SB0278

SENATE BILL 278

51st legislature - STATE OF NEW MEXICO - first session, 2013

INTRODUCED BY

Sander Rue

AN ACT

RELATING TO PROFESSIONAL LICENSURE; AMENDING AND ENACTING SECTIONS OF THE REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS ACT; PROVIDING FOR COMPLIANCE WITH FEDERAL LAW; PROVIDING FOR APPRAISAL MANAGEMENT COMPANIES; PROVIDING FOR TRAINEES; PROVIDING FOR AN APPRAISAL SUBCOMMITTEE; PROVIDING FOR UNIFORM STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL APPRAISAL PRACTICE; PROVIDING FOR AUTOMATED VALUATION MODELS; PROVIDING FOR BROKER PRICE OPINIONS; PROVIDING FOR CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF NEW MEXICO:

SECTION 1. Section 61-30-3 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1990, Chapter 75, Section 3, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-30-3. DEFINITIONS.--As used in the Real Estate Appraisers Act:

A. "appraisal" or "real estate appraisal" means an analysis, opinion or conclusion prepared by a real estate appraiser relating to the nature, quality, value or utility of specified interests in or aspects of identified real estate or real property, for or in expectation of compensation, and shall include the following:

(1) a valuation, analysis, opinion or conclusion prepared by a real estate appraiser that estimates the value of identified real estate or real property; and

(2) an analysis or study of real estate or real property other than estimating value;

B. "appraisal assignment" means an engagement for which an appraiser is employed or retained to act or would be perceived by third parties or the public as acting as a disinterested third party in rendering an unbiased appraisal;

C. "appraisal foundation" means the appraisal foundation incorporated as an Illinois not-for-profit corporation on November 30, 1987 and to which reference is made in the federal real estate appraisal reform amendments;

D. "appraisal management company" means any external third party that oversees a network or panel of state certified or state licensed appraisers to:

(1) recruit, select and retain appraisers;

(2) contract with appraisers to perform appraisal assignments;

(3) manage the process of having an appraisal performed; or

(4) review and verify the work of appraisers;

[D.] E. "appraisal report" means any communication, written or oral, of an appraisal regardless of title or designation and all other reports communicating an appraisal;

F. "appraisal review" means the act or process of developing and communicating an opinion about the quality of another appraiser's work;

G. "appraisal subcommittee" means the entity within the federal financial institutions examination council that monitors the requirements established by the states for appraisers and appraisal management companies;

H. "appraiser trainee" means a registered real estate appraiser who meets or exceeds the minimum qualification requirements of the appraiser qualifications board of the appraisal foundation for appraisal trainees and as defined by board rule and who are subject to direct supervision by a supervisory appraiser in good standing with the board;

I. "automated valuation model" means a computerized model used by mortgage originators and secondary market issuers to determine the collateral worth of a mortgage secured by a consumer's principal dwelling;

[E.] J. "board" means the real estate appraisers board;

K. "broker price opinion" means an estimate prepared by a real estate broker, agent or salesperson that details the probable selling price of a particular piece of real estate;

[F.] L. "certified appraisal" or "certified appraisal report" means an appraisal or appraisal report given or signed and certified as such by a state certified real estate appraiser and shall include an indication of which type of certification is held and shall be deemed to represent to the public that it meets the appraisal standards defined in the Real Estate Appraisers Act;

[G.] M. "federal real estate appraisal reform amendments" means the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council Act of 1978, as amended by Title 11, Real Estate Appraisal Reform Amendments;

[H.] N. "general certificate" or "general certification" means a certificate or certification for appraisals of all types of real estate issued pursuant to the provisions of the Real Estate Appraisers Act and the federal real estate appraisal reform amendments;

[I.] O. "real estate" or "real property" means a leasehold or other estate or interest in, over or under land, including structures, fixtures and other improvements and interests that by custom, usage or law pass with a conveyance of land, though not described in a contract of sale or instrument of conveyance, and includes parcels with or without upper and lower boundaries and spaces that may be filled with air;

[J.] P. "real estate appraiser" means any person who engages in real estate appraisal activity in expectation of compensation;

[K.] Q. "residential certificate" or "residential certification" means a certificate or certification, limited to appraisals of residential real estate or residential real property without regard to the complexity of the transaction, issued pursuant to the provisions of the Real Estate Appraisers Act and as provided under the terms of the federal real estate appraisal reform amendments;

[L.] R. "residential real estate" or "residential real property" means real estate designed and suited or intended for use and occupancy by one to four families, including use and occupancy of manufactured housing;

[M.] S. "specialized services" means those services that do not fall within the definition of an appraisal assignment and may include specialized financing or market analyses and feasibility studies that may incorporate estimates of value or analyses, opinions or conclusions given in connection with activities such as real estate brokerage, mortgage banking, real estate counseling and real estate tax counseling; provided that the person rendering such services would not be perceived by third parties or the public as acting as a disinterested third party in rendering an unbiased appraisal or real estate appraisal, regardless of the intention of the client and that person;

[N.] T. "state certified appraisal" means any appraisal that is identified as a state certified appraisal report or is in any way described as being prepared by a state certified real estate appraiser;

