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A BILL TO BE ENTITLED
|
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AN ACT
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relating to the Texas Real Estate Commission and the regulation of |
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certain real estate professionals; increasing a fee; authorizing a |
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fee. |
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BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF TEXAS: |
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SECTION 1. The heading to Chapter 1101, Occupations Code, |
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is amended to read as follows: |
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CHAPTER 1101. REAL ESTATE BROKERS AND SALES AGENTS [SALESPERSONS] |
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SECTION 2. Sections 1101.002(1), (1-a), (4), and (7), |
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Occupations Code, are amended to read as follows: |
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(1) "Broker": |
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(A) means a person who, in exchange for a |
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commission or other valuable consideration or with the expectation |
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of receiving a commission or other valuable consideration, performs |
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for another person one of the following acts: |
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(i) sells, exchanges, purchases, or leases |
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real estate; |
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(ii) offers to sell, exchange, purchase, or |
|
lease real estate; |
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(iii) negotiates or attempts to negotiate |
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the listing, sale, exchange, purchase, or lease of real estate; |
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(iv) lists or offers, attempts, or agrees |
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to list real estate for sale, lease, or exchange; |
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(v) auctions or offers, attempts, or agrees |
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to auction real estate; |
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(vi) deals in options on real estate, |
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including a lease to purchase or buying, selling, or offering to buy |
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or sell options on real estate; |
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(vii) aids or offers or attempts to aid in |
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locating or obtaining real estate for purchase or lease; |
|
(viii) procures or assists in procuring a |
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prospect to effect the sale, exchange, or lease of real estate; |
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(ix) procures or assists in procuring |
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property to effect the sale, exchange, or lease of real estate; |
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(x) controls the acceptance or deposit of |
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rent from a resident of a single-family residential real property |
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unit; [or] |
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(xi) provides a written analysis, opinion, |
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or conclusion relating to the estimated price of real property if |
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the analysis, opinion, or conclusion: |
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(a) is not referred to as an |
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appraisal; |
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(b) is provided in the ordinary course |
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of the person's business; and |
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(c) is related to the actual or |
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potential management, acquisition, disposition, or encumbrance of |
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an interest in real property; or |
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(xii) advises or offers advice to an owner |
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of real estate concerning the negotiation or completion of a short |
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sale; and |
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(B) includes a person who: |
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(i) is employed by or for an owner of real |
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estate to sell any portion of the real estate; or |
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(ii) engages in the business of charging an |
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advance fee or contracting to collect a fee under a contract that |
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requires the person primarily to promote the sale of real estate by: |
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(a) listing the real estate in a |
|
publication primarily used for listing real estate; or |
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(b) referring information about the |
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real estate to brokers. |
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(1-a) "Business entity" means a "domestic entity" or |
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"foreign entity" as those terms are defined by Section 1.002, |
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Business Organizations Code, that is qualified to transact business |
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in this state. |
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(4) "License holder" means a broker or sales agent |
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[salesperson] licensed under this chapter. |
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(7) "Sales agent" ["Salesperson"] means a person who |
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is sponsored by [associated with] a licensed broker for the purpose |
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of performing an act described by Subdivision (1). |
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SECTION 3. The heading to Section 1101.003, Occupations |
|
Code, is amended to read as follows: |
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Sec. 1101.003. QUALIFYING [CORE] REAL ESTATE COURSES. |
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SECTION 4. Section 1101.003, Occupations Code, is amended |
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by amending Subsections (a) and (c) and adding Subsections (d) and |
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(e) to read as follows: |
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(a) For purposes of this chapter, "qualifying ["core] real |
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estate courses" include: |
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(1) agency law, which includes the following topics: |
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(A) the relationship between a principal and an |
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agent; |
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(B) an agent's authority; |
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(C) the termination of an agent's authority; |
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(D) an agent's duties, including fiduciary |
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duties; |
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(E) employment law; |
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(F) deceptive trade practices; |
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(G) listing or buying representation procedures; |
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and |
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(H) the disclosure of agency; |
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(2) contract law, which includes the following topics: |
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(A) elements of a contract; |
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(B) offer and acceptance; |
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(C) statute of frauds; |
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(D) remedies for breach, including specific |
|
performance; |
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(E) unauthorized practice of law; |
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(F) commission rules relating to use of adopted |
|
forms; and |
|
(G) owner disclosure requirements; |
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(3) principles of real estate, which includes: |
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(A) an overview of: |
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(i) licensing as a broker or sales agent |
|
[salesperson]; |
|
(ii) ethics of practice as a license |
|
holder; |
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(iii) titles to and conveyance of real |
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estate; |
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(iv) legal descriptions; |
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(v) deeds, encumbrances, and liens; |
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(vi) distinctions between personal and real |
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property; |
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(vii) appraisal; |
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(viii) finance and regulations; |
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(ix) closing procedures; and |
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(x) real estate mathematics; and |
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(B) at least three class hours of [classroom] |
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instruction on federal, state, and local laws relating to housing |
|
discrimination, housing credit discrimination, and community |
|
reinvestment; |
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(4) property management, which includes the following |
|
topics: |
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(A) the role of a property manager; |
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(B) landlord policies; |
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(C) operational guidelines; |
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(D) leases; |
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(E) lease negotiations; |
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(F) tenant relations; |
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(G) maintenance; |
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(H) reports; |
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(I) habitability laws; and |
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(J) the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. Section 3601 |
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et seq.); |
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(5) real estate appraisal, which includes the |
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following topics: |
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(A) the central purposes and functions of an |
|
appraisal; |
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(B) social and economic determinants of the value |
|
of real estate; |
|
(C) appraisal case studies; |
|
(D) cost, market data, and income approaches to |
|
value estimates of real estate; |
|
(E) final correlations; and |
|
(F) reporting; |
|
