes technical and conforming amendments.
             30      Monies Appropriated in this Bill:
             31          None
             32      Other Special Clauses:
             33          None
             34      Utah Code Sections Affected:
             35      AMENDS:
             36          61-2-5.5, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 325
             37          61-2-13, as last amended by Laws of Utah 1991, Chapter 165
             38          61-2-20, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 325
             39          61-2-21, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 325
             40          61-2b-2, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 199
             41          61-2b-6, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 199
             42          61-2b-8, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 199
             43          61-2b-18, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 199
             44          61-2b-21, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 199
             45          61-2b-22, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 199
             46          61-2b-24, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 199
             47          61-2b-25, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 306
             48          61-2b-26, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 199
             49          61-2b-27, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 199
             50          61-2b-28, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 325
             51          61-2b-29, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 325
             52          61-2b-30.5, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 199
             53          61-2b-31, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 325
             54          61-2b-33, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2005, Chapter 199
             55          61-2c-202, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 325
             56          61-2c-206, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 325


             57          61-2c-403, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 325
             58          61-2c-502, as last amended by Laws of Utah 2007, Chapter 325
             59      ENACTS:
             60          61-2c-405, Utah Code Annotated 1953
             61     
             62      Be it enacted by the Legislature of the state of Utah:
             63          Section 1. Section 61-2-5.5 is amended to read:
             64           61-2-5.5. Real Estate Commission.
             65          (1) There is created within the division a Real Estate Commission. The commission
             66      shall:
             67          (a) make rules for the administration of this chapter that are not inconsistent with this
             68      chapter, including:
             69          (i) licensing of:
             70          (A) principal brokers;
             71          (B) associate brokers;
             72          (C) sales agents;
             73          (D) real estate companies; and
             74          (E) branch offices;
             75          (ii) prelicensing and postlicensing education curricula;
             76          (iii) examination procedures;
             77          (iv) the certification and conduct of:
             78          (A) real estate schools;
             79          (B) course providers; and
             80          (C) instructors;
             81          (v) proper handling of funds received by real estate licensees;
             82          (vi) brokerage office procedures and recordkeeping requirements;
             83          (vii) property management;
             84          (viii) standards of conduct for real estate licensees; [and]
             85          (ix) rules made under Section 61-2-26 regarding an undivided fractionalized long-term
             86      estate; and
             87          (x) if the commission determines necessary, rules as provided in Subsection 61-2-20 (3)


             88      regarding legal forms;
             89          (b) establish, with the concurrence of the division, all fees as provided in this chapter
             90      and Title 61, Chapter 2a, Real Estate Recovery Fund Act;
             91          (c) conduct all administrative hearings not delegated by the commission to an
             92      administrative law judge or the division relating to the:
             93          (i) licensing of any applicant;
             94          (ii) conduct of any licensee;
             95          (iii) the certification or conduct of any real estate school, course provider, or instructor
             96      regulated under this chapter; or
             97          (iv) violation of this chapter by any person;
             98          (d) with the concurrence of the director, impose sanctions as provided in Section
             99      61-2-12 ;
             100          (e) advise the director on the administration and enforcement of any matters affecting
             101      the division and the real estate sales and property management industries;
             102          (f) advise the director on matters affecting the division budget;
             103          (g) advise and assist the director in conducting real estate seminars; and
             104          (h) perform other duties as provided by:
             105          (i) this chapter; and
             106          (ii) Title 61, Chapter 2a, Real Estate Recovery Fund Act.
             107          (2) (a) The commission shall be comprised of five members appointed by the governor
             108      and approved by the Senate.
             109          (b) Four of the commission members shall:
             110          (i) have at least five years' experience in the real estate business; and
             111          (ii) hold an active principal broker, associate broker, or sales agent license.
             112          (c) One commission member shall be a member of the general public.
             113          (d) No more than one commission member described in Subsection (2)(b) shall at the
             114      time of appointment reside in any given county in the state.
             115          (e) At least one commission member described in Subsection (2)(b) shall at the time of
             116      an appointment reside in a county that is not a county of the first or second class.
             117          (3) (a) Except as required by Subsection (3)(b), as terms of current commission
             118      members expire, the governor shall appoint each new member or reappointed member to a


             119      four-year term ending June 30.
             120          (b) Notwithstanding the requirements of Subsection (3)(a), the governor shall, at the
             121      time of appointment or reappointment, adjust the length of terms to ensure that the terms of
             122      commission members are staggered so that approximately half of the commission is appointed
             123      every two years.
             124          (c) Upon the expiration of the term of a member of the commission, the member of the
             125      commission shall continue to hold office until a successor is appointed and qualified.
             126          (d) A commission member may not serve more than two consecutive terms.
             127          (e) Members of the commission shall annually select one member to serve as chair.
             128          (4) When a vacancy occurs in the membership for any reason, the replacement shall be
             129      appointed for the unexpired term.
             130          (5) (a) A member may not receive compensation or benefits for the member's services,
             131      but may receive per diem and expenses incurred in the performance of the member's official
             132      duties at the rates established by the Division of Finance under Sections 63A-3-106 and
             133      63A-3-107 .
             134          (b) A member may decline to receive per diem and expenses for the member's service.
             135          (6) (a) The commission shall meet at least monthly.
             136          (b) The director may call additional meetings:
             137          (i) at the director's discretion;
             138          (ii) upon the request of the chair; or
             139          (iii) upon the written request of three or more commission members.
             140          (7) Three members of the commission constitute a quorum for the transaction of
             141      business.
             142          Section 2. Section 61-2-13 is amended to read:
             143           61-2-13. Grounds for revocation of principal broker's license -- Automatic
             144      inactivation of affiliated associate brokers and sales agents licenses.
             145          (1) (a) [Any] An unlawful act or [any] violation of this chapter committed by [any real
             146      estate sales agent or associate broker employed or engaged as an independent contractor by or
             147      on behalf of a licensed principal broker or committed by any employee, officer, or member of a
             148      licensed principal broker] a person listed in Subsection (1)(b) is cause for:
             149          (i) the revocation, suspension, or probation of [the] a principal broker's license[,]; or


             150      [for]
             151          (ii) the imposition of a fine against the principal broker in an amount not to exceed
             152      [$500] $2,500 per violation.
             153          (b) Subsection (1)(a) applies to an act or violation by any of the following:
             154          (i) a real estate sales agent or associate broker employed by a licensed principal broker;
             155          (ii) a real estate sales agent or associate broker engaged as an independent contractor
             156      by or on behalf of a licensed principal broker; or
             157          (iii) an employee, officer, or member of a licensed principal broker.
             158          (2) (a) The revocation or suspension of a principal broker license automatically
             159      inactivates [every] an associate broker or sales agent license granted to [those persons] a person
             160      by reason of [their] that person's affiliation with the principal broker whose license [was] is
             161      revoked or suspended, pending a change of broker affiliation.
             162          (b) A principal broker shall, [prior to] before the effective date of [the] a suspension or
             163      revocation of [his] the principal broker's license, notify in writing every licensee affiliated with
             164      [him] the principal broker of the revocation or suspension of [his] the principal broker license.
             165          Section 3. Section 61-2-20 is amended to read:
             166           61-2-20. Rights and privileges of real estate licensees to fill out forms or
             167      documents.
             168          [A] (1) Except as provided in Subsection (2), a real estate licensee may fill out only
             169      those legal forms approved by the commission and the attorney general, and those forms
             170      provided by statute[, with the following exceptions:].
             171          [(1)] (2) (a) (i) A principal broker may fill out any documents associated with the
             172      closing of a real estate transaction.
             173          [(b)] (ii) A branch broker or associate broker may fill out any documents associated
             174      with the closing of a real estate transaction if designated to fill out the documents by the
             175      principal broker with whom the branch broker or associate broker is affiliated.
             176          [(2)] (b) A real estate licensee may fill out real estate forms prepared by legal counsel
             177      of the buyer, seller, lessor, or lessee.
             178          [(3)] (c) If the commission and the attorney general have not approved a specific form
             179      for the transaction, a principal broker, associate broker, or sales agent may fill out real estate
             180      forms prepared by any legal counsel, including legal counsel retained by the brokerage to


