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Kentucky General Assembly· HB 355delivered to Secretary of State (Acts Ch. 172)

An act relating to real property appraisers., the official text

Shown verbatim: the complete text as captured from the official PDF posted by the Kentucky General Assembly, fetched 2026-09-25. Page and line markers are part of the official record; nothing is edited or removed. This is the current version. The official bill page.
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1   AN ACT relating to real property appraisers.

2 Be it enacted by the General Assembly of the Commonwealth of Kentucky:

3   Section 1. KRS 324A.010 is amended to read as follows:

4 As used in KRS 324A.010 to 324A.100[324A.090], unless the context requires

5 otherwise:

6 (1) "Appraisal" means an oral, written, or electronic communication of any type or

7   nature which is independently and impartially prepared by a licensed or certified

8   appraiser setting forth an analysis, opinion, or conclusion relating to the nature,

9   quality, value, or utility of specified interests in, or aspects of, identified real

10  property[estate], as of a specified date, for or in expectation of compensation;

11 (2) "Appraisal assignment" means an engagement for which an appraiser is employed

12  or retained to act, or would be perceived by other parties or the public as acting, as

13  a third party in rendering an unbiased real property[estate] appraisal;

14 (3) "Appraisal management company" has the same meaning as in Section 21 of

15  this Act;

16 (4) "Appraisal report" means any communication, written, oral, or electronic conveying

17  a real property[estate] appraisal, and all other reports communicating an appraisal

18  analysis, opinion, or conclusion;

19 (5)[(4)] "Board" means the Real Property[Estate] Appraisers Board created in[under]

20  KRS 324A.015;

21 (6)[(5)] "Certificate holder or licensee" means a person certified or licensed by the

22  board under this chapter;

23 (7) "Evaluation" means an estimate of the market value of real property provided to

24  a financial institution in accordance with the federal interagency appraisal and

25  evaluation guidelines published by the federal financial institutions regulatory

26  agencies for use in a real property-related financial transaction for which an

27  appraisal by a licensed or certified appraiser is not required by federal law;

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1 (8) "Federally related transaction" means any real property-related financial

2   transaction that:

3   (a) A federal financial institution's regulatory agency engages in, contracts for,

4          or regulates; and

5   (b) Requires the services of an appraiser;

6 (9)[(6)] "Real [estate" or "real ]property" means real estate in its ordinary meaning

7   and includes any leasehold or other estate or interest in, over, or under land,

8   including leaseholds, all appurtenances and improvements thereto, and may include

9   personal property which is integral to the use of the real property as appraised;

10 (10) "Real property-related financial transaction" means any transaction involving:

11  (a) The sale, lease, purchase, or exchange of or investment in real property,

12         including interests in real property, or the financing of real property;

13  (b) The refinancing of real property or interests in real property; or

14  (c) The use of real property or interests in property as security for a loan or

15         investment, including mortgage-backed securities; and

16 (11)[(7)] "Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice" or "USPAP" means

17  the standards of practice promulgated by the Appraisal Standards Board of the

18  Appraisal Foundation[; and

19 (8) "Federally related transaction" means any real estate related financial transaction

20  that:

21  (a) A federal financial institution's regulatory agency engages in, contracts for, or

22         regulates; and

23  (b) Requires the services of an appraiser].

24  SECTION 2. A NEW SECTION OF KRS 324A.010 TO 324A.100 IS

25 CREATED TO READ AS FOLLOWS:

26 Notwithstanding any statutory provision to the contrary:

27 (1) An action for damages, whether brought in contract or tort, or on any other basis,

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1   against a certified or licensed real property appraiser or appraisal management

2   company shall be brought within one (1) year after the date the appraisal report

3   has been completed and transmitted to the client;

4 (2) An action for fraud or knowing and intentional misrepresentation brought

5   against a certified or licensed real property appraiser or appraisal management

6   company shall be brought within five (5) years; and

7 (3) An action for a discriminatory housing practice brought against a certified or

8   licensed real property appraiser or appraisal management company shall be

9   brought no later than one (1) year after occurrence or within the time provided by

10  federal law.