(6) real estate brokerage, which includes the |
|
following topics: |
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(A) agency law; |
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(B) planning and organization; |
|
(C) operational policies and procedures; |
|
(D) recruitment, selection, and training of |
|
personnel; |
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(E) records and control; and |
|
(F) real estate firm analysis and expansion |
|
criteria; |
|
(7) real estate finance, which includes the following |
|
topics: |
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(A) monetary systems; |
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(B) primary and secondary money markets; |
|
(C) sources of mortgage loans; |
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(D) federal government programs; |
|
(E) loan applications, processes, and |
|
procedures; |
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(F) closing costs; |
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(G) alternative financial instruments; |
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(H) equal credit opportunity laws; |
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(I) community reinvestment laws, including the |
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Community Reinvestment Act of 1977 (12 U.S.C. Section 2901 et |
|
seq.); and |
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(J) state housing agencies, including the Texas |
|
Department of Housing and Community Affairs; |
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(8) real estate investment, which includes the |
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following topics: |
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(A) real estate investment characteristics; |
|
(B) techniques of investment analysis; |
|
(C) the time value of money; |
|
(D) discounted and nondiscounted investment |
|
criteria; |
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(E) leverage; |
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(F) tax shelters depreciation; and |
|
(G) applications to property tax; |
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(9) real estate law, which includes the following |
|
topics: |
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(A) legal concepts of real estate; |
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(B) land description; |
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(C) real property rights and estates in land; |
|
(D) contracts; |
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(E) conveyances; |
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(F) encumbrances; |
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(G) foreclosures; |
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(H) recording procedures; and |
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(I) evidence of titles; |
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(10) real estate marketing, which includes the |
|
following topics: |
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(A) real estate professionalism and ethics; |
|
(B) characteristics of successful sales agents |
|
[salespersons]; |
|
(C) time management; |
|
(D) psychology of marketing; |
|
(E) listing procedures; |
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(F) advertising; |
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(G) negotiating and closing; |
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(H) financing; and |
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(I) Subchapter E, Chapter 17, Business & Commerce |
|
Code; and |
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(11) real estate mathematics, which includes the |
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following topics: |
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(A) basic arithmetic skills and review of |
|
mathematical logic; |
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(B) percentages; |
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(C) interest; |
|
(D) the time value of money; |
|
(E) depreciation; |
|
(F) amortization; |
|
(G) proration; and |
|
(H) estimation of closing statements. |
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(c) The commission by rule may prescribe: |
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(1) the content of the qualifying [core] real estate |
|
courses listed in Subsection (a); and |
|
(2) the title and content of additional qualifying |
|
[core] real estate courses. |
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(d) A daily course segment for a qualifying course may not |
|
exceed 12 hours. |
|
(e) A license holder may not report to the commission the |
|
completion of an alternative delivery or correspondence course |
|
offered as a qualifying course until the elapsed time between the |
|
time the license holder registers for and reports the completion of |
|
the course exceeds twice the number of hours for which credit is |
|
claimed. |
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SECTION 5. Section 1101.004, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.004. REAL ESTATE BROKERAGE [ACTING AS BROKER OR
|
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SALESPERSON]. A person is engaged in real estate brokerage [acts
|
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as a broker or salesperson under this chapter] if the person, with |
|
the expectation of receiving valuable consideration, directly or |
|
indirectly performs or offers, attempts, or agrees to perform for |
|
another person any act described by Section 1101.002(1), as a part |
|
of a transaction or as an entire transaction. |
|
SECTION 6. Subchapter A, Chapter 1101, Occupations Code, is |
|
amended by adding Section 1101.0051 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.0051. EXEMPTION. A person is not required to |
|
obtain a license under this chapter for engaging in the following |
|
conduct: |
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(1) constructing, remodeling, or repairing a home or |
|
other building; |
|
(2) sponsoring, promoting, or managing, or otherwise |
|
participating as a principal, partner, or financial manager of, an |
|
investment in real estate; or |
|
(3) entering into an obligation to pay another person |
|
that is secured by an interest in real property. |
|
SECTION 7. Section 1101.056, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows: |
|
(c) The presiding officer, assistant presiding officer, and |
|
secretary constitute the executive committee of the commission. |
|
SECTION 8. Section 1101.057(c), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(c) If the executive director [administrator] has knowledge |
|
that a potential ground for removal exists, the executive director |
|
[administrator] shall notify the presiding officer of the |
|
commission of the potential ground. The presiding officer shall |
|
then notify the governor and the attorney general that a potential |
|
ground for removal exists. If the potential ground for removal |
|
involves the presiding officer, the executive director |
|
[administrator] shall notify the next highest ranking officer of |
|
the commission, who shall then notify the governor and the attorney |
|
general that a potential ground for removal exists. |
|
SECTION 9. Section 1101.058, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.058. PER DIEM; REIMBURSEMENT. (a) A commission |
|
member is entitled to receive: |
|
(1) $75 for each day the member performs the member's |
|
official duties; and |
|
(2) reimbursement for actual and necessary expenses |
|
incurred in performing the member's official duties. |
|
(b) For purposes of this section, the commission by rule may |
|
determine what constitutes a day or actual and necessary expenses. |
|
SECTION 10. Subchapter B, Chapter 1101, Occupations Code, |
|
is amended by adding Sections 1101.060 and 1101.061 to read as |
|
follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.060. QUASI-JUDICIAL IMMUNITY. A member of the |
|
commission is entitled to quasi-judicial immunity from suit for an |
|
action that: |
|
(1) is taken as a member of the commission; and |
|
(2) is in compliance with the law. |
|
Sec. 1101.061. EDUCATIONAL PRESENTATIONS. (a) A member of |
|
the commission or a commission employee may make a presentation to a |
|
group of license holders for which the license holders may receive |
|
credit under Section 1101.455. The commission member or employee |
|
may not receive compensation for the presentation. |
|
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), a commission member or |
|
employee may receive reimbursement for reasonable travel expenses. |
|
SECTION 11. The heading to Subchapter C, Chapter 1101, |
|
Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
SUBCHAPTER C. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR [ADMINISTRATOR] AND OTHER |
|
COMMISSION PERSONNEL |
|
SECTION 12. The heading to Section 1101.101, Occupations |
|
Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.101. EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR [ADMINISTRATOR] AND |
|
OTHER PERSONNEL. |
|
SECTION 13. Sections 1101.101(a), (b), and (d), Occupations |
|
Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The commission shall appoint an executive director |
|
[administrator]. |
|
(b) The commission may designate a subordinate officer as |
|
deputy executive director [assistant administrator] to act for the |
|
executive director [administrator] in the executive director's |
|
[administrator's] absence. |
|
(d) The commission shall determine the salaries of the |
|
executive director [administrator], officers, and employees of the |
|
commission. |
|
SECTION 14. Section 1101.102, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.102. DIVISION OF RESPONSIBILITIES. The |
|
commission shall develop and implement policies that clearly |
|
separate the policymaking responsibilities of the commission and |
|
the management responsibilities of the executive director |
|
[administrator] and the staff of the commission. |
|
SECTION 15. Section 1101.105, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.105. CAREER DEVELOPMENT [LADDER] PROGRAM; |
|
PERFORMANCE EVALUATIONS. (a) The executive director |
|
[administrator] or the executive director's [administrator's] |
|
designee shall develop an intra-agency career development [ladder] |
|
program. The program must require intra-agency postings of all |
|
nonentry level positions concurrently with any public posting. |
|
(b) The executive director [administrator] or the executive |
|
director's [administrator's] designee shall develop a system of |
|
annual performance evaluations. All merit pay for commission |
|
employees must be based on the system established under this |
|
subsection. |
|
SECTION 16. Sections 1101.106(a) and (b), Occupations Code, |
|
are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The executive director [administrator] or the executive |
|
director's [administrator's] designee shall prepare and maintain a |
|
written policy statement to ensure implementation of an equal |
|
employment opportunity program under which all personnel |
|
transactions are made without regard to race, color, disability, |
|
sex, religion, age, or national origin. The policy statement must |
|
include: |
|
(1) personnel policies, including policies relating |
|
to recruitment, evaluation, selection, appointment, training, and |
|
promotion of personnel; |
|
(2) a comprehensive analysis of the commission |
|
workforce that meets federal and state guidelines; |
|
(3) procedures by which a determination can be made of |
|
significant underuse in the commission workforce of all persons for |
|
whom federal or state guidelines encourage a more equitable |
|
balance; and |
|
(4) reasonable methods to appropriately address those |
|
areas of underuse. |
|
(b) A policy statement prepared under Subsection (a) must: |
|
(1) cover a two-year [an annual] period; and |
|
(2) be updated with each strategic plan filed as |
|
required by Chapter 2056, Government Code [at least annually; and
|
|
[(3) be filed with the governor]. |
|
SECTION 17. Section 1101.152(a), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The commission shall adopt rules to charge and collect |
