This bill revises several provisions concerning the State Board of Appraisers, Abstracters, and Home Inspectors in Arkansas, primarily focusing on regulatory and operational improvements. Notably, it removes restrictions that previously required abstracters to register separately for each county in which they operate, allowing them to work across multiple counties more efficiently. The notification process for examination schedules is also updated to include email notifications alongside traditional mail. Additionally, the bill repeals outdated requirements, such as the need for seals on licenses and specific disciplinary hearing procedures, thereby modernizing the regulatory framework.

Furthermore, the bill introduces new qualifications for board members and expands the board's powers, including the establishment of continuing education programs for home inspectors and the ability to conduct meetings online. It clarifies the definition of residential units for home inspectors and modifies the requirements for home inspection reports, enhancing the board's authority in investigations. Financial management is streamlined by abolishing the Arkansas Abstracters' Board Fund and the Arkansas Home Inspectors Registration Fund, consolidating funds into a new State Board of Appraisers, Abstracters, and Home Inspectors Fund. The bill also adjusts the language regarding continuing education enforcement, shifting from "shall" to "may," granting the board greater discretion. Overall, these changes aim to improve operational efficiency and compliance standards within the board's regulatory framework.

Statutes affected:
Old version SB443 V2 - 4-3-2025 11:15 AM: 17-11-301, 04-03-2025, 17-11-302(d), 17-11-305(d), 17-11-322(c), 17-11-322(d), 17-11-342, 17-11-343, 17-11-404, 17-14-103(17), 17-14-201(a), 17-14-201(b), 17-14-203(6), 17-14-205(b), 17-14-206(a), 17-14-305, 17-14-101, 17-14-201, 17-14-409(a), 17-52-303(8), 17-52-306, 17-52-307, 25-15-201, 25-19-101, 17-52-310(e), 17-52-311, 17-52-312, 17-52-313, 17-52-315(a), 17-52-316(d), 17-52-317, 17-52-320, 19-6-301(93)
Old version SB443 Original - 3-12-2025 01:24 PM: 17-11-301, 17-11-302(d), 17-11-305(d), 17-11-322(c), 17-11-322(d), 17-11-342, 17-11-343, 17-11-404, 17-14-103(17), 17-14-201(a), 17-14-201(b), 17-14-203(6), 17-14-205(b), 17-14-206(a), 17-14-305, 17-14-101, 17-14-201, 17-14-409(a), 17-52-303(8), 17-52-306, 17-52-307, 25-15-201, 25-19-101, 17-52-310(e), 17-52-311, 17-52-312, 17-52-313, 17-52-315(a), 17-52-316(d), 17-52-317, 17-52-320, 19-6-301(93)
SB 443: 17-11-301, 17-11-302(d), 17-11-305(d), 17-11-322(c), 17-11-322(d), 17-11-342, 17-11-343, 17-11-404, 17-14-103(17), 17-14-201(a), 17-14-201(b), 17-14-203(6), 17-14-205(b), 17-14-206(a), 17-14-305, 17-14-101, 17-14-201, 17-14-409(a), 17-52-303(8), 17-52-306, 17-52-307, 25-15-201, 25-19-101, 17-52-310(e), 17-52-311, 17-52-312, 17-52-313, 17-52-315(a), 17-52-316(d), 17-52-317, 17-52-320, 19-6-301(93)
Act 949: 17-11-301, 04-03-2025, 17-11-302(d), 17-11-305(d), 17-11-322(c), 17-11-322(d), 17-11-342, 17-11-343, 17-11-404, 17-14-103(17), 17-14-201(a), 17-14-201(b), 17-14-203(6), 17-14-205(b), 17-14-206(a), 17-14-305, 17-14-101, 17-14-201, 17-14-409(a), 17-52-303(8), 17-52-306, 17-52-307, 25-15-201, 25-19-101, 17-52-310(e), 17-52-311, 17-52-312, 17-52-313, 17-52-315(a), 17-52-316(d), 17-52-317, 17-52-320, 19-6-301(93)