11  Section 3. KRS 324A.015 is amended to read as follows:

12 (1) There is hereby created an independent agency of state government to be known

13  as the[a] Real Property[Estate] Appraisers Board, which shall be attached to the

14  Department of Professional Licensing for administrative purposes. The board

15  shall consist [consisting ]of seven (7)[five (5)] members, two (2) of whom shall be

16  certified general real property[estate] appraisers, two (2) of whom shall be certified

17  residential real property appraisers, one (1) of whom shall represent the public and

18  shall not be associated with or financially interested in the practice of real

19  property[estate] appraisals, and two (2) of whom shall be employed in the lending

20  industry. The board shall administer[ the provisions of] this chapter and may

21  promulgate administrative regulations necessary to effectuate[ the provisions of]

22  KRS 324A.010 to 324A.100[324A.090].

23 (2) (a) The board members shall be appointed by the Governor. Not more than one

24  (1) board member shall be from any one (1) county within Kentucky.

25  Members shall be appointed by the Governor for staggered terms of three (3)

26  years. No person shall serve more than two (2) full consecutive terms.

27  (b) Any member appointed to fill a vacancy occurring other than by expiration of

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1   a term shall be appointed for the remainder of the unexpired term.

2   (c) No more than four (4)[three (3)] members of the same political party shall

3   serve on the board at the same time.

4 (3) The appraiser appointees to the board shall be certified and shall have engaged in

5   the appraisal of real property[estate] in Kentucky on a continuing basis for at least

6   ten (10) years.

7 (4) A board member shall be automatically removed from the board and a vacancy

8   shall occur when:

9   (a) An appraiser member of the board ceases to be certified;

10  (b) A consumer member of the board acquires a certification as an appraiser;

11  (c) A lending industry member ceases to be employed in the lending industry;

12  (d) A board member enters a plea of guilty to, or has been found guilty of, a

13  felony and the time for appeal has passed or the judgment of conviction has

14  been finally affirmed on appeal;

15  (e) A board member ceases to be a bona fide resident of the Commonwealth of

16  Kentucky;

17  (f) A board member displays incompetence, neglect of duty, or unprofessional

18  conduct;

19  (g) A board member fails to adhere to a duly adopted code of ethics of the board.

20  Failure to adhere to this code shall be determined by official action of the

21  board; or

22  (h) A board member misses three (3) consecutive meetings or misses more than

23  twenty-five percent (25%) of the meetings held over the previous twelve (12)

24  month period.

25 (5) The board shall adopt a seal with the design it prescribes, by which it shall

26  authenticate its proceedings. Copies of all records and papers in the office of the

27  board, duly certified and authenticated by the seal of the board, shall be received in

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1   evidence in all courts equally and with like effect as the original. All records kept in

2   the office of the board under the authority of this chapter shall be open to public

3   inspection in accordance with KRS 61.820 to 61.884 and consistent with

4   administrative regulations promulgated[prescribed] by the board.

5 (6) The Governor shall set the compensation of the members of the board, but voting

6   members of the board shall be compensated no more than three hundred dollars

7   ($300) per day for official business, subject to an annual maximum of six thousand

8   dollars ($6,000). Members shall be reimbursed for all expenses paid and incurred in

9   the discharge of official business consistent with the reimbursement policy for state

10  employees[. With the approval of the director of the Division of Real Property

11  Boards within the Department of Professional Licensing, board members and board

12  staff may attend and travel to and from meetings and events relevant to the board or

13  the industry the board represents].

14 (7) (a) The board shall ensure that those employed to investigate grievances filed

15  with the board or to conduct an appraisal review are state-certified [general

16  ]appraisers with:

17  1. A minimum of ten (10)[five (5)] years of experience;

18  2. A credential that is equal to or exceeds the credential held by the

19  appraiser under investigation or appraisal review; and

20  3. Demonstrated experience in appraising the type of property relevant to

21  the investigation or appraisal review.

22  (b) Any investigation or appraisal review conducted without the experience

23  required in paragraph (a)2. and 3. of this subsection may be challenged to

24  the board by the appraiser under investigation or review.

25  Section 4. KRS 324A.020 is amended to read as follows:

26 (1) The board shall have authority to promulgate administrative regulations in

27  accordance with KRS Chapter 13A[ and following review of the director of the

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1   Division of Real Property Boards], have subpoena power, hold disciplinary

2   hearings, conduct examinations, conduct educational seminars that are not

3   applicable to continuing education hours, investigate allegations of wrongdoing

4   under this chapter, seek and obtain injunctive relief to enforce the provisions of

5   KRS 324A.010 to 324A.100[324A.090], provide a list of certified appraisers to the

6   Appraisal Subcommittee of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council,

7   and perform[ such] other functions and duties as may be necessary in carrying out[

8   the provisions of] KRS 324A.010 to 324A.100[324A.090].