|
fees in amounts reasonable and necessary to cover the costs of |
|
administering this chapter, including a fee for: |
|
(1) filing an original application for a broker |
|
license; |
|
(2) [annual] renewal of a broker license; |
|
(3) filing an original application for a sales agent |
|
[salesperson] license; |
|
(4) [annual] renewal of a sales agent [salesperson] |
|
license; |
|
(5) [annual] registration as an easement or |
|
right-of-way agent; |
|
(6) filing an application for a license examination; |
|
(7) filing a request for a branch office license; |
|
(8) filing a request for a change of place of business, |
|
change of name, return to active status, or change of sponsoring |
|
broker; |
|
(9) filing a request to replace a lost or destroyed |
|
license or certificate of registration; |
|
(10) filing an application for approval of an |
|
education program under Subchapter G; |
|
(11) annual operation of an education program under |
|
Subchapter G; |
|
(12) filing an application for approval of an |
|
instructor of qualifying [core] real estate courses; |
|
(13) transcript evaluation; |
|
(14) preparing a license or registration history; |
|
(15) filing a request [an application] for a moral |
|
character determination; and |
|
(16) conducting a criminal history check for issuing |
|
or renewing a license. |
|
SECTION 18. Section 1101.153, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
by adding Subsection (c) to read as follows: |
|
(c) This section expires September 1, 2017. |
|
SECTION 19. Section 1101.154, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.154. ADDITIONAL FEE: TEXAS REAL ESTATE RESEARCH |
|
CENTER. (a) The fee for the issuance or renewal of a: |
|
(1) broker license is the amount of the fee set under |
|
Section [Sections] 1101.152 [and 1101.153] and an additional $70 |
|
[$20] fee per year; |
|
(2) sales agent [salesperson] license is the amount of |
|
the fee set under Section 1101.152 and an additional $20 fee per |
|
year; and |
|
(3) certificate of registration is the amount of the |
|
fee set under Section 1101.152 and an additional $20 fee per year. |
|
(b) The commission shall transmit, not less than quarterly, |
|
the additional fees collected under Subsection (a) to Texas A&M |
|
University for deposit in a separate banking account that may be |
|
appropriated only to support, maintain, and carry out the purposes, |
|
objectives, and duties of the Texas Real Estate Research Center. |
|
SECTION 20. Section 1101.156(b), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) The commission may not include in rules to prohibit |
|
false, misleading, or deceptive practices by a person regulated by |
|
the commission a rule that: |
|
(1) restricts the use of any advertising medium; |
|
(2) restricts the person's personal appearance or use |
|
of the person's voice in an advertisement; |
|
(3) relates to the size or duration of an |
|
advertisement used by the person; or |
|
(4) restricts the person's advertisement under a trade |
|
name that is authorized by a law of this state and registered with |
|
the commission. |
|
SECTION 21. Section 1101.161, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.161. GIFTS, GRANTS, AND DONATIONS. The |
|
commission may solicit and accept a gift, grant, donation, or other |
|
item of value from any source to pay for any activity under this |
|
chapter, [or] Chapter 1102, [or] 1103, 1104, or 1303, or Chapter |
|
221, Property Code. |
|
SECTION 22. Section 1101.202(a), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The commission by rule shall: |
|
(1) prescribe a notice containing [establish methods
|
|
by which consumers and service recipients are notified of] the |
|
name, mailing address, and telephone number of the commission for |
|
the purpose of directing a complaint to the commission; and |
|
(2) establish methods by which consumers and service |
|
recipients are provided the notice by [. The commission may provide
|
|
for that notice:
|
|
[(1)
on each application for a license or certificate
|
|
of registration or written contract for services of] a person |
|
regulated under this chapter or Chapter 1102[;
|
|
[(2)
on a sign prominently displayed in the place of
|
|
business of each person regulated under this chapter or Chapter
|
|
1102;
|
|
[(3)
in a bill for services provided by a person
|
|
regulated under this chapter or Chapter 1102;
|
|
[(4)
in conjunction with the notice required by
|
|
Section 1101.615; or
|
|
[(5)
to be prominently displayed on the Internet
|
|
website of a person regulated under this chapter or Chapter 1102]. |
|
SECTION 23. Section 1101.205, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.205. COMPLAINT INVESTIGATION OF CERTIFICATE |
|
HOLDER. The commission shall investigate a signed complaint |
|
received by the commission that relates to an act of a certificate |
|
holder or a person required to hold a certificate under Subchapter |
|
K. Section 1101.204 applies to an investigation under this |
|
section. |
|
SECTION 24. Subchapter E, Chapter 1101, Occupations Code, |
|
is amended by adding Section 1101.2051 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.2051. CONFIDENTIALITY OF INVESTIGATION MATERIAL. |
|
(a) Information or material, including an investigation file, is |
|
confidential and not subject to disclosure under Chapter 552, |
|
Government Code, or any other means of legal compulsion for |
|
release, including disclosure, discovery, or subpoena, if the |
|
information or material is prepared or compiled by the commission |
|
in connection with a complaint, investigation, or audit of any |
|
person subject to the jurisdiction of the commission. |
|
(b) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), information or material |
|
prepared or compiled by the commission in connection with a |
|
complaint, investigation, or audit may be disclosed: |
|
(1) to the respondent of the complaint; |
|
(2) to a person that is the subject of an audit; |
|
(3) to a person providing a service to the commission, |
|
an expert or other witness, or an investigator, if the information |
|
is necessary for preparation for, or a presentation in, a |
|
disciplinary proceeding against an applicant or license holder, or |
|
a subsequent trial or appeal taken from a disciplinary proceeding; |
|
(4) to an entity in another jurisdiction that |
|
licenses, registers, credentials, or disciplines any person |
|
subject to the jurisdiction of the commission; |
|
(5) to a law enforcement agency; or |
|
(6) to the commission, or a panel of the commission, |
|
for use during any proceeding conducted by the State Office of |
|
Administrative Hearings or in a subsequent trial or appeal of a |
|
commission action or order. |
|
(c) The release of information under Subsection (b) does not |
|
waive or affect the confidentiality of the information or waive the |
|
right to assert exceptions to required disclosure of the |
|
information in the future. |
|
(d) The commission may require a confidentiality agreement |
|
be signed by a person entitled to receive information under |
|
Subsection (b) before releasing the information. |
|
(e) Notwithstanding Subsection (a), a completed audit |
|
report or a final order of the commission, including an agreed |
|
order, is public information and not excepted from disclosure. |
|
SECTION 25. The heading to Subchapter G, Chapter 1101, |
|
Occupations Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
SUBCHAPTER G. [ACCREDITATION AND] APPROVAL OF REAL ESTATE |
|
EDUCATIONAL PROGRAMS AND COURSES OF STUDY |
|
SECTION 26. Section 1101.301, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.301. APPROVAL [ACCREDITATION] OF PROGRAMS AND |
|
COURSES OF STUDY. (a) The commission, as necessary for the |
|
administration of this chapter and Chapter 1102, may by rule[:
|
|
[(1)] establish standards for the approval |
|
[accreditation] of qualifying educational programs or courses of |
|
study in real estate and real estate inspection conducted in this |
|
state, excluding programs and courses offered by accredited |
|
colleges and universities[;
|
|
[(2)
establish by rule reasonable criteria for the
|
|
approval of real estate and real estate inspection courses; and
|
|
[(3)
inspect and accredit real estate and real estate
|
|
inspection educational programs or courses of study]. |
|
(b) The commission shall determine whether a real estate or |
|
real estate inspection course satisfies the requirements of this |
|
chapter or [and] Chapter 1102 for the purposes of granting credit to |
|
an applicant. |
|
(c) In establishing approval [accreditation] standards for |
|
an educational program under Subsection (a), the commission shall |
|
adopt rules setting an examination passage rate benchmark for each |
|
category of license issued by the commission under this chapter or |
|
Chapter 1102. The benchmark must be based on the average |
|
percentage of examinees that pass the licensing exam on the first |
|
attempt. A program must meet or exceed the benchmark for each |
|
license category before the commission may renew the program's |
|
approval to offer a program or course of study [accreditation] for |
|
the license category. |
|
(d) The commission may deny approval of an application to |
|
offer a program or course of study [for accreditation] if the |
|
applicant owns or controls, or has previously owned or controlled, |
|
an educational program or course of study for which approval to |
|
offer a program or course of study [accreditation] was revoked. |
|
(e) Notwithstanding Subsection (c), the commission may |
|
renew a program's approval to offer a program or course of study on |
|
a probationary basis if the commission determines that the program |
|
is capable of meeting the benchmark under Subsection (c) within a |
|
reasonable time established by the commission. |
|
SECTION 27. Section 1101.304, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.304. EXAMINATION PASSAGE RATE DATA. (a) The |
|
commission shall adopt rules regarding the collection and |
|
publication of data relating to examination passage rates for |
|
graduates of [accredited] educational programs approved under this |
|
subchapter. |
|
(b) Rules adopted under this section must provide for a |
|
method to: |
|
(1) calculate the examination passage rate; |
|
(2) collect the relevant data from the examination |
|
administrator or the approved [accredited] program; and |
|
(3) post the examination passage rate data on the |
|
commission's Internet website, in a manner aggregated by |
|
educational program and by license group. |
|
(c) The commission shall adopt rules for [In] determining |
|
the educational program a graduate is affiliated with for purposes |
|
of this section[, the educational program is the program the
|
|
graduate last attended]. |
|
SECTION 28. Sections 1101.305(a) and (c), Occupations Code, |
|
are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The commission may appoint a committee to review the |
|
performance of an educational program performing below the |
|
standards set by the commission under Section 1101.301. [The
|
|
committee shall consist of:
|
|
[(1) at least one commission member;
|
|
[(2) at least one member of the commission staff;
|
|
[(3)
individuals licensed under this chapter or
|
|
Chapter 1102; and
|
|
[(4)
a representative from the Texas Real Estate
|
|
Research Center.] |
|
(c) A committee formed under this section may not revoke the |
|
approval [accreditation] of an educational program. The |
|
commission may temporarily suspend a program in the same manner as a |
|
license under Subchapter N. |
|
SECTION 29. Sections 1101.351(a), (b), and (c), Occupations |
|
Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) Unless a person holds a license issued under this |
|
chapter, the person may not: |
|
(1) act as or represent that the person is a broker or |
|
sales agent [salesperson]; or |
|
(2) act as a residential rental locator. |
|
(b) An applicant for a broker or sales agent [salesperson] |
|
license may not act as a broker or sales agent [salesperson] until |
|
the person receives the license evidencing that authority. |
|
(c) A licensed sales agent [salesperson] may not engage or |
|
attempt to engage in real estate brokerage [act or attempt to act as