             181      develop these forms.
             182          (3) The commission may by rule, made in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah
             183      Administrative Rulemaking Act, provide a process for the approval of a legal form under this
             184      section by the commission and the attorney general:
             185          Section 4. Section 61-2-21 is amended to read:
             186           61-2-21. Remedies and action for violations.
             187          (1) (a) The director shall issue and serve upon a person an order directing that person to
             188      cease and desist from an act if:
             189          (i) the director has reason to believe that the person has been engaging, is about to
             190      engage, or is engaging in the act constituting a violation of this chapter; and
             191          (ii) it appears to the director that it would be in the public interest to stop the act.
             192          (b) Within ten days after receiving the order, the person upon whom the order is served
             193      may request [an adjudicative proceeding] a hearing.
             194          (c) Pending [the] a hearing requested under Subsection (1)(b), [any] a cease and desist
             195      order shall remain in effect.
             196          (d) If a request for a hearing is made, the division shall follow the procedures and
             197      requirements of Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act.
             198          (2) (a) After [the] a hearing requested under Subsection (1), if the commission and the
             199      director agree that [the] an act of the person violates this chapter, the director:
             200          (i) shall issue an order making the order issued under Subsection (1) permanent; and
             201          (ii) may impose [a civil penalty not to exceed the greater of:] another disciplinary
             202      action under Section 61-2-12 .
             203          [(A) $2,500 for each violation; or]
             204          [(B) the amount of any gain or economic benefit derived from each violation.]
             205          (b) The director shall file suit in the name of the Department of Commerce and the
             206      Division of Real Estate, in the district court in the county in which an act described in
             207      Subsection (1) [occurred] occurs or where the person resides or carries on business, to enjoin
             208      and restrain the person from violating this chapter if:
             209          (i) (A) [no] a hearing is not requested under Subsection (1); and
             210          (B) the person fails to cease the act described in Subsection (1); or
             211          (ii) after discontinuing the act described in Subsection (1), the person again


             212      commences the act.
             213          (c) [The] A district [courts] court of this state [shall have] has jurisdiction of an action
             214      brought under this section.
             215          (d) Upon a proper showing in an action brought under this section [related to an
             216      undivided fractionalized long-term estate], the court may:
             217          (i) issue a permanent or temporary, prohibitory or mandatory injunction;
             218          (ii) issue a restraining order or writ of mandamus;
             219          (iii) enter a declaratory judgment;
             220          (iv) appoint a receiver or conservator for the defendant or the defendant's assets;
             221          (v) order disgorgement;
             222          (vi) order rescission;
             223          (vii) impose a civil penalty not to exceed the greater of:
             224          (A) $2,500 for each violation; or
             225          (B) the amount of any gain or economic benefit derived from [each] a violation; and
             226          (viii) enter any other relief the court considers just.
             227          (e) The court may not require the division to post a bond in an action brought under
             228      this Subsection (2).
             229          (3) [The remedies and action] A remedy or action provided in this section [may] does
             230      not limit, interfere with, or prevent the prosecution of[, any other remedies or actions] another
             231      remedy or action, including a criminal [proceedings] proceeding.
             232          Section 5. Section 61-2b-2 is amended to read:
             233           61-2b-2. Definitions.
             234          (1) As used in this chapter:
             235          (a) (i) "Appraisal" means an unbiased analysis, opinion, or conclusion relating to the
             236      nature, quality, value, or utility of a specified [interests] interest in, or [aspects] aspect of,
             237      identified real estate or identified real property.
             238          (ii) An appraisal [shall be] is classified by the nature of the assignment as a valuation
             239      appraisal, an analysis assignment, or a review assignment in accordance with the following
             240      definitions:
             241          (A) "Valuation appraisal" means an unbiased analysis, opinion, or conclusion that
             242      estimates the value of an identified parcel of real estate or identified real property at a particular


             243      point in time.
             244          (B) "Analysis assignment" means an unbiased analysis, opinion, or conclusion that
             245      relates to the nature, quality, or utility of identified real estate or identified real property.
             246          (C) "Review assignment" means an unbiased analysis, opinion, or conclusion that
             247      forms an opinion as to the adequacy and appropriateness of a valuation appraisal or an analysis
             248      assignment.
             249          (b) "Appraisal Foundation" means the Appraisal Foundation that was incorporated as
             250      an Illinois not-for-profit corporation on November 30, 1987.
             251          (c) (i) "Appraisal report" means [any] a communication, written or oral, of an
             252      appraisal.
             253          (ii) An appraisal report [shall be] is classified by the nature of the assignment as a
             254      valuation report, analysis report, or review report in accordance with the definitions provided in
             255      Subsection (1)(a)(ii).
             256          (iii) The testimony of a person relating to the person's analyses, conclusions, or
             257      opinions concerning identified real estate or identified real property is considered to be an oral
             258      appraisal report.
             259          (d) "Board" means the Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board that is
             260      established in Section 61-2b-7 .
             261          (e) "Certified appraisal report" means a written or oral appraisal report that is certified
             262      by a state-certified general appraiser or state-certified residential appraiser.
             263          (f) (i) (A) "Consultation service" means an engagement to provide a real estate
             264      valuation service analysis, opinion, conclusion, or other service that does not fall within the
             265      definition of appraisal.
             266          (B) "Consultation service" does not mean a valuation appraisal, analysis assignment, or
             267      review assignment.
             268          (ii) Regardless of the intention of the client or employer, if a person prepares an
             269      unbiased analysis, opinion, or conclusion, the analysis, opinion, or conclusion is considered to
             270      be an appraisal and not a consultation service.
             271          (g) "Contingent fee" means a fee or other form of compensation, payment of which is
             272      dependent on or conditioned by:
             273          (i) the reporting of a predetermined analysis, opinion, or conclusion by the person


             274      performing the analysis, opinion, or conclusion; or
             275          (ii) achieving a result specified by the person requesting the analysis, opinion, or
             276      conclusion.
             277          (h) "Division" means the Division of Real Estate of the Department of Commerce.
             278          (i) "Federally related transaction" means [any] a real estate related transaction that is
             279      required by federal law or by federal regulation to be supported by an appraisal prepared by:
             280          (i) a state-licensed appraiser; or
             281          (ii) a state-certified appraiser.
             282          (j) "Real estate" means an identified parcel or tract of land including improvements if
             283      any.
             284          (k) "Real estate appraisal activity" means the act or process of making an appraisal of
             285      real estate or real property and preparing an appraisal report.
             286          (l) "Real estate related transaction" means:
             287          (i) the sale, lease, purchase, investment in, or exchange of real property or an interest in
             288      real property, or the financing of such a transaction;
             289          (ii) the refinancing of real property or an interest in real property; or
             290          (iii) the use of real property or an interest in real property as security for a loan or
             291      investment, including mortgage-backed securities.
             292          (m) "Real property" means one or more defined interests, benefits, or rights inherent in
             293      the ownership of real estate.
             294          (n) "State-certified general appraiser" means a person who holds a current, valid
             295      certification as a state-certified general appraiser issued under this chapter.
             296          (o) "State-certified residential appraiser" means a person who holds a current, valid
             297      certification as a state-certified residential real estate appraiser issued under this chapter.
             298          (p) "State-licensed appraiser" means a person who holds a current, valid license as a
             299      state-licensed appraiser issued under this chapter.
             300          [(q) "State-registered appraiser" means a person who before May 3, 1999, was
             301      registered as an appraiser under this chapter.]
             302          [(r)] (q) "Trainee" means an individual who:
             303          (i) does not hold an appraiser license or appraiser certification issued under this
             304      chapter; [and]