9 (2) (a) The board shall investigate every alleged violation of this chapter coming to

10  its notice by the complaint procedure in Section 9 of this Act and shall take

11  action as it deems appropriate within its authority under this chapter.

12  (b) 1. The Attorney General, Commonwealth's attorneys, and county

13  attorneys shall assist the board in all actions relating to violations of

14  this chapter as requested by the board.

15  2. The board may refer violations of this chapter to the Attorney General,

16  Commonwealth's attorneys, and county attorneys to institute criminal

17  or civil proceedings in the name of the Commonwealth for a violation

18  of this chapter.

19 (3) (a) The board may:

20  1. Employ an executive director and any other persons it deems

21  necessary to carry on the work of the board, and shall prescribe their

22  duties and fix their salaries; and

23  2. Obtain office space, utilities, furniture, supplies, and other goods and

24  services as it deems necessary to carry on the work of the board.

25  (b) Each executive director assuming office on or after the effective date of this

26  Act, shall be a certified general or residential real property appraiser and

27  shall not have less than ten (10) years of experience as an appraiser within

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1   the Commonwealth.

2 (4) The board may utilize hearing officers provided by the Attorney General's Office

3   in accordance with KRS 13B.030.

4 (5) (a) The board or its authorized agents may give a licensed or certified appraiser

5   advice on best practices management.

6   (b) Notwithstanding any other provision of law to the contrary, legal action

7   shall not arise from any advice given relating to best practices management

8   by the board or its authorized agents.

9   Section 5. KRS 324A.025 is amended to read as follows:

10 (1) The board shall elect a chair[chairman] each year at the first meeting called after

11  appointment of new members. A majority of the board shall constitute a quorum

12  and may exercise all powers and duties established in[by the provisions of] KRS

13  324A.020.

14 (2) The board shall meet at least once each calendar quarter. Additional meetings may

15  be held upon call of the chair or upon the written request of two (2) members of

16  the board.

17  Section 6. KRS 324A.030 is amended to read as follows:

18 (1) It shall be unlawful, unless certified or licensed by the board, for any person to:

19  (a) Assume or use any title, designation, or abbreviation likely to create the

20  impression that he or she holds a license or certificate issued by the board;

21  (b) Describe or refer to any appraisal or evaluation of real property[estate] by the

22  term, "state certified," "state licensed," or words of substantially similar

23  meaning;[ or]

24  (c) Assume or use any title, designation, or abbreviation likely to create the

25  impression of certification or licensure by the state as a real property[estate]

26  appraiser firm, partnership, or corporation; or

27  (d) Use the title "real property appraiser," "real estate appraiser," "real

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1   property damage appraiser," or "appraiser" in relation to real property or

2   federally related transactions.

3 (2) A certificate holder or licensee shall not assume or use any title, designation, or

4   abbreviation likely to create the impression of certification or licensure by the board

5   other than the correct type of certification or licensure.

6 (3) Each certificate holder or licensee who is a resident of Kentucky shall have and

7   maintain a definite place of business in this state, a current email[e-mail] address,

8   and a current telephone number. A nonresident is not required to maintain an active

9   place of business in this state if a definite place of business is maintained in the

10  state where the nonresident resides. A nonresident shall maintain a current email[e-

11  mail] address and a current telephone number.

12 (4) Failure by a certificate holder or licensee to notify the board of any change of

13  business address, change of company name, change of surname, change of phone

14  number, or change of email[e-mail] address within thirty (30) days of the change

15  shall result in a penalty not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200).

16 (5) In the case of the death of a certificate holder or licensee, the board may[, in its

17  sound discretion,] permit a suitable individual to complete the affairs and appraisal

18  assignments of the deceased.

19 (6) For any employee of the Transportation Cabinet whose job description includes real

20  property[estate] appraisals which require certification, the Transportation Cabinet

21  shall bear the costs of initial application, examination, continued education, and

22  biennial[annual] renewal.

23 (7) (a) Those Transportation Cabinet employees serving as right-of-way agents or

24  supervisors, who actually perform on-site appraisals as part of their job

25  descriptions and who have obtained an appraiser certification under[ the

26  provisions of] KRS 324A.010 to 324A.100[324A.090], shall receive a five

27  percent (5%) salary increase effective January 1 following certification[.