[O.] U. "state certified real estate appraiser" means a person who [holds a current, valid general certificate or a current, valid residential certificate issued pursuant to the provisions of the Real Estate Appraisers Act] has satisfied the requirements for state certification in New Mexico pursuant to the minimum criteria established by the appraiser qualifications board of the appraisal foundation and the New Mexico real estate appraisers board for certified licensing of real estate appraisers;

[P.] V. "state licensed residential real estate appraiser" means a person who [holds a current, valid license issued pursuant to the provisions of the Real Estate Appraisers Act; and

Q. "state apprentice real estate appraiser" means a person who holds a current, valid registration issued pursuant to the provisions of the Real Estate Appraisers Act] has satisfied the requirements for state licensing in New Mexico pursuant to the minimum criteria established by the appraiser qualifications board of the appraisal foundation and the New Mexico real estate appraisers board for licensing of real estate appraisers;

W. "supervisory appraiser" means a state certified real estate appraiser responsible for the direct supervision of appraiser trainees; and

X. "uniform standards of professional appraisal practice" means the uniform standards of professional appraisal practice promulgated by the appraisal foundation and adopted by rule pursuant to the Real Estate Appraisers Act."

SECTION 2. Section 61-30-4 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1990, Chapter 75, Section 4, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-30-4. ADMINISTRATION--ENFORCEMENT.--

A. The board shall administer and enforce the Real Estate Appraisers Act.

B. It is unlawful for a person to engage in the business, act in the capacity of, advertise or display in any manner or otherwise assume to engage in the business of, or act as, [a state apprentice real estate] an appraiser trainee, a state licensed residential real estate appraiser or a state certified real estate appraiser without a license issued by the board. A person who engages in the business or acts in the capacity of [a state apprentice real estate] an appraiser trainee, a state licensed residential real estate appraiser or a state certified real estate appraiser has submitted to the jurisdiction of the state and to the administrative jurisdiction of the board, notwithstanding any other provisions or statutes governing all professional and occupational licenses.

C. The board shall prohibit discrimination. Criteria established by the board may include education achieved, experience, sample appraisals and references from prior clients. Membership in a nationally recognized professional appraisal organization may be a criterion considered, though lack of membership shall not be the sole bar against consideration for an assignment under these criteria."

SECTION 3. Section 61-30-5 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1990, Chapter 75, Section 5, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-30-5. REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS BOARD CREATED.--

A. There is created a "real estate appraisers board" consisting of seven members appointed by the governor. The board is administratively attached to the regulation and licensing department.

B. There shall be four real estate appraiser members of the board who shall be licensed or certified. Membership in a professional appraisal organization or association shall not be a prerequisite to serve on the board. No more than two real estate appraiser members shall be from any one licensed or certified category.

C. Board members shall be appointed to five-year terms and shall serve until [their] a successor is appointed and qualified. Real estate appraiser members may be appointed for no more than two consecutive five-year terms.

D. No more than two members shall be from any one county within New Mexico, and at least one real estate appraiser member shall be from each congressional district.

E. One member of the board shall represent lenders or their assignees engaged in the business of lending funds secured by mortgages or in the business of appraisal management. Two members shall be appointed to represent the public. The public members shall not have been real estate appraisers or engaged in the business of real estate appraisals or have any financial interest, direct or indirect, in real estate appraisal or any real-estate-related business.

F. Vacancies on the board shall be filled by appointment by the governor for the unexpired term within sixty days of the vacancy.

G. The [board is administratively attached to the regulation and licensing department] appraisal subcommittee may monitor the board for the purposes of determining whether the board:

(1) has policies, practices, funding, staffing and procedures that are consistent with 12 U.S.C. 1101-1125;

(2) processes complaints and completes investigations in a reasonable time period;

(3) appropriately disciplines sanctioned appraisers and appraisal management companies;

(4) maintains an effective regulatory program; and

(5) reports complaints and disciplinary actions on a timely basis to the national registries on appraisers and appraisal management companies maintained by the appraisal subcommittee.

H. The appraisal subcommittee may impose sanctions against the board if it fails to have an effective appraiser regulatory program."

SECTION 4. Section 61-30-7 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1990, Chapter 75, Section 7, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-30-7. BOARD--POWERS--DUTIES.--The board shall:

A. adopt rules necessary to implement the provisions of the Real Estate Appraisers Act;

B. establish educational programs and research projects related to the appraisal of real estate;

C. establish the administrative procedures for processing applications and issuing registrations, licenses and certificates to persons who qualify to be [state apprentice real estate appraisers] appraiser trainees, state licensed residential real estate appraisers or state certified real estate appraisers;

D. receive, review and approve applications for [state apprentice real estate appraisers] appraiser trainees, state licensed residential real estate appraisers and each category of state certified real estate appraisers [and, for state licensed or state certified real estate appraisers prepare or supervise the preparation of examination questions and answers and supervise grading of examinations and enter into contracts with one or more educational testing services or organizations for such examinations];

E. define the extent and type of educational experience, appraisal experience and equivalent experience that will meet the requirements for registration, licensing and certification [under] pursuant to the Real Estate Appraisers Act after considering generally recognized appraisal practices and set minimum requirements for education and experience;