|
|
a broker or salesperson] unless the sales agent [salesperson] is |
|
sponsored by [associated with] a licensed broker and is acting for |
|
that broker. |
|
SECTION 30. Sections 1101.352(a), (b), and (d), Occupations |
|
Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) Each applicant for a broker or sales agent [salesperson] |
|
license must submit an application on a form prescribed by the |
|
commission. |
|
(b) Each applicant for a broker or sales agent [salesperson] |
|
license must disclose in the license application whether the |
|
applicant has: |
|
(1) entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a |
|
felony; or |
|
(2) been convicted of a felony and the time for appeal |
|
has elapsed or the judgment or conviction has been affirmed on |
|
appeal. |
|
(d) At the time an application is submitted under Subsection |
|
(a), each applicant shall provide the commission with the |
|
applicant's current mailing address and telephone number, and the |
|
applicant's business e-mail address if available. The applicant |
|
shall notify the commission of any change in the applicant's |
|
mailing or e-mail address or telephone number during the time the |
|
application is pending. |
|
SECTION 31. Section 1101.3521(b), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) The commission shall refuse to issue a license to or |
|
renew a [the] license on active status of a person who does not |
|
comply with the requirement of Subsection (a). |
|
SECTION 32. Section 1101.353(a), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) If before applying for a license under this chapter a |
|
person requests that the commission determine whether the person's |
|
moral character complies with the commission's moral character |
|
requirements for licensing under this chapter and pays the required |
|
fee [prescribed by Section 1101.152], the commission shall make its |
|
determination of the person's moral character. |
|
SECTION 33. Section 1101.354, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.354. GENERAL ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS. To be |
|
eligible to receive a license under this chapter, a person must: |
|
(1) at the time of application: |
|
(A) be at least 18 years of age; |
|
(B) be a citizen of the United States or a |
|
lawfully admitted alien; [and] |
|
(C) be a resident of this state; and |
|
(D) have earned a high school diploma or an |
|
equivalent certificate; |
|
(2) satisfy the commission as to the applicant's |
|
honesty, trustworthiness, and integrity; |
|
(3) demonstrate competence based on an examination |
|
under Subchapter I; and |
|
(4) complete the required courses of study, including |
|
any required qualifying [core] real estate courses prescribed under |
|
this chapter[; and
|
|
[(5) complete at least:
|
|
[(A)
three classroom hours of course work on
|
|
federal, state, and local laws governing housing discrimination,
|
|
housing credit discrimination, and community reinvestment; or
|
|
[(B)
three semester hours of course work on
|
|
constitutional law]. |
|
SECTION 34. Section 1101.355, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
by amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsection (b-1) to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(a) To be eligible for a license under this chapter, a |
|
business entity must: |
|
(1) designate one of its managing officers as its |
|
broker [agent] for purposes of this chapter; and |
|
(2) provide proof that the entity maintains errors and |
|
omissions insurance with a minimum annual limit of $1 million for |
|
each occurrence if the designated broker [agent] owns less than 10 |
|
percent of the business entity. |
|
(b) A business entity may not act as a broker unless the |
|
entity's designated broker [agent] is a licensed individual broker |
|
in active status and good standing according to the commission's |
|
records. |
|
(b-1) In determining whether a designated broker is in good |
|
standing under this section, the commission may consider: |
|
(1) the disciplinary history of: |
|
(A) the broker; or |
|
(B) any business entity for which the broker |
|
serves or previously served as a designated broker; and |
|
(2) the payment status of any amount owed to the |
|
commission by: |
|
(A) the broker; or |
|
(B) any business entity for which the broker |
|
serves or previously served as a designated broker. |
|
SECTION 35. Section 1101.356(a), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) An applicant for a broker license must provide to the |
|
commission satisfactory evidence that the applicant: |
|
(1) has had at least four years of active experience in |
|
this state as a license holder during the 60 months preceding the |
|
date the application is filed; and |
|
(2) has successfully completed at least 60 semester |
|
hours, or equivalent classroom hours, of postsecondary education, |
|
including: |
|
(A) at least 18 semester hours or equivalent |
|
classroom hours of qualifying [core] real estate courses, two |
|
semester hours of which must consist of a [be] real estate brokerage |
|
course completed not more than two years before the application |
|
date; and |
|
(B) at least 42 semester hours of qualifying |
|
[core] real estate courses or related courses accepted by the |
|
commission. |
|
SECTION 36. Section 1101.357, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.357. BROKER LICENSE: ALTERNATE EXPERIENCE |
|
REQUIREMENTS FOR CERTAIN APPLICANTS. An applicant for a broker |
|
license who does not satisfy the experience requirements of Section |
|
1101.356 must provide to the commission satisfactory evidence that: |
|
(1) the applicant: |
|
(A) holds an active [is a licensed] real estate |
|
broker license in another state; |
|
(B) has had at least four years of active |
|
experience in that state as a licensed real estate broker or sales |
|
agent [salesperson] during the 60 months preceding the date the |
|
application is filed; and |
|
(C) has satisfied the educational requirements |
|
prescribed by Section 1101.356; or |
|
(2) the applicant was licensed in this state as a |
|
broker in the six months [year] preceding the date the application |
|
is filed. |
|
SECTION 37. Section 1101.358, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.358. SALES AGENT [SALESPERSON] LICENSE: |
|
EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS. (a) An applicant for a sales agent |
|
[salesperson] license must provide to the commission satisfactory |
|
evidence that the applicant has completed at least 12 semester |
|
hours, or equivalent classroom hours, of postsecondary education |
|
consisting of: |
|
(1) at least four semester hours of qualifying [core] |
|
real estate courses on principles of real estate; and |
|
(2) at least two semester hours of each of the |
|
following qualifying [core] real estate courses: |
|
(A) agency law; |
|
(B) contract law; |
|
(C) contract forms and addendums; and |
|
(D) real estate finance. |
|
(b) The commission shall waive the education requirements |
|
of Subsection (a) if the applicant has been licensed in this state |
|
as a broker or sales agent [salesperson] within the six months |
|
preceding the date the application is filed. |
|
(c) If an applicant for a sales agent [salesperson] license |
|
was licensed as a sales agent [salesperson] within the six months |
|
preceding the date the application is filed and the license was |
|
issued under the conditions prescribed by Section 1101.454, the |
|
commission shall require the applicant to provide the evidence of |
|
successful completion of education requirements that would have |
|
been required if the license had been maintained without |
|
interruption during the preceding six months. |
|
SECTION 38. Section 1101.359, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.359. ALTERNATE EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS FOR |
|
CERTAIN LICENSE HOLDERS. An applicant for a broker license who is |
|
not subject to the education requirements of Section 1101.356(a)(2) |
|
and an applicant for a sales agent [salesperson] license who is not |
|
subject to the education requirements of Section 1101.358 or |
|
1101.454 must provide to the commission satisfactory evidence that |
|
the applicant has completed the number of classroom hours of |
|
continuing education that would have been required for a timely |
|
renewal under Section 1101.455 during the two years preceding the |
|
date the application is filed. |
|
SECTION 39. Sections 1101.360(a) and (c), Occupations Code, |
|
are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) A resident of another state who is not a licensed real |
|
estate broker and who was formerly licensed in this state as a |
|
broker or sales agent [salesperson] may apply for a license under |
|
this chapter not later than six months after [the first anniversary
|
|
of the date of the] expiration of the former license. |
|
(c) A nonresident applicant must submit with the |
|
application an irrevocable consent to a legal action against the |
|
applicant in the court of any county in this state in which a cause |
|
of action may arise or in which the plaintiff may reside. The |
|
action may be commenced by service of process or pleading |
|
authorized by the laws of this state or by delivery of process on |
|
the executive director [administrator] or deputy executive |
|
director [assistant administrator] of the commission. The consent |
|
must: |
|
(1) stipulate that the service of process or pleading |
|
is valid and binding in all courts as if personal service had been |
|
made on the nonresident in this state; |
|
(2) be acknowledged; and |
|
(3) if made by a corporation, be authenticated by its |
|
seal. |
|
SECTION 40. Section 1101.362, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.362. WAIVER OF LICENSE REQUIREMENTS: PREVIOUS |
|
LICENSE HOLDERS. The commission by rule may waive some or all of |
|
the requirements for a license under this chapter for an applicant |
|
who was licensed under this chapter within the two [six] years |
|
preceding the date the application is filed. |
|
SECTION 41. Section 1101.363(b), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) The commission may issue an inactive sales agent |
|
[salesperson] license to a person who applies for a sales agent |
|
[salesperson] license and satisfies all requirements for the |
|
license. The person may not act as a sales agent [salesperson] |
|
unless the person is sponsored by a licensed broker who has notified |
|
the commission as required by Section 1101.367(b). |
|
[Notwithstanding Section 1101.367(b), the licensed broker is not
|
|
required to pay the fee required by that subsection.] |
|
SECTION 42. Sections 1101.366(a), (b), (c), and (d), |
|
Occupations Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The commission may place on inactive status the license |
|
of a broker if the broker: |
|
(1) is not acting as a broker; |
|
(2) is not sponsoring a sales agent [salesperson]; and |
|
(3) submits a written application to the commission |
|
before the expiration date of the broker's license. |
|
(b) The commission may place on inactive status the license |
|
of a broker whose license has expired if the broker applies for |
|
inactive status on a form prescribed by the commission not later |
|
than six months after [the first anniversary of] the expiration |
|
date of the broker's license. |
|
(c) A broker applying for inactive status shall terminate |
|
the broker's association with each sales agent [salesperson] |
|
sponsored by the broker by giving written notice to each sales agent |
|
[salesperson] before the 30th day preceding the date the broker |
|
applies for inactive status. |
|
(d) A broker on inactive status: |
|
(1) may not perform any activity regulated under this |
|
chapter; and |
|
(2) must pay [annual] renewal fees. |
|
SECTION 43. Section 1101.367, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.367. INACTIVE LICENSE: SALES AGENT |
|
[SALESPERSON]. (a) When the relationship [association] of a sales |
|
agent [salesperson] with the sales agent's [salesperson's] |
|
sponsoring broker terminates, the terminating party [broker] shall |
|
immediately notify in writing both the other party and [return the
|
|