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1   Those right-of-way agents or supervisors who received certification prior to

2   January 1, 1991, shall receive the salary increase effective January 1, 1991].

3   (b) The salary increase[increases] provided [for ]in paragraph[subsection] (a) of

4   this subsection[section] shall be made within existing Transportation Cabinet

5   appropriations.

6 (8) A person shall not provide appraisal, appraisal review, or appraisal consulting

7   assignments or perform any of the duties usually performed by a licensed or

8   certified real property appraiser for a federally related transaction unless the person

9   at the time holds a license or certification of real property appraiser issued and

10  validly existing under the laws of the Commonwealth of Kentucky, as provided in

11  this chapter.

12 (9) (a) It shall be unlawful for any person not licensed or certified as a real

13  property appraiser by the board to provide any type of appraisal, appraisal

14  review, or appraisal consulting assignment or perform any of the duties

15  usually performed by a licensed or certified real property appraiser in the

16  Commonwealth of Kentucky.

17  (b) Paragraph (a) of this subsection shall not apply to:

18  1. Individuals who render professional assistance in arriving at a real

19  property analysis, opinion, or conclusion;

20  2. Mass appraisals for tax purposes;

21  3. A court appraisal directive; and

22  4. Transportation Cabinet employees in their professional capacity,

23  except for any employee of the Transportation Cabinet whose job

24  description requires certification.

25 (10) This chapter shall not prohibit a licensed or certified real property appraiser from

26  providing an evaluation. When providing an evaluation, a licensed or certified

27  real property appraiser shall:

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1   (a) Not indicate his or her status as a licensed or certified real property

2   appraiser; and

3   (b) Include the following disclaimer on the first page of the evaluation:

4   "This evaluation is not subject to compliance with the Uniform Standards

5   of Professional Appraisal Practice."

6 (11) This chapter shall not prohibit any person who is licensed to practice in this state

7   under any other law from engaging in the practice for which the person is

8   licensed.

9 (12) Except as otherwise provided by federal law, this chapter shall not prohibit a

10  bank, banker, or institutions of the farm credit system organized under the Farm

11  Credit Act of 1971, 12 U.S.C. sec. 2001 et seq., as amended, from providing or

12  conducting an appraisal or appraisal review in the normal course of business.

13 (13) This chapter shall not apply to chattel, including but not limited to furniture,

14  livestock, vehicles, and jewelry.

15 (14) This chapter shall not apply to any of the following in the settlement of an

16  insurance claim:

17  (a) A staff adjuster, or an independent adjuster, licensed under KRS Chapter

18  304; or

19  (b) Any other representative of an insurance company.

20 (15) (a) An appraiser shall not negotiate, or advertise to negotiate, on behalf of any

21  insured on any insurance claim relating to real property.

22  (b) An appraiser may advocate for his or her appraisal report and the accuracy

23  of it.

24  Section 7. KRS 324A.045 is amended to read as follows:

25 (1) The board shall issue to each qualified applicant a certificate or license in form and

26  size as shall be prescribed by the board.

27 (2) Every certificate and license shall be subject to biennial[annual] renewal on the

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1   date or dates determined by the board by administrative regulation. Each certificate

2   and license holder shall submit proof of compliance with the biennial continuing

3   education requirements when appropriate and the biennial[annual] renewal fee to

4   the board on or before the last day of the designated month. Failure to receive a

5   renewal form shall not constitute an adequate excuse for failure to renew on time.

6 (3) If the certificate or license holder fails to renew in a timely manner, the certificate

7   or license shall expire. Within six (6) months after the renewal date, the former

8   certificate or license holder[ ] shall be reinstated by complying with all appropriate

9   renewal requirements and paying a late fee in an amount to be determined by the

10  board through an administrative regulation promulgated in accordance with KRS

11  Chapter 13A[not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200)].

12 (4) If six (6) months or more elapse after the renewal date, the former certificate or

13  license holder shall be required to meet all current requirements as if applying for

14  initial certification or licensure.

15 (5) (a) A licensee who has initiated continuing education courses prior to the date

16  established through an administrative regulation promulgated by the board in

17  accordance with KRS Chapter 13A shall have five (5) days after the

18  established date to complete them.

19  (b) The board may not cancel a license for failure to complete continuing

20  education courses until ten (10) days after the date established by the board.

21 (6) (a) A certificate or license holder shall successfully complete at least twenty-

22  eight (28) continuing education hours for the biennial license period.

23  (b) 1. The hours completed for one (1) USPAP update course shall apply

24  toward the continuing education requirement each biennial license

25  period.

