Bill > HB1305

This bill, titled the "Home Inspector Licensing Act of Georgia," establishes a licensing system for individuals and companies performing home inspections in Georgia, aiming to protect consumers by ensuring qualified and ethical practitioners. Key provisions include defining what constitutes a "home inspection" and a "home inspector," requiring inspectors to be at least 18 years old, possess a high school diploma or equivalent (or have ten years of relevant experience), pass a background check, and pass a board-approved examination, with licenses needing renewal every four years. Furthermore, licensed inspectors must maintain specific levels of general liability and errors and omissions insurance to cover potential claims, and both inspectors and companies performing inspections will be required to adhere to established "standards of practice" and avoid "unfair trade practices," which are defined as violations of a code of conduct. Companies performing home inspections will also need to be licensed, register with the board, provide a list of their licensed inspectors, maintain inspection records, and be subject to audits. The bill also outlines a process for investigating complaints and allows the licensing board to take disciplinary actions, such as issuing fines or suspending licenses, and provides for reciprocity with other states that have substantially equal licensing requirements. Exceptions to this licensing requirement are made for certain professionals like real estate appraisers, brokers, salespersons, and government employees performing official duties, and a provision allows individuals already working as home inspectors before July 1, 2027, to apply for licensure without meeting initial education requirements if they pass a national exam or equivalent.