salesperson license to] the commission. On receiving the written |
|
notice, the commission shall place the sales agent license on |
|
inactive status [A salesperson license returned under this
|
|
subsection is inactive]. |
|
(b) The commission may return [remove] a sales agent |
|
[salesperson] license to active [from inactive] status under |
|
Subsection (a) if, before the expiration date of the sales agent |
|
[salesperson] license, a licensed broker files a request with the |
|
commission advising the commission that the broker assumes |
|
sponsorship of the sales agent [salesperson], accompanied by the |
|
appropriate fee. |
|
(c) As a condition of returning to active status, an |
|
inactive sales agent [salesperson whose license is not subject to
|
|
the education requirements of Section 1101.454] must provide to the |
|
commission proof of attending [at least 15 hours of] continuing |
|
education as specified by Section 1101.455 during the two years |
|
preceding the date the application to return to active status is |
|
filed. |
|
SECTION 44. Sections 1101.401(c) and (d), Occupations Code, |
|
are amended to read as follows: |
|
(c) The examination must be of sufficient scope in the |
|
judgment of the commission to determine whether a person is |
|
competent to act as a broker or sales agent [salesperson] in a |
|
manner that will protect the public. |
|
(d) The examination for a sales agent [salesperson] license |
|
must be less exacting and less stringent than the broker |
|
examination. |
|
SECTION 45. Section 1101.402, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.402. WAIVER OF EXAMINATION. The commission shall |
|
waive the examination requirement for an applicant for[:
|
|
[(1)] a broker or sales agent license if: |
|
(1) [(A)] the applicant was previously licensed in |
|
this state as a broker or sales agent; and |
|
(2) [(B)] the application is filed before the second |
|
[first] anniversary of the expiration date of the equivalent [that] |
|
license[; and
|
|
[(2) a salesperson license if:
|
|
[(A)
the applicant was previously licensed in
|
|
this state as a broker or salesperson; and
|
|
[(B)
the application is filed before the first
|
|
anniversary of the expiration date of that license]. |
|
SECTION 46. Section 1101.404, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.404. EXAMINATION RESULTS. (a) Not later than the |
|
10th [30th] day after the date an examination is administered, the |
|
commission or the testing service shall notify each examinee of the |
|
results of the examination. [If an examination is graded or
|
|
reviewed by a national testing service, the commission shall notify
|
|
each examinee of the results of the examination not later than the
|
|
14th day after the date the commission receives the results from the
|
|
testing service.] |
|
(b) If the notice of the results of an examination [graded
|
|
or reviewed by a national testing service] will be delayed for more |
|
than 10 [90] days after the examination date, the commission shall |
|
notify each examinee of the reason for the delay before the 10th |
|
[90th] day. |
|
(c) If requested in writing by a person who fails an |
|
examination, the commission shall provide to the person an analysis |
|
of the person's performance on the examination. The request must be |
|
accompanied by a statement identifying the person and a fee in an |
|
amount determined by the commission. The commission shall release |
|
the analysis directly to the person requesting the analysis. |
|
(d) The results of an examination are confidential. |
|
SECTION 47. Section 1101.405, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.405. REEXAMINATION. (a) An applicant who fails |
|
an examination may apply for reexamination by filing a request |
|
accompanied by the proper fee. |
|
(b) An applicant who fails the examination three |
|
consecutive times may not apply for reexamination or submit a new |
|
license application unless the applicant submits evidence |
|
satisfactory to the commission that the applicant has completed |
|
additional education, as prescribed by the commission, since the |
|
date of the applicant's last examination. |
|
SECTION 48. Subchapter I, Chapter 1101, Occupations Code, |
|
is amended by adding Section 1101.406 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.406. GUIDELINES; STUDY GUIDES. (a) The commission |
|
shall: |
|
(1) publish guidelines and examination study guides; |
|
(2) make the guidelines and study guides available to |
|
applicants; and |
|
(3) update the guidelines and study guides as |
|
necessary. |
|
(b) Except for the examination and other testing products |
|
that require secure and discreet protection, the contents of study |
|
guides and other material developed by the commission or with the |
|
commission's authorization are within the public domain and free of |
|
copyright restrictions. |
|
(c) A person other than the commission may not profit from |
|
the reproduction and distribution of material described by |
|
Subsection (b) and may sell the material only at a price that equals |
|
the cost of reproducing and distributing the material. |
|
SECTION 49. Section 1101.451(f), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(f) If a person's license has been expired for six months or |
|
longer, the person may not renew the license. The person may |
|
obtain a new license by [submitting to reexamination and] complying |
|
with the requirements and procedures for obtaining an original |
|
license. |
|
SECTION 50. Section 1101.452(a), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) To renew an active license [that is not subject to the
|
|
education requirements of Section 1101.454], the license holder |
|
must provide to the commission proof of compliance with the |
|
continuing education requirements of Section 1101.455. |
|
SECTION 51. Section 1101.453, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.453. ADDITIONAL RENEWAL REQUIREMENTS FOR |
|
BUSINESS ENTITIES. (a) To renew a license under this chapter, a |
|
business entity must: |
|
(1) designate one of its managing officers as its |
|
broker [agent] for purposes of this chapter; and |
|
(2) provide proof that the entity maintains errors and |
|
omissions insurance with a minimum annual limit of $1 million for |
|
each occurrence if the designated broker [agent] owns less than 10 |
|
percent of the business entity. |
|
(b) A business entity may not act as a broker unless the |
|
entity's designated broker [agent] is a licensed individual broker |
|
in active status and good standing according to the commission's |
|
records. |
|
SECTION 52. The heading to Section 1101.454, Occupations |
|
Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.454. SALES AGENT [SALESPERSON] LICENSE RENEWAL. |
|
SECTION 53. Section 1101.454(a), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) An applicant applying for the first renewal of a sales |
|
agent [salesperson] license must provide to the commission |
|
satisfactory evidence of completion of at least 18 semester hours, |
|
or equivalent classroom hours, of qualifying [core] real estate |
|
courses, including the hours required by Section 1101.455(e). |
|
SECTION 54. Sections 1101.455(c), (e), (f), (h), (i), (j), |
|
and (l), Occupations Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(c) The commission by rule may: |
|
(1) prescribe the title, content, and duration of |
|
continuing education courses that a license holder must attend to |
|
renew a license; and |
|
(2) approve as a substitute for the classroom |
|
attendance required by Subsection (b): |
|
(A) relevant educational experience; and |
|
(B) alternative delivery or correspondence |
|
courses. |
|
(e) At least eight [six] of the continuing education hours |
|
required by Subsection (b) must provide current information on |
|
[cover] the following legal topics: |
|
(1) commission rules; |
|
(2) fair housing laws; |
|
(3) Property Code issues, including landlord-tenant |
|
law; |
|
(4) agency law; |
|
(5) antitrust laws; |
|
(6) Subchapter E, Chapter 17, Business & Commerce |
|
Code; |
|
(7) disclosures to buyers, landlords, tenants, and |
|
sellers; |
|
(8) promulgated [current] contract and addendum |
|
forms; |
|
(9) unauthorized practice of law; |
|
(10) case studies involving violations of laws and |
|
regulations; |
|
(11) [current] Federal Housing Administration and |
|
Department of Veterans Affairs regulations; |
|
(12) tax laws; |
|
(13) property tax consulting laws and legal issues; |
|
[or] |
|
(14) other legal topics approved by the commission; or |
|
(15) the ethical requirements of engaging in real |
|
estate brokerage. |
|
(f) The remaining [nine] hours may be devoted to other real |
|
estate-related topics and courses approved by the commission. |
|
(h) The commission shall automatically approve the |
|
following courses as courses that satisfy the mandatory continuing |
|
education requirements of Subsection (f): |
|
(1) qualifying [core] real estate courses; and |
|
(2) real estate-related courses approved by the State |
|
Bar of Texas for minimum continuing legal education participatory |
|
credit. |
|
(i) The commission may not require an examination for a |
|
course under this section unless the course is: |
|
(1) an alternative delivery or [a] correspondence |
|
course; or |
|
(2) a course described by Subsection (e) or Section |
|
1101.458 [offered by an alternative delivery system, including
|
|
delivery by computer]. |
|
(j) Daily classroom course segments offered under this |
|
section must be at least one hour and not more than 10 hours. |
|
(l) A license holder may not report to the commission the |
|
completion of an alternative delivery or correspondence [An online] |
|
course offered under this section until the elapsed time between |
|
the time the license holder registers for and reports the |
|
completion of the course is equal to or greater than the number of |
|
hours for which credit is claimed [may not be completed in less than
|
|
24 hours]. |
|
SECTION 55. Section 1101.458(a), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) A designated broker for a business entity licensed under |
|
this chapter, a [A] broker who sponsors a sales agent |
|
[salesperson], or a license holder who supervises another license |
|
holder[,] must attend during the term of the current license at |
|
least six classroom hours of broker responsibility education |
|
courses approved by the commission. |
|
SECTION 56. Section 1101.552(e), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(e) A license holder shall provide the commission with the |
|
license holder's current mailing address and telephone number, and |
|
the license holder's business e-mail address if available. A |
|
license holder shall notify the commission of a change in the |
|
license holder's mailing or e-mail address or telephone number. |
|
SECTION 57. Section 1101.553, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.553. DISPLAY OF LICENSE. [(c)] A residential |
|
rental locator shall prominently display in a place accessible to |
|
clients and prospective clients: |
|
(1) the locator's license; |
|
(2) a statement that the locator is licensed by the |
|
commission; and |
|
(3) the notice required [name, mailing address, and
|
|
telephone number of the commission as provided] by Section |
|
1101.202(a). |
|
SECTION 58. Section 1101.554, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.554. COPY OF SALES AGENT [SALESPERSON] LICENSE. |
|
The commission shall deliver [or mail] a copy of each sales agent |
|
[salesperson] license to the broker that is sponsoring [with whom] |
|
the sales agent [salesperson is associated]. |
|
SECTION 59. Section 1101.558, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
by adding Subsections (b-1) and (b-2) and amending Subsection (c) |
|
to read as follows: |
|
(b-1) At the time of a license holder's first substantive |
|
communication with a party relating to a proposed transaction |
|
regarding specific real property, the license holder shall provide |
|
to the party written notice in at least a 10-point font that: |
|
(1) describes the ways in which a broker can represent |
|
a party to a real estate transaction, including as an intermediary; |
|
(2) describes the basic duties and obligations a |