             305          (ii) works under the direct supervision of a [state-licensed appraiser or] state-certified
             306      appraiser to earn experience for licensure[.]; and
             307          (iii) is registered as a trainee under this chapter.
             308          [(s)] (r) "Unbiased analysis, opinion, or conclusion" means an analysis, opinion, or
             309      conclusion relating to the nature, quality, value, or utility of identified real estate or identified
             310      real property that is prepared by a person who is employed or retained to act, or would be
             311      perceived by third parties or the public as acting, as a disinterested third party in rendering the
             312      analysis, opinion, or conclusion.
             313          (2) (a) If a term not defined in this section is defined by rule, the term shall have the
             314      meaning established by the division by rule made in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a,
             315      Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act.
             316          (b) If a term not defined in this section is not defined by rule, the term shall have the
             317      meaning commonly accepted in the business community.
             318          Section 6. Section 61-2b-6 is amended to read:
             319           61-2b-6. Duties and powers of division.
             320          (1) The division [shall have] has the powers and duties listed in this Subsection (1).
             321          (a) The division shall:
             322          (i) receive [applications] an application for licensing [and], certification, or
             323      registration;
             324          (ii) establish appropriate administrative procedures for the processing of [applications]
             325      an application for licensure [or], certification, or registration;
             326          (iii) issue [licenses and certifications to qualified applicants] a license or certification
             327      to a qualified applicant pursuant to this chapter; and
             328          [(iv) maintain a registry of the names and addresses of individuals who are currently
             329      licensed or certified as appraisers under this chapter.]
             330          (iv) register an individual who applies for registration as a trainee under this chapter.
             331          (b) (i) The division shall require [a trainee to notify the division that the trainee is
             332      acting] an individual to register as a trainee with the division before the individual acts in the
             333      capacity of a trainee earning experience for licensure.
             334          (ii) The board shall adopt rules in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah
             335      Administrative Rulemaking Act, for the trainee [notification] registration required by this


             336      Subsection (1)(b).
             337          (c) The division shall hold public hearings under the direction of the board.
             338          (d) The division may:
             339          (i) solicit bids and enter into contracts with one or more educational testing services or
             340      organizations for the preparation of a bank of questions and answers approved by the board for
             341      licensing and certification examinations; and
             342          (ii) administer or contract for the administration of licensing and certification
             343      examinations as may be required to carry out the division's responsibilities under this chapter.
             344          (e) The division shall provide administrative assistance to the board by providing to the
             345      board the facilities, equipment, supplies, and personnel that are required to enable the board to
             346      carry out the board's responsibilities under this chapter.
             347          (f) The division shall assist the board in upgrading and improving the quality of the
             348      education and examinations required under this chapter.
             349          (g) The division shall assist the board in improving the quality of the continuing
             350      education available to [persons] a person licensed and certified under this chapter.
             351          (h) The division shall assist the board with respect to the proper interpretation or
             352      explanation of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice as required by Section
             353      61-2b-27 when an interpretation or explanation becomes necessary in the enforcement of this
             354      chapter.
             355          (i) The division shall establish fees in accordance with Section 63-38-3.2 :
             356          (i) for processing:
             357          (A) a trainee [notifications] registration;
             358          (B) [applications] an application for licensing and certification; and
             359          (C) [registration of expert witnesses] approval of an expert witness; and
             360          (ii) for all other functions required or permitted by this chapter.
             361          (j) The division may:
             362          (i) investigate [complaints] a complaint against:
             363          (A) [trainees] a trainee; [or]
             364          (B) [persons] a person licensed or certified under this chapter; or
             365          (C) a person required to be licensed, certified, or registered under this chapter;
             366          (ii) subpoena [witnesses and the production of books, documents, records, and other


             367      papers;] a witness;
             368          (iii) subpoena the production of a book, document, record, or other paper;
             369          [(iii)] (iv) administer [oaths] an oath; and
             370          [(iv)] (v) take testimony and receive evidence concerning [all matters] a matter within
             371      the division's jurisdiction.
             372          (k) The division may:
             373          (i) promote research and conduct studies relating to the profession of real estate
             374      appraising; and
             375          (ii) sponsor real estate appraisal educational activities.
             376          (l) The division shall adopt, with the concurrence of the board, rules for the
             377      administration of this chapter pursuant to Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative
             378      Rulemaking Act, that are not inconsistent with this chapter or the constitution and laws of this
             379      state or of the United States.
             380          (m) The division shall employ an appropriate staff to investigate allegations that
             381      [persons] a person required to be licensed [or], certified, or registered under this chapter
             382      [failed] fails to comply with this chapter.
             383          (n) The division may employ [such] other professional, clerical, and technical staff as
             384      may be necessary to properly administer the work of the division under this chapter.
             385          (o) The division may make available, at a reasonable cost determined by the division, a
             386      list of the names and addresses of all persons licensed or certified by the division under this
             387      chapter to the extent the information is a public record under Title 63, Chapter 2, Government
             388      Records Access and Management Act.
             389          (2) (a) The division shall [register expert witnesses who are] approve an expert witness
             390      who is not otherwise licensed or certified under this chapter to appear in [all] an administrative
             391      [and] or judicial tax [proceedings] proceeding to provide evidence related to the valuation of
             392      real property that is assessed by the tax commission, provided that the:
             393          (i) [registration] approval is limited to a specific proceeding;
             394          (ii) [registration] approval is valid until the proceeding becomes final;
             395          (iii) applicant pays [a registration] an approval fee to the division;
             396          (iv) applicant provides the applicant's name, address, occupation, and professional
             397      credentials; and


             398          (v) applicant provides a notarized statement that:
             399          (A) the applicant is competent to render an appraisal and to testify as an expert witness
             400      in the proceeding; and
             401          (B) the appraisal and testimony to be offered shall be in accordance with the Uniform
             402      Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice adopted by the board.
             403          (b) Subsection (2)(a) [shall be] is effective for [all] an administrative [and] or judicial
             404      property tax [proceedings] proceeding related to the valuation of real property that is assessed
             405      by the tax commission, including those filed but which are not final as of May 3, 1994.
             406          (3) (a) [The division shall be] If the conditions of Subsection (3)(b) are met, the
             407      division is immune from any civil action or criminal prosecution for initiating or assisting in
             408      [any] a lawful investigation of [the actions of] an act of, or participating in [any] a disciplinary
             409      proceeding concerning [a trainee or]:
             410          (i) a person required to be licensed, certified, or registered pursuant to this chapter; or
             411          (ii) a person approved as an expert witness pursuant to this chapter [if the action is
             412      taken].
             413          (b) This Subsection (3) applies if the division takes the action:
             414          (i) without malicious intent; and
             415          (ii) in the reasonable belief that the action [was] is taken pursuant to the powers and
             416      duties vested in the [members of the] division under this chapter.
             417          Section 7. Section 61-2b-8 is amended to read:
             418           61-2b-8. Duties of board.
             419          (1) (a) The board shall provide technical assistance to the division relating to real estate
             420      appraisal standards and real estate appraiser qualifications [and shall have the responsibilities,
             421      powers,].
             422          (b) The board has the powers and duties listed in this section.
             423          [(1)] (2) The board shall:
             424          (a) determine the experience, education, and examination requirements appropriate for
             425      [persons] a person licensed under this chapter;
             426          (b) determine the experience, education, and examination requirements appropriate for
             427      [persons] a person certified under this chapter in compliance with the minimum requirements
             428      of Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act of 1989, and consistent with