26  2. a. The most recent USPAP update course shall be completed within

27                   the first six (6) months of a biennial license period or if it is not

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1                    available within the first six (6) months, upon immediate

2                    availability.

3   b. If a second USPAP update course becomes available within the

4                    same biennial license period, the second may be completed upon

5                    immediate availability but the hours completed shall apply to the

6                    succeeding biennial license period.

7   Section 8. KRS 324A.047 is amended to read as follows:

8 (1) (a) Upon written request, any certificate holder or licensee may request to place

9   his or her certificate or license in inactive status for a period not to exceed

10  three (3) years.

11  (b) The written request shall be made by completing a signed and sworn affidavit

12  on a form approved by the board.

13  (c) The board may require a fee in an amount to be determined by the board

14  through an administrative regulation promulgated in accordance with KRS

15  Chapter 13A[of fifty dollars ($50)] for each change in status of the certificate

16  holder or licensee.

17  (d) A license issued to an individual as an associate real property appraiser shall

18  not be eligible for inactive status.

19 (2) No inactive status certificate holder or licensee shall:

20  (a) Assume or use any title, designation, or abbreviation likely to create the

21  impression that he or she holds a certificate or license issued by the board;

22  (b) Describe or refer to any appraisal or evaluation of real property[estate] by the

23  term, "state certified," "state licensed," or words of substantially similar

24  meaning; or

25  (c) Prepare real property[estate] appraisals for federally related transactions

26  which, under Title XI of the Financial Institutions Reform, Recovery, and

27  Enforcement Act of 1989, require the services of a state-certified or state-

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1   licensed appraiser.

2 (3) To return to active status, a certificate holder or licensee shall:

3   (a) Petition the board for reactivation of the certificate or license;

4   (b) Pay the applicable renewal fee and roster fee required by this chapter; and

5   (c) 1. Provide evidence of completion of the biennially[annually] required

6   continuing education hours, as established by the board and promulgated

7   in administrative regulations, if in inactive status for two (2) or more

8   years; or[for each year of inactive status]

9   2. a. Provide evidence of completion of at least half of the required

10                   continuing education hours, as established by the board and

11                   promulgated in administrative regulations, if in inactive status

12                   for less than two (2) years.

13  b. If providing evidence of half of the required continuing

14                   education hours, once the certificate holder or licensee returns

15                   to active status the remaining continuing education hours shall

16                   be completed within six (6) months.

17 (4) A certificate holder or licensee who petitions to return to active status after an

18  inactive period exceeding three (3) years shall be required to meet all the

19  requirements for original issuance of a license or certificate under this chapter.

20 (5) Violation of subsection (2) of this section shall be grounds for disciplinary action

21  under this chapter.

22  Section 9. KRS 324A.052 is amended to read as follows:

23 (1) Any person or organization, including the board upon its own volition, may file

24  with the board a written complaint alleging a violation of any provision of this

25  chapter. Complaints shall be filed with the board within [:

26 (a) ]one (1) year[Five (5) years] after the date of transmittal of the appraisal report or

27  appraisal review assignment.[; or

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1 (b) Two (2) years after the final disposition of any judicial proceeding in which the

2   appraiser provided testimony related to the assignment, whichever expires last.

3   Paragraphs (a) and (b) of] This subsection shall not apply to complaints involving

4   the actions outlined in KRS 324A.050(1)(c), (d), (g), and (k). The board shall

5   investigate each complaint.

6 (2) If the investigation reveals evidence supporting the complaint, the board shall set

7   the matter for hearing in accordance with the provisions of KRS Chapter 13B

8   before fining, reprimanding, suspending, revoking, refusing to renew, or any

9   combination thereof.

10 (3) If the investigation reveals that the alleged violation did occur but was not of a

11  serious nature, the board may issue a written admonishment to the certificate holder

12  or licensee. A copy of the admonishment shall be placed in the recipient's file with

13  the board. The recipient shall have the right to file a response to the admonishment

14  within thirty (30) days of its receipt and have the response placed in the file. The

15  recipient may, alternatively, within thirty (30) days of the receipt, file a request for

16  hearing with the board. Upon receipt of this request, the board shall set aside the

17  written admonishment and set the matter for hearing in accordance with [the

18  provisions of] KRS Chapter 13B.