|
broker has to a party to a real estate transaction that the broker |
|
represents; and |
|
(3) provides the name, license number, and contact |
|
information for the license holder and the license holder's |
|
supervisor and broker, if applicable. |
|
(b-2) The commission by rule shall prescribe the text of the |
|
notice required under Subsections (b-1)(1) and (2) and establish |
|
the methods by which a license holder shall provide the notice. |
|
(c) A license holder is not required to [shall] provide [to
|
|
a party to a real estate transaction at the time of the first
|
|
substantive dialogue with the party] the notice required [written
|
|
statement prescribed] by Subsection (b-1) if [(d) unless]: |
|
(1) the proposed transaction is for a residential |
|
lease for less [not more] than one year and a sale is not being |
|
considered; [or] |
|
(2) the license holder meets with a party who the |
|
license holder knows is represented by another license holder; or |
|
(3) the communication occurs at a property that is |
|
held open for any prospective buyer or tenant and the communication |
|
concerns that property. |
|
SECTION 60. Subchapter M, Chapter 1101, Occupations Code, |
|
is amended by adding Section 1101.6011 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.6011. APPLICABILITY TO BUSINESS ENTITY. For |
|
purposes of this subchapter, a claim against a business entity |
|
license holder is also a claim against the broker who is the |
|
business entity's designated broker. |
|
SECTION 61. Section 1101.602, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.602. ENTITLEMENT TO REIMBURSEMENT. An aggrieved |
|
person is entitled to reimbursement from the trust account if a |
|
person described by Section 1101.601 engages in conduct that |
|
requires a license or certificate of registration under this |
|
chapter and is described by Section 1101.652(a-1)(1) |
|
[1101.652(a)(3)] or (b) or Section 1101.653(1), (2), (3), or (4), |
|
as applicable. |
|
SECTION 62. Sections 1101.603(a), (c), and (e), Occupations |
|
Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) In addition to other fees required by this chapter, the |
|
commission shall collect [an applicant for an original license must
|
|
pay] a fee of $10 to deposit to the credit of the trust account from |
|
an applicant for an original license or certificate of |
|
registration. |
|
(c) The commission shall deposit to the credit of the trust |
|
account[:
|
|
[(1) fees collected under Subsections (a) and (b); and
|
|
[(2)] an administrative penalty collected under |
|
Subchapter O for a violation by a person licensed as a broker or |
|
sales agent [salesperson]. |
|
(e) On a determination by the commission at any time that |
|
the balance in the trust account is less than $1 million, each |
|
license or certificate holder at the next [license] renewal must |
|
pay, in addition to the renewal fee, an additional [a] fee [that is
|
|
equal to the lesser] of $10 [or a pro rata share of the amount
|
|
necessary to obtain a balance in the trust account of $1.7 million]. |
|
The commission shall deposit the additional fee to the credit of the |
|
trust account. |
|
SECTION 63. Section 1101.605(b), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) When an aggrieved person brings an action for a judgment |
|
that may result in an agreed judgment and order for payment from the |
|
trust account, the aggrieved person and the license or certificate |
|
holder against whom the action is brought shall notify the |
|
commission in writing before entry of the agreed judgment and |
|
deliver a copy of all petitions and pleadings and the proposed |
|
agreed judgment to the commission. The commission will notify the |
|
parties not later than the 30th day after the date of receiving the |
|
documents if the commission intends to relitigate material and |
|
relevant issues as to the applicability of the trust account to the |
|
agreed judgment as provided by Section 1101.608 [action]. |
|
SECTION 64. Section 1101.606, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
by amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsection (c-1) to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(a) Except as provided by Subsections [Subsection] (c) and |
|
(c-1), an aggrieved person who obtains a court judgment against a |
|
license or certificate holder for an act described by Section |
|
1101.602 may, after final judgment is entered, execution returned |
|
nulla bona, and a judgment lien perfected, file a verified claim in |
|
the court that entered the judgment. |
|
(b) After the 20th day after the date the aggrieved person |
|
gives written notice of the claim to the commission and judgment |
|
debtor, the person may apply to the court that entered the judgment |
|
for an order for payment from the trust account of the amount unpaid |
|
on the judgment. The aggrieved person and the commission may |
|
attempt to reach a settlement of the claim before setting a hearing |
|
before the court. If the aggrieved person does not schedule a |
|
hearing before the first anniversary of the date the application |
|
was filed, recovery is waived [court shall proceed promptly on the
|
|
application]. |
|
(c-1) If the judgment obtained against the license holder |
|
includes multiple defendants who are jointly and severally liable |
|
or the judgment against the license holder was severed from a suit |
|
with multiple defendants, the aggrieved person may not file a |
|
verified claim in the court that entered the judgment until the |
|
aggrieved person has obtained a judgment against all defendants and |
|
received payment from or obtained a writ of execution returned |
|
nulla bona for all defendants. |
|
SECTION 65. Section 1101.607, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.607. ISSUES AT HEARING. At the hearing on the |
|
application for payment from the trust account, the aggrieved |
|
person must show: |
|
(1) that the judgment is based on facts allowing |
|
recovery under this subchapter; |
|
(2) that the person is not: |
|
(A) the spouse of the judgment debtor or the |
|
personal representative of the spouse; [or] |
|
(B) a license or certificate holder who is |
|
seeking to recover compensation, including a commission, in the |
|
real estate transaction that is the subject of the application for |
|
payment; or |
|
(C) related to the judgment debtor within the |
|
first degree by consanguinity; |
|
(3) that, according to the best information available, |
|
the judgment debtor does not have sufficient attachable assets in |
|
this or another state to satisfy the judgment; |
|
(4) the amount that may be realized from the sale of |
|
assets liable to be sold or applied to satisfy the judgment; and |
|
(5) the balance remaining due on the judgment after |
|
application of the amount under Subdivision (4). |
|
SECTION 66. Sections 1101.608(a) and (c), Occupations Code, |
|
are amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) On receipt of notice under Section 1101.606, the |
|
commission may agree to pay all or part of the claim without a |
|
hearing. If the commission and the aggrieved person do not reach a |
|
settlement or the commission does not agree that the claim meets one |
|
or more of the requirements of this subchapter [and the scheduling
|
|
of a hearing], the commission may notify the attorney general of the |
|
commission's desire to schedule a hearing, enter an appearance, |
|
file a response, appear at the hearing, defend the action, or take |
|
any other action the commission considers appropriate. |
|
(c) The commission may relitigate in the hearing any |
|
material and relevant issue that was determined in the action that |
|
resulted in the judgment, including an agreed judgment, in favor of |
|
the aggrieved person. |
|
SECTION 67. Section 1101.610, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
by adding Subsection (e) to read as follows: |
|
(e) For purposes of this section, a business entity and the |
|
broker who is the business entity's designated broker are |
|
considered a single license holder. |
|
SECTION 68. Section 1101.615(a), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) The commission by rule shall prescribe a notice |
|
regarding the availability of payment from the trust account for |
|
aggrieved persons and establish methods by which each [Each] |
|
license and certificate holder shall provide the notice to |
|
consumers and service recipients [of the availability of payment
|
|
from the trust account for aggrieved persons:
|
|
[(1)
in conjunction with the notice required by
|
|
Section 1101.202;
|
|
[(2)
on a written contract for the license or
|
|
certificate holder's services;
|
|
[(3)
on a brochure that the license or certificate
|
|
holder distributes;
|
|
[(4)
on a sign prominently displayed in the license or
|
|
certificate holder's place of business;
|
|
[(5)
in a bill or receipt for the license or
|
|
certificate holder's services; or
|
|
[(6)
in a prominent display on the Internet website of
|
|
a person regulated under this chapter]. |
|
SECTION 69. Sections 1101.651(b), (c), and (d), Occupations |
|
Code, are amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) A sales agent [salesperson] may not accept compensation |
|
for a real estate transaction from a person other than the broker |
|
that is sponsoring [with whom] the sales agent [salesperson is
|
|
associated] or was sponsoring the sales agent [associated] when the |
|
sales agent [salesperson] earned the compensation. |
|
(c) A sales agent [salesperson] may not pay a commission to |
|
a person except through the broker that is sponsoring [with whom] |
|
the sales agent [salesperson is associated] at that time. |
|
(d) A broker and any broker or sales agent [salesperson] |
|
appointed under Section 1101.560 who acts as an intermediary under |
|
Subchapter L may not: |
|
(1) disclose to the buyer or tenant that the seller or |
|
landlord will accept a price less than the asking price, unless |
|
otherwise instructed in a separate writing by the seller or |
|
landlord; |
|
(2) disclose to the seller or landlord that the buyer |
|
or tenant will pay a price greater than the price submitted in a |
|
written offer to the seller or landlord, unless otherwise |
|
instructed in a separate writing by the buyer or tenant; |
|
(3) disclose any confidential information or any |
|
information a party specifically instructs the broker or sales |
|
agent [salesperson] in writing not to disclose, unless: |
|
(A) the broker or sales agent [salesperson] is |
|
otherwise instructed in a separate writing by the respective party; |
|
(B) the broker or sales agent [salesperson] is |
|
required to disclose the information by this chapter or a court |
|
order; or |
|
(C) the information materially relates to the |
|
condition of the property; |
|
(4) treat a party to a transaction dishonestly; or |
|
(5) violate this chapter. |
|
SECTION 70. Section 1101.652, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.652. GROUNDS FOR SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF |
|
LICENSE. (a) The commission may suspend or revoke a license issued |
|
under this chapter or Chapter 1102 or take other disciplinary |
|
action authorized by this chapter or Chapter 1102 if the license |
|
holder: |
|
(1) enters a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to or is |
|
convicted of a felony or a criminal offense involving fraud, and the |
|
time for appeal has elapsed or the judgment or conviction has been |
|
affirmed on appeal, without regard to an order granting community |
|
supervision that suspends the imposition of the sentence; |
|
(2) procures or attempts to procure a license under |
|
this chapter or Chapter 1102 for the license holder [or a
|
|
salesperson] by fraud, misrepresentation, or deceit or by making a |
|
material misstatement of fact in an application for a license; |
|
(3) [engages in misrepresentation, dishonesty, or
|
|
fraud when selling, buying, trading, or leasing real property in
|
|
the name of:
|
|
[(A) the license holder;
|
|
[(B) the license holder's spouse; or
|
|
[(C)
a person related to the license holder
|
|
within the first degree by consanguinity;
|
|
[(4)] fails to honor, within a reasonable time, a |
|