F. provide for continuing education programs for the renewal of registrations, licenses and certification that will meet the requirements provided in the Real Estate Appraisers Act and set minimum requirements;

G. adopt standards to define the education programs that will meet the requirements of the Real Estate Appraisers Act and that will encourage conducting programs at various locations throughout the state;

H. adopt standards for the development and communication of real estate appraisals provided in the Real Estate Appraisers Act and adopt rules explaining and interpreting the standards after considering generally recognized appraisal practices;

I. adopt a code of professional responsibility for [state apprentice real estate appraisers] appraiser trainees, state licensed residential real estate appraisers and state certified real estate appraisers;

J. comply with annual reporting requirements and other requirements set forth in the federal real estate appraisal reform amendments;

K. collect and transmit annual registry fees from individuals who perform or seek to perform appraisals in federally related transactions and from an appraisal management company that either has registered with the board or operates as a subsidiary of a federally regulated financial institution;

[K.] L. maintain a registry of the names and addresses of the persons who hold current registrations, licenses and certificates issued under the Real Estate Appraisers Act;

[L.] M. establish procedures for disciplinary action in accordance with the Uniform Licensing Act against any applicant or holder of a registration, license or certificate for violations of the Real Estate Appraisers Act and any rules adopted pursuant to provisions of that act; [and]

N. register and supervise appraisal management companies and the addition of information about appraisal management companies to the appraisal subcommittee's national registry;

O. recognize appraiser certifications and licenses from states whose appraisal policies, practices, funding, staffing or procedures are found to be consistent with 12 U.S.C. 1101-1125; and

[M.] P. perform such other functions and duties as may be necessary to carry out the provisions of the Real Estate Appraisers Act."

SECTION 5. Section 61-30-8 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1990, Chapter 75, Section 8, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-30-8. BOARD--ORGANIZATION--MEETINGS.--

A. The board shall organize by electing a [chairperson] chair and vice [chairperson and secretary] chair from among its members annually. A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum and may exercise all powers and duties established by the provisions of the Real Estate Appraisers Act.

B. The board shall keep a record of its proceedings, a register of persons registered, licensed or certified as [state apprentice real estate appraisers] appraiser trainees, state licensed residential real estate appraisers or state certified real estate appraisers, showing the name and places of business of each, and shall retain all records and applications submitted to the board pursuant to the Real Estate Appraisers Act.

C. The board shall meet not less frequently than once each calendar quarter at such place as may be designated by the board, and special meetings may be held on five days' written notice to each of the members by the [chairperson] chair. At least annually, the board shall meet in each of the congressional districts."

SECTION 6. Section 61-30-10 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1990, Chapter 75, Section 10, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-30-10. REGISTRATION, LICENSE OR CERTIFICATION REQUIRED--EXCEPTIONS.--

A. It is unlawful for any person in this state to engage or attempt to engage in the business of developing or communicating real estate appraisals or appraisal reports without first registering as an [apprentice] appraiser trainee or obtaining a license or certificate from the board under the provisions of the Real Estate Appraisers Act.

B. No person, unless certified by the board as a state certified real estate appraiser under a general certification or residential certification, shall:

(1) assume or use any title, designation or abbreviation likely to create the impression of a state certified real estate appraiser;

(2) use the term "state certified" to describe or refer to any appraisal or evaluation of real estate prepared by [him] the person;

(3) assume or use any title, designation or abbreviation likely to create the impression of certification as a state certified real estate appraiser firm, partnership, corporation or group; or

(4) assume or use any title, designation or abbreviation likely to create the impression of certification under a general certificate or describe or refer to any appraisal or evaluation of nonresidential real estate by the term "state certified" if the preparer's certification is limited to residential real estate.

C. [A state apprentice real estate] An appraiser trainee who is registered but does not hold a license or certificate is only authorized to prepare appraisals of all types of real estate or real property under direct supervision of the supervisory appraiser; provided that such appraisals are not described or referred to as being prepared by a "state certified real estate appraiser" holding a residential or general certificate or by a "state licensed residential real estate appraiser"; and provided, further, that such person does not assume or use any title, designation or abbreviation likely to create the impression of certification as a state certified real estate appraiser or licensure as a state licensed residential real estate appraiser.

[D. A holder of a license or residential certificate is authorized to prepare appraisals of nonresidential real estate; provided such appraisals are not described or referred to as "state certified by a general certified appraiser"; and provided, further, the holder of the certificate does not assume or use any title, designation or abbreviation likely to create the impression of general certification.

E. To perform in federally related transactions, as referenced in the federal Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery and Enforcement Act, a real estate appraiser shall, at a minimum, meet the requirements for licensing as currently defined.]

D. In determining whether an appraisal in connection with a federally related transaction shall be performed by a state certified real estate appraiser, the board shall consider whether transactions, either individually or collectively, are of sufficient financial or public policy importance to the United States that an individual who performs an appraisal in connection with such transaction should be a state certified real estate appraiser; provided that:

(1) a state certified real estate appraiser shall be required for all federally related transactions having a value of one million dollars ($1,000,000) or more; and

(2) one- to four-unit, single-family residential property appraisals may be performed by state licensed residential real estate appraisers unless the size and complexity requires a state certified real estate appraiser because the property to be appraised, the form of ownership of the property, the property characteristics or the market condition for the property is atypical.