19 (4) After denying an application for a certificate or license or issuing an admonishment,

20  the board shall grant an administrative hearing in accordance with KRS Chapter

21  13B only upon written request of the applicant made within thirty (30) days of the

22  mailing of the letter of denial or admonishment[.

23 (5) Pursuant to KRS 13B.120(7), the director of the Division of Real Property Boards

24  within the Department of Professional Licensing shall hear and issue a final order

25  regarding a decision of the board. An aggrieved party may appeal a final order of

26  the director pursuant to KRS Chapter 13B within thirty (30) days after the issuance

27  of the order to the Circuit Court of the county where the licensee has his or her

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1   principal place of business or where the license applicant resides].

2   Section 10. KRS 324A.065 is amended to read as follows:

3 (1) The board shall establish by administrative regulation the fee amounts for all fees

4   required by this section and the fees for services provided by the board, which

5   shall not exceed amounts necessary to generate sufficient funds to effectively

6   carry out and enforce this chapter. The board shall establish and collect the

7   following fees for certification or licensure as an appraiser for:

8   (a) Federally related transactions:

9   1. Initial application fee[ in an amount not to exceed two hundred dollars

10  ($200)];

11  2. Examination fee[ in an amount not to exceed two hundred dollars

12  ($200)];

13  3. a. A biennial[An annual] certificate or licensure fee[ in an amount

14                   not to exceed two hundred dollars ($200)];

15  b. Duplicate certificate fee[ in an amount not to exceed ten dollars

16                   ($10)]; and

17  c. Certificate correction fee[ in an amount not to exceed ten dollars

18                   ($10)];

19  4. Roster fee[ not to exceed fifty dollars ($50)]; and

20  5. Returned check fee[ not to exceed fifty dollars ($50)]; and

21  (b) Nonfederally related transactions:

22  1. A biennial[An annual] certificate or licensure renewal fee[ in an amount

23  not to exceed one hundred dollars ($100)]; and

24  2. Certificate correction fee[ in an amount not to exceed five dollars ($5)].

25 (2) The board shall, through the promulgation of an administrative regulation, establish

26  and collect the following fees from education providers for review and approval of

27  prelicensure and continuing education courses offered by education providers for

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1   licensure as an appraiser:

2   (a) [For ]Prelicensure education course review[, a] fee[ not to exceed one hundred

3   dollars ($100)]; and

4   (b) [For ]Continuing education course review[, a] fee[ not to exceed fifty dollars

5   ($50)].

6 (3) (a) All fees and charges collected by the board under[ the provisions of] this

7   chapter shall be paid into the Real Property[Estate] Appraisers Board's trust

8   and agency account in the State Treasury.

9   (b) All expenses incurred by the board under [the provisions of ]this chapter,

10  including compensation to the board members and staff, shall be paid out of

11  this account, subject to approval of the board.

12  (c) [The provisions of ]This subsection shall not apply to the fee charged pursuant

13  to KRS 324A.155, which is required to be included in the appraisal

14  management company recovery fund and which shall be paid into that fund.

15  Section 11. KRS 324A.154 is amended to read as follows:

16 The board shall promulgate administrative regulations[,] in accordance with KRS

17 Chapter 13A to establish[and following review of the director of the Division of Real

18 Property Boards, establishing] a reasonable filing fee to be paid by each appraisal

19 management company seeking registration under KRS 324A.152. The filing fee shall

20 include the annual fee for inclusion in the national registry maintained by the Appraisal

21 Subcommittee of the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council.

22  Section 12. KRS 324B.045 is amended to read as follows:

23 (1) (a) The Division of Real Property Boards is hereby created within the

24  Department of Professional Licensing and shall include the:

25  1. Kentucky Board of Home Inspectors, established under KRS 198B.704;

26  and

27  2. [Real Estate Appraisers Board, established under KRS 324A.015; and

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1   3. ]Board of Auctioneers, established under KRS 330.050.

2   (b) The Division of Real Property Boards shall be managed by a director, who

3   shall be appointed by the secretary of the Public Protection Cabinet with prior

4   written approval of the Governor. The director shall be exempted from the

5   classified service.