check issued to the commission after the commission has sent by |
|
certified mail a request for payment to the license holder's last |
|
known business address according to commission records; |
|
(4) [(5)
fails or refuses to produce on request, for
|
|
inspection by the commission or a commission representative, a
|
|
document, book, or record that is in the license holder's
|
|
possession and relates to a real estate transaction conducted by
|
|
the license holder;
|
|
[(6)] fails to provide, within a reasonable time, |
|
information requested by the commission that relates to a formal or |
|
informal complaint to the commission that would indicate a |
|
violation of this chapter or Chapter 1102; |
|
(5) [(7)] fails to surrender to the owner, without |
|
just cause, a document or instrument that is requested by the owner |
|
and that is in the license holder's possession; |
|
(6) [(8)
fails to use a contract form required by the
|
|
commission under Section 1101.155;
|
|
[(9)] fails to notify the commission, not later than |
|
the 30th day after the date of a final conviction or the entry of a |
|
plea of guilty or nolo contendere, that the person has been |
|
convicted of or entered a plea of guilty or nolo contendere to a |
|
felony or a criminal offense involving fraud; or |
|
(7) [(10)] disregards or violates this chapter or |
|
Chapter 1102. |
|
(a-1) The commission may suspend or revoke a license issued |
|
under this chapter or take other disciplinary action authorized by |
|
this chapter if the license holder: |
|
(1) engages in misrepresentation, dishonesty, or |
|
fraud when selling, buying, trading, or leasing real property in |
|
the name of: |
|
(A) the license holder; |
|
(B) the license holder's spouse; or |
|
(C) a person related to the license holder within |
|
the first degree by consanguinity; |
|
(2) fails or refuses to produce on request, within a |
|
reasonable time, for inspection by the commission or a commission |
|
representative, a document, book, or record that is in the license |
|
holder's possession and relates to a real estate transaction |
|
conducted by the license holder; or |
|
(3) fails to use a contract form required by the |
|
commission under Section 1101.155. |
|
(b) The commission may suspend or revoke a license issued |
|
under this chapter or take other disciplinary action authorized by |
|
this chapter if the license holder, while engaged in real estate |
|
brokerage [acting as a broker or salesperson]: |
|
(1) acts negligently or incompetently; |
|
(2) engages in conduct that is dishonest or in bad |
|
faith or that demonstrates untrustworthiness; |
|
(3) makes a material misrepresentation to a potential |
|
buyer concerning a significant defect, including a latent |
|
structural defect, known to the license holder that would be a |
|
significant factor to a reasonable and prudent buyer in making a |
|
decision to purchase real property; |
|
(4) fails to disclose to a potential buyer a defect |
|
described by Subdivision (3) that is known to the license holder; |
|
(5) makes a false promise that is likely to influence a |
|
person to enter into an agreement when the license holder is unable |
|
or does not intend to keep the promise; |
|
(6) pursues a continued and flagrant course of |
|
misrepresentation or makes false promises through an agent or sales |
|
agent [salesperson], through advertising, or otherwise; |
|
(7) fails to make clear to all parties to a real estate |
|
transaction the party for whom the license holder is acting; |
|
(8) receives compensation from more than one party to |
|
a real estate transaction without the full knowledge and consent of |
|
all parties to the transaction; |
|
(9) fails within a reasonable time to properly account |
|
for or remit money that is received by the license holder and that |
|
belongs to another person; |
|
(10) commingles money that belongs to another person |
|
with the license holder's own money; |
|
(11) pays a commission or a fee to or divides a |
|
commission or a fee with a person other than a license holder or a |
|
real estate broker or sales agent [salesperson] licensed in another |
|
state for compensation for services as a real estate agent; |
|
(12) fails to specify a definite termination date that |
|
is not subject to prior notice in a contract, other than a contract |
|
to perform property management services, in which the license |
|
holder agrees to perform services for which a license is required |
|
under this chapter; |
|
(13) accepts, receives, or charges an undisclosed |
|
commission, rebate, or direct profit on an expenditure made for a |
|
principal; |
|
(14) solicits, sells, or offers for sale real property |
|
by means of a lottery; |
|
(15) solicits, sells, or offers for sale real property |
|
by means of a deceptive practice; |
|
(16) acts in a dual capacity as broker and undisclosed |
|
principal in a real estate transaction; |
|
(17) guarantees or authorizes or permits a person to |
|
guarantee that future profits will result from a resale of real |
|
property; |
|
(18) places a sign on real property offering the real |
|
property for sale or lease without obtaining the written consent of |
|
the owner of the real property or the owner's authorized agent; |
|
(19) offers to sell or lease real property without the |
|
knowledge and consent of the owner of the real property or the |
|
owner's authorized agent; |
|
(20) offers to sell or lease real property on terms |
|
other than those authorized by the owner of the real property or the |
|
owner's authorized agent; |
|
(21) induces or attempts to induce a party to a |
|
contract of sale or lease to break the contract for the purpose of |
|
substituting a new contract; |
|
(22) negotiates or attempts to negotiate the sale, |
|
exchange, or lease of real property with an owner, landlord, buyer, |
|
or tenant with knowledge that that person is a party to an |
|
outstanding written contract that grants exclusive agency to |
|
another broker in connection with the transaction; |
|
(23) publishes or causes to be published an |
|
advertisement, including an advertisement by newspaper, radio, |
|
television, the Internet, or display, that misleads or is likely to |
|
deceive the public, tends to create a misleading impression, or |
|
fails to identify the person causing the advertisement to be |
|
published as a licensed broker or agent; |
|
(24) withholds from or inserts into a statement of |
|
account or invoice a statement that the license holder knows makes |
|
the statement of account or invoice inaccurate in a material way; |
|
(25) publishes or circulates an unjustified or |
|
unwarranted threat of a legal proceeding or other action; |
|
(26) establishes an association by employment or |
|
otherwise with a person other than a license holder if the person is |
|
expected or required to act as a license holder; |
|
(27) aids, abets, or conspires with another person to |
|
circumvent this chapter; |
|
(28) fails or refuses to provide, on request, a copy of |
|
a document relating to a real estate transaction to a person who |
|
signed the document; |
|
(29) fails to advise a buyer in writing before the |
|
closing of a real estate transaction that the buyer should: |
|
(A) have the abstract covering the real estate |
|
that is the subject of the contract examined by an attorney chosen |
|
by the buyer; or |
|
(B) be provided with or obtain a title insurance |
|
policy; |
|
(30) fails to deposit, within a reasonable time, |
|
escrow or trust funds [money] the license holder receives [as
|
|
escrow agent] in a real estate transaction: |
|
(A) in trust with a title company authorized to |
|
do business in this state; or |
|
(B) in a custodial, trust, or escrow account |
|
maintained for that purpose in a banking institution authorized to |
|
do business in this state; |
|
(31) disburses money deposited in a custodial, trust, |
|
or escrow account, as provided in Subdivision (30), before the |
|
completion or termination of the real estate transaction; |
|
(32) discriminates against an owner, potential buyer, |
|
landlord, or potential tenant on the basis of race, color, |
|
religion, sex, disability, familial status, national origin, or |
|
ancestry, including directing a prospective buyer or tenant |
|
interested in equivalent properties to a different area based on |
|
the race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, |
|
national origin, or ancestry of the potential owner or tenant; or |
|
(33) disregards or violates this chapter. |
|
SECTION 71. Section 1101.655, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
by amending Subsections (a) and (b) and adding Subsection (d) to |
|
read as follows: |
|
(a) The commission shall [may] revoke a license, approval, |
|
or registration issued under this chapter or Chapter 1102 if: |
|
(1) the commission makes a payment from the real |
|
estate recovery trust account under Subchapter M on behalf of a [to
|
|
satisfy all or part of a judgment against the] license or |
|
registration holder; and |
|
(2) the license or registration holder does not repay |
|
the real estate recovery trust account the full amount of a payment |
|
made on the license or registration holder's behalf before the 31st |
|
day after the date the commission provides notice to the license or |
|
registration holder. |
|
(b) The commission may probate an order revoking a license, |
|
approval, or registration under this section. |
|
(d) For the purposes of this section, if payment is made |
|
from the real estate recovery trust account on behalf of a business |
|
entity license holder or a designated broker of a business entity |
|
license holder, the commission shall proceed under Subsection (a) |
|
against both the business entity and designated broker. |
|
SECTION 72. Section 1101.6561, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.6561. SUSPENSION OR REVOCATION OF EDUCATIONAL |
|
PROGRAM [ACCREDITATION]. The commission may suspend or revoke the |
|
approval to offer a program or course of study [an accreditation] |
|
issued under Subchapter G or take any other disciplinary action |
|
authorized by this chapter if the provider of an educational |
|
program or course of study violates this chapter or a rule adopted |
|
under this chapter. |
|
SECTION 73. Section 1101.661, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.661. FINAL ORDER. The commission may issue a |
|
final order in a proceeding under this subchapter or Subchapter O |
|
regarding a person whose license has expired [during the course of
|
|
an investigation or administrative proceeding]. |
|
SECTION 74. Section 1101.662(c), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(c) A license may be suspended under this section without |
|
notice or hearing on the complaint if: |
|
(1) institution of proceedings for a contested case |
|
hearing [before the commission] is initiated simultaneously with |
|
the temporary suspension; and |
|
(2) a hearing is held under Chapter 2001, Government |
|
Code, and this chapter as soon as possible. |
|
SECTION 75. Subchapter N, Chapter 1101, Occupations Code, |
|
is amended by adding Section 1101.663 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.663. REAPPLYING AFTER REVOCATION, SURRENDER, OR |
|
DENIAL. A person whose license or registration has been revoked, a |
|
person who has surrendered a license or registration issued by the |
|
commission, or a person whose application for a license or |
|
registration has been denied after a hearing under Section 1101.657 |
|
may not apply to the commission for a license or registration before |
|
the second anniversary of the date of the revocation, surrender, or |
|
denial. |
|
SECTION 76. Subchapter N, Chapter 1101, Occupations Code, |
|
is amended by adding Section 1101.664 to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.664. FAILURE TO APPEAR; COSTS. (a) If a |
|
respondent receives proper notice of a contested case hearing but |
|
does not appear in person at the hearing, the administrative law |
|
judge may conduct the hearing or enter an order, as the |
|
administrative law judge determines appropriate. |
|
(b) The respondent is bound by the results of the hearing to |
|
the same extent as if the respondent had appeared. |
|
(c) The administrative law judge may award reasonable costs |
|