             429      the intent of this chapter;
             430          (c) determine the appraisal related acts that may be performed by:
             431          (i) a trainee on the basis of the trainee's education and experience;
             432          (ii) clerical staff; and
             433          (iii) a person who:
             434          (A) does not hold a license or certification; and
             435          (B) assists [appraisers] an appraiser licensed or certified under this chapter in providing
             436      appraisal services or consultation services;
             437          (d) determine the procedures for a trainee [notifying] to register with the division [that
             438      the trainee will assist persons licensed or certified under this chapter in providing appraisal
             439      services or consultation services]; and
             440          (e) develop one or more programs to upgrade and improve the experience, education,
             441      and examinations as required under this chapter.
             442          [(2)] (3) (a) The experience, education, and examination requirements established by
             443      the board for [persons] a person licensed or certified under this chapter shall be the minimum
             444      criteria established by the Appraiser Qualification Board of the Appraisal Foundation, unless,
             445      after notice and a public hearing held in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah
             446      Administrative Rulemaking Act, the board finds that the minimum criteria are not appropriate
             447      for a state-licensed [appraisers or] appraiser or a state-certified [appraisers] appraiser in this
             448      state.
             449          (b) If under Subsection [(2)] (3)(a) the board makes a finding that the minimum criteria
             450      are not appropriate, the board shall recommend appropriate criteria to the Legislature.
             451          [(3)] (4) The board shall:
             452          (a) determine the continuing education requirements appropriate for the renewal of
             453      [licenses and certifications] a license or certification issued under this chapter;
             454          (b) develop one or more programs to upgrade and improve continuing education; and
             455          (c) recommend to the division one or more available continuing education courses that
             456      meet the requirements of this chapter.
             457          [(4)] (5) (a) The board shall consider the proper interpretation or explanation of the
             458      Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice as required by Section 61-2b-27 when:
             459          (i) an interpretation or explanation [becomes] is necessary in the enforcement of this


             460      chapter; and
             461          (ii) the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation has not [as yet] issued
             462      an interpretation or explanation.
             463          (b) If the conditions of Subsection [(4)] (5)(a) are met, the board shall recommend to
             464      the division the appropriate interpretation or explanation that the division should adopt as a
             465      rule under this chapter.
             466          [(5)] (6) The board shall develop and establish or approve the examination
             467      specifications and the minimum score required to pass [the examinations] an examination for
             468      licensure [and] or certification.
             469          [(6)] (7) The board [shall] may review the:
             470          (a) bank of questions and answers that comprise the examination for [persons] a person
             471      licensed and certified under this chapter;
             472          (b) procedure that is established for selecting individual questions from the bank of
             473      questions for use in each scheduled examination; and
             474          (c) questions in the bank of questions and the related answers to determine whether
             475      they meet the examination specifications established by the board.
             476          [(7)] (8) (a) The board shall conduct an administrative [hearings] hearing, not
             477      delegated by the board to an administrative law judge, in connection with [all] a disciplinary
             478      [proceedings] proceeding under Sections 61-2b-30 and 61-2b-31 concerning:
             479          (i) a person required to be licensed [or], certified, or registered under this chapter; and
             480          (ii) the person's failure to comply with this chapter and the Uniform Standards of
             481      Professional Appraisal Practice as adopted under Section 61-2b-27 .
             482          (b) The board shall issue in [each] an administrative hearing a decision that contains
             483      findings of fact and conclusions of law.
             484          (c) When a determination is made that a person required to be licensed [or], certified,
             485      or registered under this chapter has violated [any provision of] this chapter, the division shall
             486      implement disciplinary action determined by the board.
             487          [(8) The members of the board shall be]
             488          (9) (a) A member of the board is immune from [any] a civil action or criminal
             489      prosecution for [any] a disciplinary proceeding concerning a person required to be registered,
             490      licensed, [or] certified, or approved as an expert under this chapter if the action is taken without


             491      malicious intent and in the reasonable belief that the action taken was taken pursuant to the
             492      powers and duties vested in [the members] a member of the board under this chapter.
             493          [(9)] (10) The board shall require and pass upon proof necessary to determine the
             494      honesty, competency, integrity, and truthfulness of [each] an applicant for:
             495          (a) original [or renewal] licensure [or], certification, or registration; and
             496          (b) renewal licensure or certification.
             497          Section 8. Section 61-2b-18 is amended to read:
             498           61-2b-18. Application for licensure, certification, or registration -- Approval as
             499      an expert witness.
             500          (1) An application for the following shall be sent to the division on [forms] a form
             501      approved by the division:
             502          (a) original certification [or], licensure, or registration;
             503          (b) [registration] approval as an expert witness; and
             504          (c) renewal of certification or licensure.
             505          (2) The payment of the appropriate fee, as fixed by the division with the concurrence of
             506      the board in accordance with Section 63-38-3.2 , must accompany an application for:
             507          (a) [registration] approval as an expert witness;
             508          (b) original certification [or], licensure, or registration; and
             509          (c) renewal of certification or licensure.
             510          (3) At the time of filing an application described in Subsection (1), [each] an applicant
             511      shall:
             512          (a) sign a pledge to comply with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal
             513      Practice and the ethical rules to be observed by an appraiser that are established under Section
             514      61-2b-27 for:
             515          (i) a certified or licensed [appraisers or registered expert witnesses] appraiser;
             516          (ii) a trainee; or
             517          (iii) an expert witness approved under this chapter; and
             518          (b) certify that the applicant understands the types of misconduct, as set forth in this
             519      chapter, for which a disciplinary [proceedings] proceeding may be initiated against [persons] a
             520      person certified [or], licensed, or registered under this chapter.
             521          Section 9. Section 61-2b-21 is amended to read:


             522           61-2b-21. Denial of licensure, certification, or registration.
             523          The division may, upon compliance with Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative
             524      Procedures Act, deny the issuance of a license [or], certification, or registration to an applicant
             525      on any of the grounds enumerated in this chapter.
             526          Section 10. Section 61-2b-22 is amended to read:
             527           61-2b-22. Licensing, certification, registration, or expert witness requirements
             528      for nonresidents -- Temporary license or certificate -- Revocation.
             529          (1) [Each] An applicant for [registration as an expert witness, licensure, or certification
             530      under this chapter] one of the following who is not a resident of this state shall submit with the
             531      applicant's application an irrevocable consent that service of process upon the applicant may be
             532      made by delivery of the process to the director of the division if, in an action against the
             533      applicant in a court of this state arising out of the applicant's activities [as a real estate
             534      appraiser] governed by this chapter in this state, the plaintiff cannot, in the exercise of due
             535      diligence, obtain personal service upon the applicant[.]:
             536          (a) approval as an expert witness; or
             537          (b) licensure, certification, or registration under this chapter.
             538          (2) A nonresident of this state who [has complied with the provisions of] complies
             539      with Subsection (1) may obtain [a registration] approval as an expert witness, a license, [or] a
             540      certification, or a registration in this state by complying with [all of] the provisions of this
             541      chapter relating to [registration of] approval as an expert [witnesses] witness, licensure, [or]
             542      certification, or registration.
             543          (3) A nonresident of this state who [has complied with the provisions of] complies
             544      with Subsection (1) may obtain a temporary permit for a license or certification to perform a
             545      contract relating to the appraisal of real estate or real property in this state. To qualify for the
             546      issuance of a temporary permit for a license or certification, an applicant must:
             547          (a) submit an application on a form approved by the division;
             548          (b) submit evidence that the applicant is licensed or certified in the state in which the
             549      applicant primarily conducts business;
             550          (c) certify that no formal charges alleging violation of state appraisal licensing or
             551      certification laws have been filed against the applicant by the applicant's state of domicile; and
             552          (d) pay an application fee in an amount established by the division with the