[F.] E. The requirement of registration, licensing or certification shall not apply to a real estate broker or salesperson who, in the ordinary course of business, [gives an opinion] provides an estimate of the price, [or value] as currently defined by the uniform standards of professional appraisal practice, of real estate for the purpose of securing a listing, marketing of real property, affecting a sale, lease or exchange, conducting market analyses or rendering specialized services; provided, however, that this [opinion] estimate of the price [or value] shall not be referred to or construed as an appraisal or appraisal report and no compensation, fee or other consideration is expected or charged for such [opinion] estimate, other than the real estate brokerage commission or fee for services rendered in connection with the identified real estate or real property.

[G.] F. The requirement of registration, licensing or certification shall not apply to real estate appraisers of the property tax division of the taxation and revenue department, to a county assessor or to the county assessor's employees, who as part of their duties are required to engage in real estate appraisal activity as a county assessor or on behalf of the county assessor and no additional compensation fee or other consideration is expected or charged for such appraisal activity, other than such compensation as is provided by law.

[H.] G. The prohibition of Subsection A of this section does not apply to persons whose real estate appraisal activities are limited to the appraisal of interests in minerals, including oil, natural gas, liquid hydrocarbons or carbon dioxide, and property held or used in connection with mineral property, if that person is authorized in [his] the person's state of residence to practice and is actually engaged in the practice of the profession of engineering or geology.

[I.] H. The process of analyzing, without altering, an appraisal report, except appraisal reviews as defined by the uniform standards of professional appraisal practice, that is part of a request for mortgage credit is considered a specialized service as defined in Subsection [M] S of Section 61-30-3 NMSA 1978 and is exempt from the requirements of registration, licensing or certification."

SECTION 7. Section 61-30-10.1 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1992, Chapter 54, Section 8, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-30-10.1. QUALIFICATION FOR [STATE APPRENTICE REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS] APPRAISER TRAINEE.--

A. Registration as [a state apprentice real estate] an appraiser trainee shall be granted only to persons who are deemed by the board to be of good repute and competent to render appraisals.

B. Each applicant for registration as [a state apprentice real estate] an appraiser trainee shall be a legal resident of the United States, except as otherwise provided in Section 61-30-20 NMSA 1978, and have reached the age of majority.

C. Each applicant for registration as [a state apprentice real estate] an appraiser trainee shall have the education requirements as established for the [apprentice] appraiser trainee classification issued by the appraiser qualifications board of the appraisal foundation and adopted by rule pursuant to the Real Estate Appraisers Act.

D. The board shall require such information as it deems necessary from every applicant to determine the applicant's honesty, trustworthiness and competency."

SECTION 8. Section 61-30-11 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1990, Chapter 75, Section 11, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-30-11. QUALIFICATIONS FOR LICENSE.--

A. Licenses shall be granted only to persons who are deemed by the board to be of good repute and competent to render appraisals.

B. Each applicant for a license as a state licensed residential real estate appraiser shall be a legal resident of the United States, except as otherwise provided in Section 61-30-20 NMSA 1978, and have reached the age of majority.

C. Each applicant for a license as a state licensed residential real estate appraiser shall have additional experience and education requirements as established for the licensed classification issued by the appraiser qualifications board of the appraisal foundation and adopted by rule pursuant to the Real Estate Appraisers Act.

D. The board shall require such information as it deems necessary from every applicant to determine the applicant's honesty, trustworthiness and competency.

E. Persons who do not meet the qualifications for licensure are not qualified for appraisal assignments involving federally related transactions."

SECTION 9. Section 61-30-12 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1990, Chapter 75, Section 12, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-30-12. QUALIFICATIONS FOR [CERTIFICATE] CERTIFIED RESIDENTIAL AND GENERAL REAL ESTATE APPRAISERS.--

A. [Certificates] Certified classification shall be granted only to persons who are deemed by the board to be of good repute and competent to render appraisals.

B. Each applicant for a [certificate as a state] certified residential or general real estate appraiser classification shall be a legal resident of the United States, except as otherwise provided in Section 61-30-20 NMSA 1978, and have reached the age of majority.

C. Each applicant for a residential certificate as a state certified real estate appraiser shall have performed actively as a real estate appraiser and shall have additional experience and education requirements as established for the residential certification classification issued by the appraiser qualifications board of the appraisal foundation and adopted by rule pursuant to the Real Estate Appraisers Act.

D. Each applicant for a general certificate as a state certified real estate appraiser shall have performed actively as a real estate appraiser and have additional experience and education requirements as established for the general certification classification issued by the appraiser qualifications board of the appraisal foundation and adopted pursuant to the Real Estate Appraisers Act.

E. The board shall require such information as it deems necessary from every applicant to determine the applicant's honesty, trustworthiness and competency."

SECTION 10. Section 61-30-13 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1990, Chapter 75, Section 13, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-30-13. APPLICATION FOR REGISTRATION, LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE--EXAMINATION.--

A. All applications for registrations, licenses or certificates shall be made to the board in writing, either in person or electronically, shall specify whether registration or a license or a certificate is being applied for by the applicant and, if a certificate, the classification of the certificate being applied for by the applicant and shall contain such data and information as may be required by the board.

