Permits State Real Estate Appraiser Board to revoke, suspend, or fine appraisers or appraisal management companies who knowingly engage in discriminatory appraisals of residential property on basis of race or national origin.
Summary
S2798 would prohibit licensed or certified real estate appraisers, as well as registered appraisal management companies, from discriminating in the appraisal of residential property based on the race, creed, color, or national origin of the buyer or seller. The bill applies to appraisals of residential property and is aimed at preventing knowingly discriminatory valuation practices.
If the State Real Estate Appraiser Board determines, after an appropriate investigation, that a licensee or registrant knowingly engaged in a discriminatory appraisal, the board could suspend or revoke the person’s license, certification, or registration, or impose a fine or civil penalty. The bill also requires the board to provide written notice of the reasons for any proposed discipline and an opportunity for a hearing under the Administrative Procedure Act.
Impact
The bill would supplement New Jersey’s real estate appraiser licensing law by adding an explicit anti-discrimination standard and enforcement authority for the State Real Estate Appraiser Board. It would affect individual appraisers, certified appraisers, and appraisal management companies registered under state law, exposing them to professional discipline and monetary penalties for knowing discriminatory conduct in residential appraisals. The measure would take effect immediately if enacted.
Sentiment
The bill’s overall tone is protective and remedial, reflecting support for stronger oversight of appraisal practices and enforcement against discrimination in housing-related valuations. The available materials do not include committee testimony or recorded votes, so there is no documented opposition or support from hearings. Based on the text alone, the bill appears to be framed as a consumer- and civil-rights-focused enforcement measure.
Contention
The main point of potential contention is the scope of disciplinary authority and the standard of proof, particularly the bill’s use of the term “knowingly” and the board’s ability to impose suspension, revocation, fines, or civil penalties after investigation. Another possible issue is how the anti-discrimination rule would be applied in practice to appraisal judgments, which are often presented as professional opinions, and whether the board’s enforcement could be seen as broad or subjective. No specific opposing stakeholders or arguments are provided in the available record.
Carry Over
Permits State Real Estate Appraiser Board to revoke, suspend, or fine appraisers or appraisal management companies who knowingly engage in discriminatory appraisals of residential property on basis of race or national origin.