             553      concurrence of the board.
             554          (4) In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act, the
             555      division, with the concurrence of the board, shall make rules establishing:
             556          (a) the duration of a temporary permit; and
             557          (b) procedures for renewal of a temporary permit.
             558          (5) A temporary permit issued under this section shall be immediately and
             559      automatically revoked if the appraiser's license or certification is suspended or revoked in the
             560      appraiser's state of domicile.
             561          (6) [Any] A person whose temporary permit for a license or certification [has been] is
             562      revoked under Subsection (5) is entitled to a postrevocation hearing to challenge the
             563      revocation. The hearing shall be conducted in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46b,
             564      Administrative Procedures Act.
             565          Section 11. Section 61-2b-24 is amended to read:
             566           61-2b-24. Expert witness, licensing, certification, registration documents --
             567      Assigned number to be used on contracts -- Surrender of documents upon suspension.
             568          (1) The division shall issue to [each] a person [registered] approved as an expert
             569      witness, licensed, [or] certified, or registered under this chapter a document:
             570          (a) stating that the person is [registered] approved as an expert witness, licensed, [or]
             571      certified, or registered under this chapter; and
             572          (b) specifying the expiration date of [the] a license or certification.
             573          (2) (a) [A registration] An approval as an expert witness, a license, [or] a certification,
             574      or a registration document issued under this chapter shall bear [a registration] an approval,
             575      license, [or] certification, or registration number assigned by the division.
             576          (b) [The] An assigned number shall be used in [all statements of qualification,
             577      contracts, or other instruments used by the registration, license, or certificate holder] a
             578      statement of qualification, a contract, or another instrument used by the holder of the approval,
             579      license, certificate, or registration when reference is made to [his] the holder's status as being
             580      [registered] approved, licensed, [or] certified, or registered under this chapter.
             581          (3) (a) [Licensing, certification, and expert witness registration documents remain] An
             582      approval, license, certification, or registration document is the property of the state.
             583          (b) Upon [any] a suspension or revocation of a license [or], certification, or registration


             584      under this chapter, the individual holding the [respective documents] applicable document shall
             585      immediately return the document to the division.
             586          Section 12. Section 61-2b-25 is amended to read:
             587           61-2b-25. Other law unaffected.
             588          Nothing contained in this chapter shall be considered to prohibit [any] a person
             589      [registered] approved, licensed, or certified under this chapter from engaging in the practice of
             590      real estate appraising as a professional corporation or a limited liability company in accordance
             591      with [the provisions of]:
             592          (1) Title 16, Chapter 11, Professional Corporation Act; or
             593          (2) Title 48, Chapter 2c, Utah Revised Limited Liability Company Act.
             594          Section 13. Section 61-2b-26 is amended to read:
             595           61-2b-26. Principal place of business -- Display of documents -- Notify of changes
             596      -- Nonresidents.
             597          (1) [Each] A person licensed or certified under this chapter shall:
             598          (a) designate and maintain a principal place of business; and [shall]
             599          (b) conspicuously display the person's license or certification.
             600          (2) (a) Upon [any] a change of a person's principal business location or home address, a
             601      person licensed or certified under this chapter shall promptly send the division a signed
             602      statement notifying the division of [any] the change within ten business days of the change.
             603          (b) Upon [any] a change of an expert witness's address listed on the expert witness's
             604      [registration] application for approval, the expert witness shall [promptly] send the division a
             605      signed statement notifying the division of [any] the change within ten business days of the
             606      change.
             607          (3) A nonresident licensee or certificate holder, or a nonresident [registered] approved
             608      as an expert witness is not required to maintain a place of business in this state if the
             609      nonresident maintains an active place of business in the nonresident's state of domicile.
             610          Section 14. Section 61-2b-27 is amended to read:
             611           61-2b-27. Professional conduct -- Uniform standards.
             612          (1) (a) [Each] A person licensed, certified, [or] registered, or approved as an expert
             613      witness under this chapter must comply with:
             614          (i) generally accepted standards of professional appraisal practice; and


             615          (ii) generally accepted ethical rules to be observed by a real estate appraiser.
             616          (b) Generally accepted standards of professional appraisal practice are evidenced by the
             617      Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice promulgated by the Appraisal
             618      Foundation.
             619          (c) After a public hearing held in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah
             620      Administrative Rulemaking Act, the board shall adopt and may make modifications of or
             621      additions to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice as the board considers
             622      appropriate to comply with the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and Enforcement Act
             623      of 1989.
             624          [(2) If the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation modifies the
             625      Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice, issues supplemental appraisal standards
             626      which it considers appropriate for residential real estate appraisers or for general real estate
             627      appraisers, or issues ethical rules to be observed by a real estate appraiser and requests the
             628      board to consider the adoption of the modified or supplemental standards or ethical rules, the]
             629          (2) The board shall schedule a public hearing pursuant to Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah
             630      Administrative Rulemaking Act, for the purpose of deciding whether or not the board should
             631      require [the] a modified or supplemental [standards] standard or the ethical [rules] rule to be
             632      observed by [persons] a person licensed, certified, [or] registered, or approved as an expert
             633      witness under this chapter[.] if the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation:
             634          (a) (i) modifies the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice;
             635          (ii) issues a supplemental appraisal standard which it considers appropriate for:
             636          (A) a residential real estate appraiser; or
             637          (B) a general real estate appraiser; or
             638          (iii) issues an ethical rule to be observed by a real estate appraiser; and
             639          (b) requests the board to consider the adoption of the modified or supplemental
             640      standard or ethical rule.
             641          (3) If, after the notice and public hearing described in Subsection (2), the board finds
             642      that [the] a modified or supplemental [standards] standard or the ethical [rules] rule issued by
             643      the Appraisal Standards Board of the Appraisal Foundation [are] is appropriate for [persons] a
             644      person licensed, certified, [or] registered, or approved as an expert witness under this chapter,
             645      the board shall recommend [rules] a rule requiring [all persons] a person licensed, certified,


