SB 321 - This act creates professional licensing requirements for home inspectors and apprentice home inspectors in this state. Those who are not licensed may still assist in home inspections, when supervised by a licensed home inspector. The act creates requirements to qualify for licensure. The act also creates the Missouri Home Inspectors Board, which is to set qualifications and establish an application process for home inspector licenses. The Board is to establish guidelines relating to educational courses for home inspectors. The Missouri Home Inspectors Fund is created, which shall consist of money collected under the act. The money in the fund shall be used solely for the purposes of the Missouri Home Inspectors Board.
The act provides that educational providers must apply for approval each calendar year, and shall record the attendance and results for each program attendee. In adopting rules, the Board shall approve educational courses and programs used by home inspection associations for the purposes of certification of their members.
The Board may file a complaint with the Administrative Hearing Commission against any state licensed home inspector or anyone who has failed to renew or has surrendered his or her license for causes specified in the act.
Prior to January 1, 2015, persons who have been home inspectors for two years, passed a psychometrically valid and legally defensible proctored home inspection examination, and produce evidence of completing one hundred home inspections shall be determined to meet the education, training, and experience requirements established under the act.
The act states that a civil action to recover damages relating to a home inspection must be brought within one year after the date of the inspection report.
A person or corporation who knowingly violates any provision of the act is guilty of a Class B misdemeanor. The Missouri Home Inspectors Board may file a complaint for a violation of this act with a court of competent jurisdiction.
The provisions of this act become effective January 1, 2015.
This act is substantially similar to HB 755 (2013) and similar to SB 651 (2012) and HB 1291 (2012).
JESSICA BAKER