B. Each applicant for a license or a certificate shall demonstrate, by successfully passing a written examination, prepared by or under the supervision of the board, that the applicant possesses, consistent with licensure or the certification sought, the following:

(1) an appropriate knowledge of technical terms commonly used in or related to real estate appraising, appraisal report writing and economic concepts applicable to real estate;

(2) a basic understanding of real estate law;

(3) an adequate knowledge of theory and techniques of real estate appraisal;

(4) an understanding of the principles of land economics, real estate appraisal processes and problems likely to be encountered in the gathering, interpreting and processing of data in carrying out appraisal disciplines;

(5) an understanding of the standards for the development and communication of real estate appraisals as provided in the Real Estate Appraisers Act;

(6) knowledge of theories of depreciation, cost estimating, methods of capitalization and the mathematics of real estate appraisal that are appropriate for the classification of certificate applied for by the applicant;

(7) knowledge of other principles and procedures as may be appropriate for the respective classification; and

(8) an understanding of the types of misconduct for which disciplinary proceedings may be initiated against [a state apprentice real estate] an appraiser trainee, a state licensed residential real estate appraiser or a state certified real estate appraiser as set forth in the Real Estate Appraisers Act.

[C. The examination shall be given at least four times each calendar year at such times and places within the state as the board prescribes. The board shall make a reasonable effort to conduct examinations in each congressional district. Notice of passing or failing the examination shall be given by the board to each applicant not later than forty-five days following the date of the examination.

D.] C. An applicant for a license or a certificate who fails to successfully complete the written examination may apply for a reexamination for a license or certificate upon compliance with such conditions as set forth in the rules adopted by the board pursuant to the provisions of the Real Estate Appraisers Act."

SECTION 11. Section 61-30-14 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1990, Chapter 75, Section 14, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-30-14. ISSUANCE AND RENEWAL OF REGISTRATION, LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES.--

A. The board shall issue to each qualified applicant evidence of registration, a license or a certificate in a form and size prescribed by the board.

B. The board in its discretion may renew registrations, licenses or certificates for periods of one, two or three years for the purpose of coordinating continuing education requirements with registration, license or certificate renewal requirements.

C. Each registration, license or certificate holder shall submit proof of compliance with continuing education requirements and the renewal fee.

D. [At the election of eligible holders of a registration, license or certificate who perform or seek to perform appraisals in federally related transactions under the federal real estate appraisal reform amendments] Each application for renewal shall include payment of a registry fee set by the federal financial institutions examination council. The registry fee shall be transmitted by the board to the federal financial institutions examination council. [Notice of whether the state apprentice real estate appraiser, state licensed real estate appraiser or state certified real estate appraiser has paid the federal registry fee and is thus eligible to perform in federally related transactions shall be included on the face of each registration, license and certificate issued by the board.]

E. The board shall certify renewal of each registration, license or certificate in the absence of any reason or condition that might warrant the refusal of the renewal of a registration, license or certificate.

F. In the event [any] that a registration, license or certificate holder fails to properly apply for renewal of the registration, license or certificate within the thirty days immediately following [his] the registration, license or certificate renewal date of any given year, the registration, license or certificate shall expire thirty days following the renewal date.

G. The board may renew an expired registration upon application, payment of the current annual renewal fee, submission of proof of compliance with continuing education requirements and payment of a reinstatement fee in the amount not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200), in addition to any other fee permitted under the Real Estate Appraisers Act.

H. The board may renew an expired license or certificate upon application, payment of the current annual renewal fee, submission of proof of compliance with continuing education requirements and payment of the reinstatement fee, in addition to any other fee permitted under the Real Estate Appraisers Act; provided that the board may, in the board's discretion, treat the former certificate holder as a new applicant and further may require reexamination as a condition to reissuance of a certificate.

I. If during a period of one year from the date a registration, license or certificate expires, the registration, license or certificate holder is either absent from this state on active duty military service or is suffering from an illness or injury of such severity that the person is physically or mentally incapable of renewal of the registration, license or certificate, payment of the reinstatement fee and, in the case of a license or certificate holder, reexamination shall not be required by the board if, within three months of the person's permanent return to this state or sufficient recovery from illness or injury to allow the person to make an application, the person makes application to the board for renewal. A copy of the person's military orders or a certificate of the applicant's physician shall accompany the application.

J. The board may adopt additional requirements by rule for the issuance or renewal of registrations, licenses or certificates to maintain or upgrade real estate appraiser qualifications at a level no less than the recommendations of the appraiser qualifications board of the appraisal foundation or the requirements of the appraisal subcommittee."