             646      [or] registered, or approved as an expert witness under this chapter to observe the modified or
             647      supplemental [standards] standard or the ethical [rules] rule.
             648          Section 15. Section 61-2b-28 is amended to read:
             649           61-2b-28. Enforcement -- Investigation -- Orders -- Hearings.
             650          (1) (a) The division may investigate the actions of:
             651          (i) [any] a person registered, licensed, or certified under this chapter;
             652          (ii) an applicant for registration, licensure, or certification;
             653          (iii) an applicant for renewal of licensure or certification; or
             654          (iv) a person required to be registered, licensed, or certified under this chapter.
             655          (b) The division may initiate an agency action against a person described in Subsection
             656      (1)(a) in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act, to:
             657          (i) impose disciplinary action;
             658          (ii) deny issuance to an applicant of:
             659          (A) an original [or renewal] registration, license, or certification; or
             660          (B) a renewal of a license or certification; or
             661          (iii) issue a cease and desist order as provided in Subsection (3).
             662          (2) (a) The division may:
             663          (i) administer an oath or affirmation;
             664          (ii) subpoena [witnesses] a witness;
             665          (iii) take evidence; and
             666          (iv) require the production of [books, papers, contracts, records,] a book, paper,
             667      contract, record, other [documents] document, or information relevant to the investigation
             668      described in Subsection (1).
             669          (b) The division may serve [subpoenas] a subpoena by certified mail.
             670          (c) [Each] A failure to respond to a request by the division in an investigation
             671      authorized under this chapter is considered to be a separate violation of this chapter, including:
             672          (i) failing to respond to a subpoena;
             673          (ii) withholding evidence; or
             674          (iii) failing to produce [documents or records] a document or record.
             675          (3) (a) The director shall issue and serve upon a person an order directing that person to
             676      cease and desist from an act if:


             677          (i) the director has reason to believe that the person has been engaging, is about to
             678      engage, or is engaging in the act constituting a violation of this chapter; and
             679          (ii) it appears to the director that it would be in the public interest to stop the act.
             680          (b) Within ten days after receiving the order, the person upon whom the order is served
             681      may request [an adjudicative proceeding] a hearing.
             682          (c) Pending [the] a hearing requested under Subsection (3)(b), [the] a cease and desist
             683      order shall remain in effect.
             684          (d) If a request for hearing is made, the division shall follow the procedures and
             685      requirements of Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act.
             686          (4) (a) After [the] a hearing requested under Subsection (3), if the board agrees that
             687      [the acts] an act of the person [violate] violates this chapter, the board:
             688          (i) shall issue an order making the cease and desist order permanent; and
             689          (ii) may impose [a civil penalty not to exceed the greater of:] another disciplinary
             690      action under Section 61-2b-29 .
             691          [(A) $2,500 for each violation; or]
             692          [(B) the amount of any gain or economic benefit derived from each violation.]
             693          (b) The director shall commence an action in the name of the Department of
             694      Commerce and Division of Real Estate, in the district court in the county in which an act
             695      described in Subsection (3) occurs or where the person resides or carries on business, to enjoin
             696      and restrain the person from violating this chapter if:
             697          (i) (A) [no] a hearing is not requested under Subsection (3); and
             698          (B) the person fails to cease the act described in Subsection (3); or
             699          (ii) after discontinuing the act described in Subsection (3), the person again
             700      commences the act.
             701          (5) [The remedies and action] A remedy or action provided in this section [do] does not
             702      limit, interfere with, or prevent the prosecution of [any other remedies or actions] another
             703      remedy or action, including a criminal [proceedings] proceeding.
             704          Section 16. Section 61-2b-29 is amended to read:
             705           61-2b-29. Disciplinary action -- Grounds.
             706          (1) (a) The board may order disciplinary action against [any] a person:
             707          (i) registered, licensed, or certified under this chapter; or


             708          (ii) required to be registered, licensed, or certified under this chapter.
             709          (b) On the basis of [any of the grounds] a ground listed in Subsection (2) for
             710      disciplinary action, board action may include:
             711          (i) revoking, suspending, or placing a person's registration, license, or certification on
             712      probation;
             713          (ii) denying a person's original [or renewal] registration, license, or certification;
             714          (iii) denying a person's renewal license or certification;
             715          [(iii)] (iv) in the case of denial or revocation of a registration, license, or certification,
             716      setting a waiting period for an applicant to apply for a registration, license, or certification
             717      under this chapter;
             718          [(iv)] (v) ordering remedial education;
             719          [(v)] (vi) imposing a civil penalty upon a person not to exceed the greater of:
             720          (A) $2,500 for each violation; or
             721          (B) the amount of any gain or economic benefit from [each] a violation;
             722          [(vi)] (vii) issuing a cease and desist order; or
             723          [(vii)] (viii) doing any combination of Subsections (1)(b)(i) through [(vi)](vii).
             724          (2) The following are grounds for disciplinary action under this section:
             725          (a) procuring or attempting to procure a registration, license, or certification under this
             726      chapter:
             727          (i) by fraud; or
             728          (ii) by making a false statement, submitting false information, or making a material
             729      misrepresentation in an application filed with the division;
             730          (b) paying money or attempting to pay money other than [the fees] a fee provided for
             731      by this chapter to [any] a member or employee of the division to procure a registration, license,
             732      or certification under this chapter;
             733          (c) an act or omission in the practice of real estate appraising that constitutes
             734      dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation;
             735          (d) entry of a judgment against a registrant, licensee, or certificate holder on grounds of
             736      fraud, misrepresentation, or deceit in the making of an appraisal of real estate;
             737          (e) a guilty plea to a criminal offense involving moral turpitude that is held in
             738      abeyance, or a conviction, including a conviction based upon a plea of guilty or nolo


             739      contendere, of a criminal offense involving moral turpitude;
             740          (f) engaging in the business of real estate appraising under an assumed or fictitious
             741      name not properly registered in this state;
             742          (g) paying a finder's fee or a referral fee to a person not licensed or certified under this
             743      chapter in connection with an appraisal of real estate or real property in this state;
             744          (h) making a false or misleading statement in:
             745          (i) that portion of a written appraisal report that deals with professional qualifications;
             746      or [in any]
             747          (ii) testimony concerning professional qualifications;
             748          (i) violating or disregarding [any]:
             749          (i) a provision of this chapter[,];
             750          (ii) an order of the board[,]; or [any]
             751          (iii) a rule issued under this chapter;
             752          (j) violating the confidential nature of governmental records to which a person
             753      registered, licensed, [or] certified, or approved as an expert under this chapter gained access
             754      through employment or engagement as an appraiser by a governmental agency;
             755          (k) accepting a contingent fee for performing an appraisal as defined in Subsection
             756      61-2b-2 (1)(a) if in fact the fee is or was contingent upon:
             757          (i) the appraiser reporting a predetermined analysis, opinion, or conclusion [or is or
             758      was contingent upon];
             759          (ii) the analysis, opinion, conclusion, or valuation reached; or [upon]
             760          (iii) the consequences resulting from the appraisal assignment;
             761          (l) unprofessional conduct as defined by statute or rule;
             762          (m) in the case of a dual licensed title licensee as defined in Section 31A-2-402 :
             763          (i) providing a title insurance product or service without the approval required by
             764      Section 31A-2-405 ; or
             765          (ii) knowingly providing false or misleading information in the statement required by
             766      Subsection 31A-2-405 (2); or
             767          (n) [any] other conduct that constitutes dishonest dealing.
             768          Section 17. Section 61-2b-30.5 is amended to read:
             769           61-2b-30.5. Reinstatement of license, certification, registration, approval --