6   (c) The Division of Real Property Boards may:

7   1. Provide appropriate attorneys, personnel staffing, and administrative

8   support to the real property boards identified in paragraph (a) of this

9   subsection;

10  2. Establish and maintain an office, meeting space, office supplies,

11  furniture, storage space, and any other supplies that are necessary to

12  carry out the duties of the Division of Real Property Boards and the real

13  property boards identified in paragraph (a) of this subsection;

14  3. Make available for public inspection all decisions, opinions, and

15  interpretations formulated or used by the division and the real property

16  boards identified in paragraph (a) of this subsection in discharging their

17  functions;

18  4. Publicize the functions and purposes of the Division of Real Property

19  Boards and the real property boards identified in paragraph (a) of this

20  subsection;

21  5. Employ administrative coordinators who shall carry out the

22  administrative functions and day-to-day operations of the real property

23  boards identified in paragraph (a) of this subsection. The maximum

24  number of administrative coordinators shall be one (1) for each real

25  property board. These administrative coordinators shall be exempted

26  from the classified service; and

27  6. Enter into agreements with any state agency, political subdivision of the

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1   state, postsecondary education institution, or other person or entity to

2   assist with implementation of the duties and responsibilities of the

3   Division of Real Property Boards or, upon request, the real property

4   boards identified in paragraph (a) of this subsection.

5 (2) The director of the Division of Real Property Boards shall:

6   (a) Provide oversight of the Division of Real Property Boards;

7   (b) Review and provide feedback on any administrative regulation proposed by

8   any of the boards within the Division of Real Property Boards prior to the

9   promulgation of the administrative regulation;

10  (c) Review and provide feedback on the budgets and expenditures of the boards

11  within the Division of Real Property Boards;

12  (d) Submit written recommendations to the secretary of the Public Protection

13  Cabinet concerning sufficient staffing needs and relevant experience

14  necessary to assist in carrying out the mission and function of the Division of

15  Real Property Boards;

16  (e) Pursuant to KRS 13B.120(7), automatically hear and issue a final order

17  regarding any decision of a real property board that would otherwise be

18  subject to appeal. An aggrieved party may appeal a final order of the director

19  pursuant to KRS Chapter 13B within thirty (30) days after the issuance of the

20  order to the Circuit Court of the county where the party has his or her

21  principal place of business or where the party resides;

22  (f) Make available for public inspection all decisions, opinions, and

23  interpretations formulated or used by the director in discharging his or her

24  functions;

25  (g) Carry out the applicable policy and program directives of the department;

26  (h) Prepare annual reports on the director's activities;

27  (i) Delegate any power to employees and contractors as needed;

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1   (j) Have a minimum of seven (7) years of experience in the real estate industry

2   within the last fifteen (15) years; and

3   (k) Perform all other duties assigned by law.

4 (3) The secretary of the Public Protection Cabinet shall:

5   (a) Consider the staffing recommendations and requests submitted by the director

6   of the Division of Real Property Boards; and

7   (b) Provide the Division of Real Property Boards with documentation showing

8   the income and expenditures of all license fees.

9   Section 13. KRS 133.120 is amended to read as follows:

10 (1) (a) Any taxpayer desiring to appeal an assessment on real property made by the

11  property valuation administrator shall first request a conference with the

12  property valuation administrator or his or her designated deputy. The

13  conference shall be held prior to or during the inspection period provided for

14  in KRS 133.045, or during an extension granted under subsection (2)(d) of

15  this section.

16  (b) 1. Any person receiving compensation to represent a property owner at a

17  conference with the property valuation administrator for a real property

18  assessment shall be:

19  a. An attorney;

20  b. A certified public accountant;

21  c. A tax consultant[certified real estate broker];

22  d. A Kentucky licensed real estate broker or sales associate;

23  e. An employee of the property owner;

24  f. A licensed or certified Kentucky real property[estate] appraiser;

25  g. An appraiser who possesses a temporary practice permit or

26                   reciprocal license or certification in Kentucky to perform

27                   appraisals and whose license or certification requires him or her to

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1                    conform to the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal

2                    Practice; or

3   h. Any other individual possessing a professional appraisal

4                    designation recognized by the department.

5   2. A person representing a property owner before the property valuation

6   administrator shall present written authorization from the property

7   owner which sets forth his or her professional capacity and shall

8   disclose to the property valuation administrator any personal or private

9   interests he or she may have in the matter, including any contingency

10  fee arrangements, except that attorneys shall not be required to disclose

11  the terms and conditions of any contingency fee arrangement.

12  (c) During this conference, the property valuation administrator or his or her

13  deputy shall provide an explanation to the taxpayer of the constitutional and

14  statutory provisions governing property tax administration, including the

15  appeal process, as well as an explanation of the procedures followed in

16  deriving the assessed value for the taxpayer's property.

