MontanaHB 87269th Legislature, Regular Session (2025)HouseWALLET

Revise licensing laws

Sponsored By: Steve Fitzpatrick (Republican)

Became Law

Economic DevelopmentAppropriationsProfessions and Occupations Generally

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Bill Overview

Analyzed Economic Effects

5 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 2 mixed.

Clear definitions for appraisal services

The law defines when a company is an appraisal management company: more than 15 appraisers in Montana or 25 nationwide in a year. It lists what counts as appraisal management services, like picking appraisers, checking licenses, paying fees, and quality checks. It defines an appraiser panel as independent contractors selected by an appraisal management company. It also defines an appraisal review and says it is not a quality control exam. These definitions take effect July 1, 2025.

Stricter truth-in-licensing for appraisers

Only individual license holders can use the title "licensed real estate appraiser"; firms cannot. It is a misdemeanor to claim you or your company is licensed or certified when you are not. Licensed appraisers must display their license at their main office. These rules start July 1, 2025.

One-time $1,000 to implement law

The state gives $1,000 from the general fund to the Department of Labor and Industry. The money supports the licensing changes for the fiscal year that starts July 1, 2025. This is a one-time payment.

More valuation options in private deals

The law lets people who are not licensed appraisers give paid value opinions for deals not tied to a federal agency or project. They cannot claim to be licensed or certified. Licensed appraisers may give evaluations that are not full appraisals. They must not indicate they are licensed or certified in that evaluation and must state on page one: "This is an evaluation not subject to compliance with the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice." These rules start July 1, 2025.

Updated licensing and practice rules

The board issues a real estate appraiser license when an applicant proves they meet the listed qualifications. Licensed appraisers may practice through a professional corporation. Appraisers must follow scope-of-practice limits that match federal rules and change as those federal rules change. These updates start July 1, 2025.

Sponsors & Cosponsors

Sponsor

Steve Fitzpatrick
Republican • House

Cosponsors

Bruce "Butch" Gillespie
Republican • Senate

Roll Call Votes

All Roll Calls

Yes: 290 • No: 4

House vote • 4/18/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 49 • No: 1

House vote • 4/17/2025

Do Concur

Yes: 46 • No: 1

House vote • 4/8/2025

Do Pass

Yes: 95 • No: 2

House vote • 4/7/2025