to the commission on a request for and proof of costs incurred if |
|
the respondent fails to appear at the hearing. In this subsection, |
|
the term "costs" means all costs associated with the hearing, |
|
including the costs charged by the State Office of Administrative |
|
Hearings and any costs related to hearing preparation, discovery, |
|
depositions, subpoenas, service of process, witness expenses, |
|
travel expenses, and investigation expenses. |
|
SECTION 77. Section 1101.7015, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.7015. DELEGATION OF EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR'S |
|
[ADMINISTRATOR'S] AUTHORITY. The commission may authorize the |
|
executive director [administrator] to delegate to another |
|
commission employee the executive director's [administrator's] |
|
authority to act under this subchapter. |
|
SECTION 78. Section 1101.702(b), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) In determining the amount of the penalty, the executive |
|
director [administrator] shall consider: |
|
(1) the seriousness of the violation, including the |
|
nature, circumstances, extent, and gravity of the prohibited acts; |
|
(2) the history of previous violations; |
|
(3) the amount necessary to deter a future violation; |
|
(4) efforts to correct the violation; and |
|
(5) any other matter that justice may require. |
|
SECTION 79. Section 1101.703, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.703. NOTICE OF VIOLATION AND PENALTY. [(a)] If, |
|
after investigation of a possible violation and the facts relating |
|
to that violation, the executive director [administrator] |
|
determines that a violation has occurred, the executive director |
|
[administrator] may issue a notice of violation stating: |
|
(1) a brief summary of the alleged violation; |
|
(2) the executive director's [administrator's] |
|
recommendation on the imposition of the administrative penalty or |
|
another disciplinary sanction, including a recommendation on the |
|
amount of the penalty; and |
|
(3) that the respondent has the right to a hearing to |
|
contest the alleged violation, the recommended penalty, or both. |
|
SECTION 80. Section 1101.704, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.704. PENALTY TO BE PAID OR HEARING REQUESTED. (a) |
|
Not later than the 20th day after the date the person receives the |
|
notice under Section 1101.703, the person may: |
|
(1) accept the executive director's [administrator's] |
|
determination, including the recommended administrative penalty; |
|
or |
|
(2) request in writing a hearing on the occurrence of |
|
the violation, the amount of the penalty, or both. |
|
(b) If the person accepts the executive director's |
|
[administrator's] determination, or fails to respond in a timely |
|
manner to the notice, the commission by order shall approve the |
|
determination and order payment of the recommended penalty or |
|
impose the recommended sanction. |
|
SECTION 81. Section 1101.706, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.706. NOTICE OF ORDER. The executive director |
|
[administrator] shall give notice of the commission's order to the |
|
person. The notice must: |
|
(1) include the findings of fact and conclusions of |
|
law, separately stated; |
|
(2) state the amount of any penalty imposed; |
|
(3) inform the person of the person's right to judicial |
|
review of the order; and |
|
(4) include other information required by law. |
|
SECTION 82. Sections 1101.707(b) and (c), Occupations Code, |
|
are amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) Within the 30-day period prescribed by Subsection (a), a |
|
person who files a petition for judicial review may: |
|
(1) stay enforcement of the penalty by: |
|
(A) paying the penalty to the court for placement |
|
in an escrow account; or |
|
(B) giving the court a supersedeas bond in a form |
|
approved by the court that: |
|
(i) is for the amount of the penalty; and |
|
(ii) is effective until judicial review of |
|
the order is final; or |
|
(2) request the court to stay enforcement by: |
|
(A) filing with the court an affidavit of the |
|
person stating that the person is financially unable to pay the |
|
penalty and is financially unable to give the supersedeas bond; and |
|
(B) giving a copy of the affidavit to the |
|
executive director [administrator] by certified mail. |
|
(c) If the executive director [administrator] receives a |
|
copy of an affidavit under Subsection (b)(2), the executive |
|
director [administrator] may file with the court, within five days |
|
after the date the copy is received, a contest to the affidavit. |
|
SECTION 83. Section 1101.708, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.708. COLLECTION OF PENALTY. (a) If the person |
|
does not pay the administrative penalty and the enforcement of the |
|
penalty is not stayed, the executive director [administrator] may |
|
refer the matter to the attorney general for collection of the |
|
penalty. |
|
(b) If the attorney general notifies the commission that the |
|
attorney general will not pursue collection of the penalty, the |
|
commission may pursue collection of the penalty by any lawful |
|
means. |
|
SECTION 84. The heading to Section 1101.753, Occupations |
|
Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.753. CIVIL PENALTY FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS BY |
|
BROKER, SALES AGENT [SALESPERSON], OR CERTIFICATE HOLDER. |
|
SECTION 85. Section 1101.753(a), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) In addition to injunctive relief under Sections |
|
1101.751 and 1101.752, a person who receives a commission or other |
|
consideration as a result of acting as a broker or sales agent |
|
[salesperson] without holding a license or certificate of |
|
registration under this chapter is liable to the state for a civil |
|
penalty of not less than the amount of money received or more than |
|
three times the amount of money received. |
|
SECTION 86. The heading to Section 1101.754, Occupations |
|
Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.754. PRIVATE CAUSE OF ACTION FOR CERTAIN |
|
VIOLATIONS BY BROKER, SALES AGENT [SALESPERSON], OR CERTIFICATE |
|
HOLDER. |
|
SECTION 87. Section 1101.754(a), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) A person who receives a commission or other |
|
consideration as a result of acting as a broker or sales agent |
|
[salesperson] without holding a license or certificate of |
|
registration under this chapter is liable to an aggrieved person |
|
for a penalty of not less than the amount of money received or more |
|
than three times the amount of money received. |
|
SECTION 88. The heading to Section 1101.758, Occupations |
|
Code, is amended to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.758. CRIMINAL PENALTY FOR CERTAIN VIOLATIONS BY |
|
BROKER, SALES AGENT [SALESPERSON], OR CERTIFICATE HOLDER. |
|
SECTION 89. Section 1101.758(a), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(a) A person commits an offense if the person acts as a |
|
broker or sales agent [salesperson] without holding a license under |
|
this chapter or engages in an activity for which a certificate of |
|
registration is required under this chapter without holding a |
|
certificate. |
|
SECTION 90. Section 1101.803, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
to read as follows: |
|
Sec. 1101.803. GENERAL LIABILITY OF BROKER. A licensed |
|
broker is liable to the commission, the public, and the broker's |
|
clients for any conduct engaged in under this chapter by the broker |
|
or by a sales agent [salesperson] associated with or acting for the |
|
broker. |
|
SECTION 91. Section 1101.805(c), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(c) This section does not diminish a broker's |
|
responsibility for the acts or omissions of a sales agent |
|
[salesperson] associated with or acting for the broker. |
|
SECTION 92. Section 1101.806(b), Occupations Code, is |
|
amended to read as follows: |
|
(b) A person may not maintain an action to collect |
|
compensation for an act as a broker or sales agent [salesperson] |
|
that is performed in this state unless the person alleges and proves |
|
that the person was: |
|
(1) a license holder at the time the act was commenced; |
|
or |
|
(2) an attorney licensed in any state. |
|
SECTION 93. Section 1105.003, Occupations Code, is amended |
|
by adding Subsection (e-1) to read as follows: |
|
(e-1) This subsection and Subsection (e) expire September |
|
1, 2017. |
|
SECTION 94. Sections 1101.106(c), 1101.152(c), 1101.455(d) |
|
and (g), 1101.558(a), (d), and (e), 1101.603(b), and 1101.615(b), |
|
Occupations Code, are repealed. |
|
SECTION 95. Section 1101.060, Occupations Code, as added by |
|
this Act, applies only to an action that is taken by a member of the |
|
Texas Real Estate Commission on or after the effective date of this |
|
Act. An action taken before that date is governed by the law in |
|
effect on the date the action was taken, and the former law is |
|
continued in effect for that purpose. |
|
SECTION 96. The changes in law made by this Act relating to |
|
the eligibility for a license or certificate of registration under |
|
Chapter 1101, Occupations Code, or to requirements for an |
|
application under that chapter apply only to an application |
|
submitted to the Texas Real Estate Commission on or after the |
|
effective date of this Act. An application submitted before that |
|
date is governed by the law in effect on the date the application |
|
was submitted, and the former law is continued in effect for that |
|
purpose. |
|
SECTION 97. The changes in law made by this Act relating to |
|
an application for inactive status under Chapter 1101, Occupations |
|
Code, apply only to an application for inactive status submitted to |
|
the Texas Real Estate Commission on or after the effective date of |
|
this Act. An application submitted before that date is governed by |
|
the law in effect on the date the application was submitted, and the |
|
former law is continued in effect for that purpose. |
|
SECTION 98. Section 1101.405, Occupations Code, as amended |
|
by this Act, does not apply to an examination taken before the |
|
effective date of this Act. |
|
SECTION 99. The Texas Real Estate Commission shall publish |
|
and make available the guidelines and study guides required by |
|
Section 1101.406, Occupations Code, as added by this Act, not later |
|
than January 1, 2016. |
|
SECTION 100. The changes in law made by this Act relating to |
|
the requirements for renewal of a license or certificate of |
|
registration under Chapter 1101, Occupations Code, or to the |
|
continuing education requirements under that chapter apply only to |
|
an application for renewal of a license or certificate that expires |
|
on or after the effective date of this Act. A license or certificate |
|
of registration that expires before that date is governed by the law |
|
in effect immediately before the effective date of this Act, and the |
|
former law is continued in effect for that purpose. |
|
SECTION 101. The Texas Real Estate Commission shall adopt |
|
rules prescribing the notice required by Section 1101.558, |
|
Occupations Code, as amended by this Act, not later than January 1, |
|
2016. A real estate broker or sales agent is not required to comply |
|
with the requirements of that section, as amended by this Act, |
|
before that date. |
|
SECTION 102. The changes in law made by this Act to |
|
Subchapter M, Chapter 1101, Occupations Code, apply only to a claim |
|
commenced under that subchapter on or after the effective date of |
|
this Act. A claim commenced before that date is governed by the law |
|
in effect on the date the claim was commenced, and the former law is |
|
continued in effect for that purpose. |
|
SECTION 103. The changes in law made by this Act relating to |
|
the grounds for disciplinary action under Chapter 1101 or 1102, |
|
Occupations Code, apply only to conduct that occurs on or after the |
|
effective date of this Act. Conduct that occurs before that date is |
|
governed by the law in effect on the date the conduct occurred, and |
|
the former law is continued in effect for that purpose. |
|
SECTION 104. This Act takes effect September 1, 2015. |