SECTION 12. Section 61-30-15 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1990, Chapter 75, Section 15, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-30-15. REFUSAL, SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF REGISTRATION, LICENSE OR CERTIFICATE.--

A. The board, consistent with Section 61-30-7 NMSA 1978, shall refuse to issue or renew a registration, license or certificate or shall suspend or revoke a registration, license or certificate at any time when the applicant, [state apprentice real estate] appraiser trainee, state licensed residential real estate appraiser or state certified real estate appraiser, in performing or attempting to perform any of the actions set forth in the Real Estate Appraisers Act, is determined by the board to have:

(1) procured or attempted to procure a registration, license or certificate by knowingly making a false statement or submitting false information or through any form of fraud or misrepresentation;

(2) refused to provide complete information in response to a question in an application for registration, a license or certificate or failed to meet the minimum qualifications established by the Real Estate Appraisers Act;

(3) paid money, other than as provided for in the Real Estate Appraisers Act, to any member or employee of the board to procure registration, a license or a certificate;

(4) been convicted of a crime that is substantially related to the qualifications, functions and duties of the person developing real estate appraisals and communicating real estate appraisals to others;

(5) committed an act involving dishonesty, fraud or misrepresentation or by omission engaged in a dishonest or fraudulent act or misrepresentation with the intent to substantially benefit the registration, license or certificate holder or another person or with the intent to substantially injure another person;

(6) willfully disregarded or violated any of the provisions of the Real Estate Appraisers Act or the rules of the board adopted pursuant to that act;

(7) accepted an appraisal assignment when the employment itself is contingent upon the real estate appraiser reporting a predetermined analysis or opinion or where the fee to be paid for the performance of the appraisal assignment is contingent upon the opinion, conclusion or valuation reached or upon the consequences resulting from the appraisal assignment; provided that a contingent fee agreement is permitted for the rendering of special services not constituting an appraisal assignment and the acceptance of a contingent fee is clearly and prominently stated on the written appraisal report;

(8) suffered the entry of a final civil judgment on the grounds of fraud, misrepresentation or deceit in the making of an appraisal; provided that the [state apprentice real estate] appraiser trainee, state licensed residential real estate appraiser or state certified real estate appraiser shall be afforded an opportunity to present matters in mitigation and extenuation, but may not collaterally attack the civil judgment; or

(9) committed any other conduct that is related to dealings as [a state apprentice real estate] an appraiser trainee, a state licensed residential real estate appraiser or a state certified real estate appraiser and that constitutes or demonstrates bad faith, untrustworthiness, impropriety, fraud, dishonesty or any unlawful act.

B. The board, consistent with Section 61-30-7 NMSA 1978, shall refuse to issue or renew a registration, license or certificate and shall suspend or revoke a registration, license or certificate at any time when the board determines that the applicant or [state apprentice real estate] appraiser trainee, state licensed residential real estate appraiser or state certified real estate appraiser, in the performance of real estate appraisal work, has:

(1) repeatedly failed to observe one or more of the standards for the development or communication of real estate appraisals set forth in the rules adopted pursuant to the Real Estate Appraisers Act;

(2) repeatedly failed or refused, without good cause, to exercise reasonable diligence in developing an appraisal, preparing an appraisal report or communicating an appraisal;

(3) repeatedly been negligent or incompetent in developing an appraisal, in preparing an appraisal report or in communicating an appraisal; or

(4) violated the confidential nature of records to which the [state apprentice real estate] appraiser trainee, state licensed residential real estate appraiser or state certified real estate appraiser gained access through employment or engagement as such an appraiser.

C. The action of the board relating to the issuance, suspension or revocation of any registration, license or certificate shall be governed by the provisions of the Uniform Licensing Act; provided that the time limitations set forth in the Uniform Licensing Act shall not apply to the processing of administrative complaints filed with the board, which shall be governed by federal statute, regulation or policy. The board shall participate in any hearings required or conducted by the board pursuant to the provisions of the Uniform Licensing Act.

D. The provisions of the Criminal Offender Employment Act shall govern any consideration of criminal records required or permitted under the Real Estate Appraisers Act.

E. Nothing in the Real Estate Appraisers Act shall be construed to preclude any other remedies otherwise available under common law or statutes of this state."

SECTION 13. Section 61-30-16 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1990, Chapter 75, Section 16, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-30-16. STANDARDS OF PROFESSIONAL APPRAISAL PRACTICE--CERTIFICATE OF GOOD STANDING.--

A. Each [real estate appraiser registered, licensed or certified under the Real Estate Appraisers Act] appraiser trainee, state licensed residential real estate appraiser or state certified real estate appraiser shall comply with generally accepted standards of professional appraisal practice and generally accepted ethical rules to be observed by a real estate appraiser. Generally accepted standards of professional appraisal practice are currently evidenced by the uniform standards of professional appraisal practice [promulgated by the appraisal foundation and as adopted by regulation under the Real Estate Appraisers Act]. Real estate appraisals shall be written or oral appraisals and subject to appropriate review for compliance with the uniform standards of professional appraisal practice. The work file for an oral appraisal report shall be subject to appropriate review for compliance with the uniform standards of professional appraisal practice.

B. The board, upon payment of a fee in an amount specified in its regulations, may issue a certificate of good standing to any state registered, licensed or certified real estate appraiser who is in good standing under the Real Estate Appraisers Act."

