House Bill No. 4864 amends the eligibility requirements for individuals serving as arbitrators in binding arbitration related to appraisal review board orders in Texas. The bill specifies that, in addition to being a licensed attorney or having completed 30 hours of training in arbitration and alternative dispute resolution, individuals can also qualify if they have been licensed or certified as a registered professional appraiser under Chapter 1151 of the Occupations Code. This addition replaces the previous requirement that included only real estate brokers, sales agents, and appraisers, as well as certified public accountants.

Furthermore, the bill updates the provisions regarding the registry of qualified arbitrators, stating that individuals will remain in the registry for two years unless they renew their agreement with the comptroller to serve as an arbitrator, which must coincide with the renewal of their relevant licenses or certifications. The changes aim to broaden the pool of qualified arbitrators and ensure that they maintain their credentials to continue serving in this capacity. The bill is set to take effect immediately upon receiving a two-thirds vote from both houses or on September 1, 2025, if that threshold is not met.

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