             770      Expert witness -- Trainee.
             771          (1) An individual who has had [an appraiser registration,] a license, [or] certification,
             772      registration, or approval revoked under this chapter:
             773          (a) may not apply for renewal of that [registration,] license, [or] certification, [but]
             774      registration, or approval; and
             775          (b) may apply for licensure [or], certification, registration, or approval as prescribed for
             776      an original license or certification subject to the limitations in Subsection (2).
             777          (2) An applicant for licensure, certification, [or for] registration, or approval as an
             778      expert witness under Subsection (1):
             779          (a) may not apply for licensure [or], certification, registration, or approval until at least
             780      five years after the date of revocation of the applicant's original license [or], certification,
             781      registration, or approval; and
             782          (b) is not entitled to credit for experience gained prior to the date of revocation in
             783      determining whether the applicant meets the experience requirement for licensure [or],
             784      certification, registration, or approval.
             785          (3) A person whose license or certification is revoked may not act as a trainee until at
             786      least four years after the day on which the person's license or certification is revoked.
             787          Section 18. Section 61-2b-31 is amended to read:
             788           61-2b-31. Disciplinary hearing process.
             789          (1) Before disciplinary action may be taken by the board, the division shall:
             790          (a) notify the person against whom the board seeks to take disciplinary action; and
             791          (b) commence an adjudicative proceeding.
             792          (2) If, after the hearing , the board determines that a person described in Subsection (1)
             793      violated this chapter, the board may impose disciplinary action by written order as provided in
             794      Section 61-2b-29 .
             795          (3) (a) The board may:
             796          (i) conduct hearings with the assistance of an administrative law judge; or [may]
             797          (ii) delegate hearings to an administrative law judge.
             798          (b) If the a hearing is delegated by the board to an administrative law judge, the
             799      administrative law judge shall submit to the board for its consideration:
             800          (i) written findings of fact[,];


             801          (ii) written conclusions of law[,]; and
             802          (iii) a recommended order [to the board for its consideration].
             803          (4) (a) [Any] An applicant, licensee, certificate holder, registrant, or person aggrieved,
             804      including the complainant, may obtain judicial review of [any] an adverse ruling, order, or
             805      decision of the board. [Any appeal shall be governed by the Utah Rules of Appellate
             806      Procedure.]
             807          (b) If [the] an applicant, licensee, [or] certificate holder, or registrant prevails in [the]
             808      an appeal and the court finds that the state action [was] is undertaken without substantial
             809      justification, the court may award reasonable litigation expenses to the applicant, licensee, [or]
             810      certificate holder, or registrant as provided under Title 78, Chapter 27a, Small Business Equal
             811      Access to Justice Act.
             812          Section 19. Section 61-2b-33 is amended to read:
             813           61-2b-33. Penalty for violating this chapter.
             814          [(1) Any person required by this chapter to be licensed or certified who engages in real
             815      estate appraisal activity in this state without obtaining a license or certification or] In addition
             816      to being subject to a disciplinary action by the board, a person who violates [any provision of]
             817      this chapter:
             818          [(a)] (1) is guilty of a class [B] A misdemeanor [punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to
             819      six months in jail], upon a conviction of a first violation of this chapter; and
             820          (2) is guilty of a third degree felony, upon conviction of a second or subsequent
             821      violation of this chapter.
             822          [(b) shall be ineligible to apply for a license or certificate for a period of one year from
             823      the date of the person's conviction of the offense.]
             824          [(2) The division, in its discretion, may grant a license or certification to a person
             825      ineligible pursuant to Subsection (1) within the one-year period upon application and after an
             826      administrative hearing.]
             827          Section 20. Section 61-2c-202 is amended to read:
             828           61-2c-202. Licensure procedures.
             829          (1) To apply for licensure under this chapter an applicant shall:
             830          (a) submit to the division a licensure statement that:
             831          (i) lists any name under which the individual or entity will transact business in this


             832      state;
             833          (ii) lists the address of the principal business location of the applicant;
             834          (iii) if the applicant is an entity:
             835          (A) lists the principal lending manager of the entity; and
             836          (B) contains the signature of the principal lending manager;
             837          (iv) demonstrates that the applicant meets the qualifications listed in Section
             838      61-2c-203 ;
             839          (v) if the applicant is an entity, lists:
             840          (A) all jurisdictions in which the entity is registered, licensed, or otherwise regulated in
             841      the business of residential mortgage loans; and
             842          (B) the history of any disciplinary action or adverse administrative action taken against
             843      the entity by any regulatory agency within the ten years preceding the application; and
             844          (vi) includes any information required by the division by rule;
             845          (b) pay to the division:
             846          (i) an application fee established by the division in accordance with Section 63-38-3.2 ;
             847      and
             848          (ii) the reasonable expenses incurred in processing the application for licensure,
             849      including the costs incurred by the division under Subsection (4); and
             850          (c) comply with Subsection (4).
             851          (2) (a) The division shall issue a license to an applicant if the division, with the
             852      concurrence of the commission, finds that the applicant:
             853          (i) meets the qualifications of Section 61-2c-203 ; and
             854          (ii) complies with this section.
             855          (b) The commission may delegate to the division the authority to:
             856          (i) review [any] a class or category of application for an initial or renewed [licenses]
             857      license;
             858          (ii) determine whether an applicant meets the licensing criteria in Section 61-2c-203 ;
             859          (iii) conduct [any] a necessary hearing on an application; and
             860          (iv) approve or deny a license application without concurrence by the commission.
             861          (c) If the commission delegates to the division the authority to approve or deny an
             862      application without concurrence by the commission and the division denies an application for


             863      licensure, the applicant who is denied licensure may petition the commission for review of the
             864      denial.
             865          (d) An applicant who is denied licensure under [this] Subsection (2)(b) may seek
             866      agency review by the executive director only after the commission [has reviewed] reviews the
             867      division's denial of the applicant's application.
             868          (3) Subject to Subsection (2)(d) and in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46b,
             869      Administrative Procedures Act, an applicant who is denied licensure under this chapter may
             870      submit a request for agency review to the executive director within 30 days following the
             871      [issuance of] day on which the commission order denying the licensure is issued.
             872          (4) (a) An individual applying for a license under this chapter shall:
             873          (i) submit a fingerprint card in a form acceptable to the division at the time the
             874      licensure statement is filed;
             875          (ii) consent to a criminal background check by:
             876          (A) the Utah Bureau of Criminal Identification; and
             877          (B) the Federal Bureau of Investigation;
             878          (iii) provide proof using [methods] a method approved by the division of having
             879      successfully completed [20 hours of] approved prelicensing education required by the
             880      commission under Section 61-2c-104 :
             881          (A) before taking the examination required by Subsection (4)(a)(iv); and
             882          (B) in the number of hours, not to exceed 90 hours, required by rule made by the
             883      division in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act; and
             884          (iv) provide proof using [methods] a method approved by the division of having
             885      successfully passed an examination approved by the commission under Section 61-2c-104 .
             886          (b) The division shall request the Department of Public Safety to complete a Federal
             887      Bureau of Investigation criminal background check for [each] an applicant [and each control
             888      person of an applicant] through a national criminal history system.
             889          (c) The applicant shall pay the cost of:
             890          (i) the fingerprinting required by this section; and
             891          (ii) the criminal background check required by this section.
             892          (d) (i) A license under this chapter is conditional pending completion of the criminal
             893      background check required by this Subsection (4).