SECTION 14. Section 61-30-17 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1990, Chapter 75, Section 17, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-30-17. FEES.--

A. The board shall charge and collect the following fees not to exceed:

[A.] (1) an application fee for a registration, two hundred dollars ($200);

[B.] (2) an application fee for a license or residential certification, four hundred dollars ($400);

[C.] (3) an application fee for general certification, five hundred dollars ($500);

[D.] (4) an examination fee for general and residential certification or license, two hundred dollars ($200);

[E.] (5) a registration renewal fee, two hundred fifty dollars ($250);

[F.] (6) a certificate renewal fee for residential certification, or license renewal, four hundred fifty dollars ($450);

[G.] (7) a certificate renewal fee for general certification, five hundred dollars ($500);

[H.] (8) the registry fee as required by the federal real estate appraisal reform amendments;

[I.] (9) for registration for temporary practice, two hundred dollars ($200);

[J.] (10) for each duplicate registration, license or certificate issued because a registration, license or certificate is lost or destroyed and an affidavit as to its loss or destruction is made and filed, fifty dollars ($50.00); and

[K.] (11) fees to cover reasonable and necessary administrative expenses.

B. The board shall establish the fee for appraisal management company registration by rule to cover the cost of the administration of the Appraisal Management Company Registration Act, but in no case shall the fee be more than two thousand dollars ($2,000). Registration fees shall be credited to the appraiser fund pursuant to Section 61-30-18 NMSA 1978."

SECTION 15. Section 61-30-18 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1990, Chapter 75, Section 18, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-30-18. APPRAISER FUND CREATED--DISPOSITION--METHOD OF PAYMENT.--

A. There is created in the state treasury the "appraiser fund" to be administered by the board. All fees received by the board pursuant to the Real Estate Appraisers Act and the Appraisal Management Company Registration Act shall be deposited with the state treasurer to the credit of the appraiser fund. Income earned on investment of the fund shall be credited to the fund.

B. Money in the appraiser fund shall be used by the board to meet necessary expenses incurred in the enforcement of the provisions of the Real Estate Appraisers Act and the Appraisal Management Company Registration Act, in carrying out the duties imposed by the Real Estate Appraisers Act and the Appraisal Management Company Registration Act and for the promotion of education and standards for real estate appraisers in this state. Payments out of the appraiser fund shall be on vouchers issued and signed by the person designated by the board upon warrants drawn by the department of finance and administration.

C. All unexpended or unencumbered balances remaining at the end of each fiscal year shall remain in the appraiser fund for use in accordance with the provisions of the Real Estate Appraisers Act and the Appraisal Management Company Registration Act. Money in the fund shall be used by the board to support efforts to comply with 12 U.S.C. 1101- 1125, including the complaint process, complaint investigations and appraiser enforcement activities."

SECTION 16. Section 61-30-19 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1990, Chapter 75, Section 19, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-30-19. CONTINUING EDUCATION.--

A. The board shall adopt rules providing for continuing education programs that offer courses in real property appraisal, practices and techniques, including basic real estate law and practice. The rules shall require that every [state apprentice real estate] appraiser trainee, state licensed residential real estate appraiser or state certified real estate appraiser, as a condition to renewal, shall successfully complete the continuing education requirements approved by the board.

B. The rules shall prescribe areas of specialty or expertise relating to registration, licenses and the type of certificate held and may require that a certain part of continuing education be devoted to courses in the area of the [state apprentice real estate appraiser's] appraiser trainee's, state licensed residential real estate appraiser's or state certified real estate appraiser's specialty or expertise. The rules shall also permit [state apprentice real estate appraisers] appraiser trainees, state licensed residential real estate appraisers or state certified real estate appraisers to meet the continuing education requirements by participation other than as a student in educational processes and programs in real property appraisal theory, practices and techniques by instructing or preparing educational materials."

SECTION 17. Section 61-30-20 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1990, Chapter 75, Section 20, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-30-20. NONRESIDENT APPLICANTS--RECIPROCITY.--

A. The board shall issue a registration, license or certificate to a nonresident [provided that] applicant if the applicant's resident state's requirements for registration, licensing or certification are [the same or similar to the requirements] in compliance with 12 U.S.C. 1101-1125 and the applicant holds a valid certificate from a state whose requirements for certification or licensing meet or exceed the licensure standards set forth in the Real Estate Appraisers Act [In the event that the other state's requirements are not similar or cannot be verified, a qualifying nonresident applicant may become a state apprentice real estate appraiser, state licensed real estate appraiser or state certified real estate appraiser by conforming to all conditions of the Real Estate Appraisers Act] and the reciprocal state is in compliance with the appraisal subcommittee.

B. Examinations taken in other states are acceptable in New Mexico at the board's discretion if the exam was at the appropriate level and approved by the appraisal foundation. [If it is beneficial to New Mexico state apprentice real estate appraisers, state licensed real estate appraisers or state certified real estate appraisers, the board may negotiate agreements with other states allowing reciprocity.]

C. The registration, license or certificate shall be issued upon payment of the application fee, verification that the applicant has complied with [his] the applicant's resident state's current education requirements and the filing with the board of a license history and verification of good standing issued by the licensing board of the other state.

