House Bill 1253

AN ACT TO AMEND SECTION 73-34-7, MISSISSIPPI CODE OF 1972, TO CLARIFY THE NUMBER OF MEMBERS FROM THE SAME PROFESSIONAL APPRAISAL ORGANIZATION WHO MAY BE APPOINTED BY THE GOVERNOR TO THE MISSISSIPPI REAL ESTATE APPRAISER LICENSING AND CERTIFICATION BOARD; AND FOR RELATED PURPOSES.

BE IT ENACTED BY THE LEGISLATURE OF THE STATE OF MISSISSIPPI:

SECTION 1. Section 73-34-7, Mississippi Code of 1972, is amended as follows:

73-34-7. (1) (a) There is hereby established, as an adjunct board to the Mississippi Real Estate Commission, a board to be known as the Mississippi Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board, which shall consist of six (6) members. Five (5) members shall be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, one (1) from each congressional district as such district existed on January 1, 1989; the Administrator of the Mississippi Real Estate Commission shall be an ex officio, nonvoting member.

(b) The initial appointments made by the Governor shall be in compliance with guidelines issued by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council or its designee; and the appointees shall serve for terms ending on December 31, 1991. Not more than two (2) positions on the board shall be filled with appointees who hold membership in the same professional appraisal organization.

(c) From and after January 1, 1992, gubernatorial appointments shall be made pursuant to the procedure established in this paragraph (c). The five (5) members shall be appointed by the Governor, with the advice and consent of the Senate, one (1) from each congressional district as such district existed on July 1, 2004, and one (1) from the state at large. The provisions of this paragraph (c) shall not affect persons who are members of the Real Estate Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board as of January 1, 2004. Such member shall serve out their respective terms, upon the expiration of which the provisions of this paragraph (c) shall take effect. Nothing provided herein shall be construed as prohibiting the reappointment of any member of the said board.

(d) At least three (3) members shall be certified general real estate appraisers or at least two (2) members shall be certified general real estate appraisers and one (1) member may be a certified residential real estate appraiser. Not more than two (2) positions on the board shall be filled with appointees who hold membership in the same professional appraisal organization. Of the initial appointments made pursuant to this paragraph (d), two (2) shall serve for three (3) years, two (2) shall serve for two (2) years and one (1) shall serve for one (1) year. Thereafter, each member shall serve for a term of four (4) years. Upon the expiration of a member's term, such member shall continue to serve until the appointment and qualification of a successor. Commencing with appointments made in 1992, no person shall be appointed as a member of the board for more than two (2) consecutive terms. The Governor may remove an appointed member for cause.

(2) The board shall meet not less than twice a calendar year. Written notice shall be given to each member of the time and place of each meeting of the board at least ten (10) days prior to the scheduled date of the meeting.

(3) A quorum of the board shall be three (3) voting members; commencing January 1, 1992, at least one (1) present must be a licensed certified general real estate appraiser or a certified residential real estate appraiser. Appointed members of the board are entitled to mileage and actual expenses as authorized by Section 25-3-41 and per diem as provided by Section 25-3-69; ex officio members are entitled to mileage and actual expenses only.

(4) The board shall elect a chairman and such other officers as it deems necessary. Such officers shall serve as such for terms established by the board.

SECTION 2. This act shall take effect and be in force from and after July 1, 2004.