             894          (ii) If a criminal background check discloses that an applicant [failed] fails to
             895      accurately disclose a criminal history, the license shall be immediately and automatically
             896      revoked.
             897          (iii) An individual or entity whose conditional license is revoked under Subsection
             898      (4)(d)(ii) may appeal the revocation in a hearing conducted by the commission:
             899          (A) after the revocation; and
             900          (B) in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46b, Administrative Procedures Act.
             901          (iv) The commission may delegate to the division or an administrative law judge the
             902      authority to conduct a hearing described in Subsection (4)(d)(iii).
             903          (v) Relief from a revocation may be granted only if:
             904          (A) the criminal history upon which the division based the revocation:
             905          (I) did not occur; or
             906          (II) is the criminal history of another person;
             907          (B) (I) the revocation is based on a failure to accurately disclose a criminal history; and
             908          (II) the applicant had a reasonable good faith belief at the time of application that there
             909      was no criminal history to be disclosed; or
             910          (C) the division [failed] fails to follow the prescribed procedure for the revocation.
             911          (e) If a license is revoked or a revocation is upheld after a hearing described in
             912      Subsection (4)(d)(iii), the person may not apply for a new license for a period of 12 months
             913      after the day on which the license is revoked.
             914          (f) The funds paid by an applicant for the cost of the criminal background check shall
             915      be nonlapsing.
             916          (g) The commission may delegate to the division the authority to make a decision on
             917      whether relief from a revocation should be granted.
             918          Section 21. Section 61-2c-206 is amended to read:
             919           61-2c-206. Principal lending manager licenses.
             920          (1) [Except as provided in Subsection (2), to] To qualify as a principal lending
             921      manager under this chapter, an individual shall, in addition to meeting the standards in Section
             922      61-2c-203 :
             923          (a) submit an application on a form approved by the division;
             924          (b) pay [fees] a fee determined by the division under Section 63-38-3.2 ;


             925          (c) submit proof of having successfully completed 40 hours of prelicensing education
             926      approved by the commission under Section 61-2c-104 ;
             927          (d) submit proof of having successfully completed the principal lending manager
             928      examination approved by the commission under Section 61-2c-104 ;
             929          (e) submit proof on [forms] a form approved by the division of three years of full-time
             930      active experience as a mortgage officer in the five years preceding the day on which the
             931      application is submitted, or its equivalent as approved by the commission; and
             932          (f) if the individual is not licensed under this chapter at the time of application, submit
             933      to the criminal background check required by Subsection 61-2c-202 (4).
             934          [(2) (a) Notwithstanding Subsection (1), an individual described in Subsection (2)(b)
             935      may qualify as a principal lending manager without:]
             936          [(i) meeting the requirements of Subsection (1)(c); and]
             937          [(ii) completing the portions of the principal lending manager examination described in
             938      Subsection (1)(d) that:]
             939          [(A) relate to federal law; and]
             940          [(B) do not relate to Utah law.]
             941          [(b) An individual may qualify as a principal lending manager pursuant to Subsection
             942      (2)(a) if the individual:]
             943          [(i) submits to the division an affidavit that the individual has five years of experience
             944      in the business of residential mortgage loans;]
             945          [(ii) establishes that the individual's experience described in this Subsection (2)(b) was
             946      acquired:]
             947          [(A) under requirements substantially equivalent to the requirements of this chapter;
             948      and]
             949          [(B) in compliance with the requirements of this chapter; and]
             950          [(iii) provides any other information required by the division by rule under Subsection
             951      (2)(c).]
             952          [(c) In accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46a, Utah Administrative Rulemaking Act,
             953      the division shall define the information an individual shall provide to the division pursuant to
             954      Subsection (2)(b).]
             955          [(3)] (2) A principal lending manager may not engage in the business of residential


             956      mortgage loans on behalf of more than one entity at the same time.
             957          Section 22. Section 61-2c-403 is amended to read:
             958           61-2c-403. Cease and desist orders.
             959          (1) (a) The director may issue and serve by certified mail, or by personal service, on an
             960      individual or entity an order to cease and desist from an act if:
             961          (i) the director has reason to believe that the individual or entity has been engaged, is
             962      engaging in, or is about to engage in [acts] the act constituting a violation of this chapter; and
             963          (ii) it appears to the director that it would be in the public interest to stop the [acts] act.
             964          (b) Within ten days after service of the order, the party named in the order may request
             965      [an adjudicative proceeding] a hearing to be held in accordance with Title 63, Chapter 46b,
             966      Administrative Procedures Act.
             967          (c) Pending [the] a hearing requested under Subsection (1)(b), [the] a cease and desist
             968      order shall remain in effect.
             969          (2) (a) After the hearing described in Subsection (1), if the director finds that [the acts]
             970      an act of the individual or entity [violate] violates this chapter, the director:
             971          (i) shall issue an order making the cease and desist order permanent; and
             972          (ii) may impose [a civil penalty not to exceed the greater of:] another disciplinary
             973      action under Section 61-2c-402 .
             974          [(A) $2,500 for each violation; or]
             975          [(B) the amount of any gain or economic benefit derived from each violation.]
             976          (b) (i) The director may file suit in the name of the division to enjoin and restrain an
             977      individual or entity on whom an order is served under this section from violating this chapter
             978      if:
             979          (A) (I) the individual or entity [did] does not request a hearing under Subsection (1); or
             980          (II) a permanent cease and desist order is issued against the individual or entity
             981      following a hearing or stipulation; and
             982          (B) (I) the individual or entity fails to cease the [acts] act; or
             983          (II) after discontinuing the [acts] act, the individual or entity again commences the
             984      [acts] the act.
             985          (ii) The suit described in Subsection (2)(b)(i) shall be filed in the district court in the
             986      county:


             987          (A) in which the [acts occurred] act occurs;
             988          (B) where the individual resides; or
             989          (C) where the individual or entity carries on business.
             990          (3) The cease and desist order issued under this section may not interfere with or
             991      prevent the prosecution of a remedy or action enforcement under this chapter.
             992          (4) An individual who violates a cease and desist order issued under this section is
             993      guilty of a class A misdemeanor.
             994          Section 23. Section 61-2c-405 is enacted to read:
             995          61-2c-405. Penalty for violation of chapter.
             996          In addition to being subject to a disciplinary action by the commission, a person who
             997      violates this chapter:
             998          (1) is guilty of a class A misdemeanor, upon conviction of a first violation of this
             999      chapter; and
             1000          (2) is guilty of a third degree felony, upon conviction of a second or subsequent
             1001      violation of this chapter.
             1002          Section 24. Section 61-2c-502 is amended to read:
             1003           61-2c-502. Additional license fee.
             1004          (1) An individual who applies for or renews a license shall pay, in addition to the
             1005      application or renewal fee, a reasonable annual fee:
             1006          (a) determined by the division with the concurrence of the commission; and
             1007          (b) not to exceed $18.
             1008          (2) An entity that applies for or renews an entity license shall pay, in addition to the
             1009      application or renewal fee, a reasonable annual fee:
             1010          (a) determined by the division with the concurrence of the commission; and
             1011          (b) not to exceed $25.
             1012          (3) Notwithstanding Section 13-1-2 , the following shall be paid into the [fund]
             1013      Residential Mortgage Loan Education, Research, and Recovery Fund to be used as provided in
             1014      this part:
             1015          (a) [fees] a fee provided in this section; [and]
             1016          (b) a fee for certifying:
             1017          (i) a mortgage school;


             1018          (ii) a mortgage course; or
             1019          (iii) a mortgage instructor; and
             1020          [(b)] (c) a civil [penalties] penalty imposed under this chapter.
             1021          (4) If the balance in the [fund] Residential Mortgage Loan Education, Research, and
             1022      Recovery Fund that is available to satisfy [judgments] a judgment against [licensees] a licensee
             1023      decreases to less than $100,000, the division may make an additional [assessments] assessment
             1024      to [licensees] a licensee to maintain the balance available at $100,000 to satisfy judgments.


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