[B. The applicant shall file an irrevocable consent that suits and actions may be commenced against him in the proper court of any county of this state in which a cause of action may arise from his actions as a state apprentice real estate appraiser, state licensed real estate appraiser or state certified real estate appraiser or in which the plaintiff may reside, by the service of any processes or pleadings authorized by the laws of this state on the board, the consent stipulating and agreeing that such service of processes or pleadings on the board shall be taken and held in all courts to be as valid and binding as if personal service has been made upon the applicant in New Mexico. In case any process or pleading mentioned in the case is served upon the board, it shall be by duplicate copies, one of which shall be filed in the office of the board and the other immediately forwarded by registered mail to the nonresident state apprentice real estate appraiser, state licensed real estate appraiser or state certified real estate appraiser to whom the processes or pleadings are directed.]"

SECTION 18. Section 61-30-21 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1990, Chapter 75, Section 21, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-30-21. TEMPORARY PRACTICE.--

A. The board shall recognize, on a temporary basis, the registration, certification or license of a real estate appraiser issued by another state if:

(1) the real estate appraiser's business is of a temporary nature and certified by the real estate appraiser not to exceed six months; and

(2) the real estate appraiser registers the temporary practice with the board.

B. The applicant or any person registering with the board for temporary practice shall file an irrevocable consent that suits and actions may be commenced against [him] the applicant in the proper court of any county of this state in which a cause of action may arise from [his] the applicant's actions as [a state apprentice real estate] an appraiser trainee, a state licensed residential real estate appraiser or a state certified real estate appraiser or in which the plaintiff may reside, by the service of any processes or pleadings authorized by the laws of this state on the board, the consent stipulating and agreeing that such service of processes or pleadings on the board shall be taken and held in all courts to be as valid and binding as if personal service had been made upon the applicant in New Mexico. [In case any] If a process or pleading mentioned in the case is served upon the board, it shall be by duplicate copies, one of which shall be filed in the office of the board and the other immediately forwarded by registered mail to the nonresident [state apprentice real estate] appraiser trainee, state licensed residential real estate appraiser or state certified real estate appraiser to whom the processes or pleadings are directed."

SECTION 19. Section 61-30-22 NMSA 1978 (being Laws 1990, Chapter 75, Section 22, as amended) is amended to read:

"61-30-22. CIVIL AND CRIMINAL PENALTIES--INJUNCTIVE RELIEF.--

A. Any person who violates any provision of the Real Estate Appraisers Act is guilty of a misdemeanor and shall be punished by a fine of not more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) or by imprisonment for not more than six months or both.

B. In the event any person has engaged in or proposes to engage in any act or practice violating a provision of the Real Estate Appraisers Act, the attorney general or the district attorney of the judicial district in which the person resides or the judicial district in which the violation has occurred or will occur shall, upon application of the board, maintain an action in the name of the state to prosecute the violation or to enjoin the proposed act or practice.

C. The board may impose a civil penalty in an amount not to exceed one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each violation of the Real Estate Appraisers Act and assess administrative costs for any investigation and administrative or other proceedings against [a state apprentice real estate] an appraiser trainee, a state licensed residential real estate appraiser or a state certified real estate appraiser or against any person who is found, through an administrative proceeding, to have acted without a license. Appeals from decisions of the board shall be taken as provided in Section 39-3-1.1 NMSA 1978."

SECTION 20. A new section of the Real Estate Appraisers Act is enacted to read:

"[NEW MATERIAL] AUTOMATED VALUATION MODELS USED TO ESTIMATE COLLATERAL VALUE FOR MORTGAGE LENDING PURPOSES.--

A. Automated valuation models shall adhere to quality control standards designed to:

(1) ensure a high level of confidence in the estimates produced by automated valuation models;

(2) protect against the manipulation of data;

(3) seek to avoid conflicts of interest;

(4) require random sample testing and reviews; and

(5) account for any other such factor that the board determines to be appropriate.

B. The board, in consultation with the staff of the appraisal subcommittee and the appraisal standards board of the appraisal foundation, shall promulgate rules to implement the quality control standards required under this section."

SECTION 21. A new section of the Real Estate Appraisers Act is enacted to read:

"[NEW MATERIAL] BROKER PRICE OPINIONS.--In conjunction with the purchase of a consumer's principal dwelling, broker price opinions shall not be used as the primary basis to determine the value of a piece of property for the purpose of a loan origination of a residential mortgage loan secured by such piece of property."

SECTION 22. A new section of the Real Estate Appraisers Act is enacted to read:

"[NEW MATERIAL] CRIMINAL BACKGROUND CHECKS.--

A. The board may adopt rules that provide for criminal background checks for all registrants, certified licensees and licensees to include:

(1) requiring criminal history background checks of applicants for registration, certified licensure or licensure pursuant to the Real Estate Appraisers Act;

(2) requiring applicants for registration, or certified licensure or licensure to be fingerprinted;

(3) providing for an applicant who has been denied registration or certified licensure or licensure to inspect or challenge the validity of the background check record;

(4) establishing a fingerprint and background check fee not to exceed fees as determined by the department of public safety to be paid by the applicant; and

(5) providing for submission of an applicant's fingerprint cards to the federal bureau of investigation to conduct a national criminal history background check and to the department of public safety to conduct a state criminal history check.

B. Arrest record information received from the department of public safety and the federal bureau of investigation shall be privileged and shall not be disclosed to persons not directly involved in the decision affecting the applicant.

C. Electronic live fingerprint scans may be used when conducting criminal history background checks."

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