17  (d) The property valuation administrator or his or her deputy shall keep a record

18  of each conference which shall include but not be limited to the initial

19  assessed value, the value claimed by the taxpayer, an explanation of any

20  changes offered or agreed to by each party, and a brief account of the outcome

21  of the conference.

22  (e) At the request of the taxpayer, the conference may be held by telephone.

23 (2) (a) Any taxpayer still aggrieved by an assessment on real property made by the

24  property valuation administrator after complying with the provisions of

25  subsection (1) of this section may appeal to the board of assessment appeals.

26  (b) The taxpayer shall appeal his or her assessment by filing in person or sending

27  a letter or other written petition to the county clerk stating the reasons for

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1   appeal, identifying the property for which the appeal is filed, and stating the

2   taxpayer's opinion of the fair cash value of the property.

3   (c) The appeal shall be filed no later than one (1) workday following the

4   conclusion of the inspection period provided for in KRS 133.045 or no later

5   than the last day of an extension granted under paragraph (d) of this

6   subsection.

7   (d) A property valuation administrator may make a written request to the

8   department to extend the deadline in his or her county of jurisdiction to allow

9   the completion of the conferences requested during the inspection period

10  required by subsection (1)(a) of this section and to extend the filing deadline

11  for appeals to the board of assessment appeals. If approved by the department,

12  the deadline for the completion of the conferences requested during the

13  inspection period and filing appeals shall be extended for a period not to

14  exceed twenty-five (25) days from the date of the original filing deadline.

15  (e) The county clerk shall notify the department of all assessment appeals and of

16  the date and times of the hearings.

17  (f) The board of assessment appeals may review and change any assessment

18  made by the property valuation administrator upon recommendation of the

19  county judge/executive, mayor of any city using the county assessment, or the

20  superintendent of any school district in which the property is located, if the

21  recommendation is made to the board in writing specifying the individual

22  properties recommended for review and is made no later than one (1) work

23  day following the conclusion of the inspection period provided for in KRS

24  133.045, or no later than the last day of an extension granted under paragraph

25  (d) of this subsection, or upon the written recommendation of the department.

26  If the board of assessment appeals determines that the assessment should be

27  increased, it shall give the taxpayer notice in the manner required by[

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1   subsection (4) of] KRS 132.450(4), specifying a date when the board will hear

2   the taxpayer, if he or she so desires, in protest of an increase.

3   (g) Any real property owner who has listed his or her property with the property

4   valuation administrator at its fair cash value may ask the county board of

5   assessment appeals to review the assessments of real properties he or she

6   believes to be assessed at less than fair cash value, if he or she specifies in

7   writing the individual properties for which the review is sought and factual

8   information upon which his or her request is based, such as comparable sales

9   or cost data and if the request is made no later than one (1) work day

10  following the conclusion of the inspection period provided for in KRS

11  133.045, or no later than the last day of an extension granted under paragraph

12  (d) of this subsection.

13  (h) Nothing in this section shall be construed as granting any property owner the

14  right to request a blanket review of properties or the board the power to

15  conduct such a review.

16 (3) (a) The board of assessment appeals shall hold a public hearing for each

17  individual taxpayer appeal in protest of the assessment by the property

18  valuation administrator filed in accordance with the provisions of subsection

19  (2) of this section, and after hearing all the evidence, shall fix the assessment

20  of the property at its fair cash value.

21  (b) The department may be present at the hearing and present any pertinent

22  evidence as it pertains to the appeal.

23  (c) The taxpayer shall provide factual evidence to support his or her appeal. If the

24  taxpayer fails to provide reasonable information pertaining to the value of the

25  property requested by the property valuation administrator, the department, or

26  any member of the board, his or her appeal shall be denied.

27  (d) This information shall include but not be limited to the physical

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1   characteristics of land and improvements, insurance policies, cost of

2   construction, real estate sales listings and contracts, income and expense

3   statements for commercial property, and loans or mortgages.

4   (e) The board of assessment appeals shall only hear and consider evidence which

5   has been submitted to it in the presence of both the property valuation

6   administrator or his or her designated deputy and the taxpayer or his or her

7   authorized representative.

8 (4) (a) Any person receiving compensation to represent a property owner in an

9   appeal before the board shall be:

10  1. An attorney;

11  2. A certified public accountant;

12  3. A tax consultant[certified real estate broker];

13  4. A Kentucky licensed real estate broker or sales associate;

14  5. An employee of the taxpayer;

15  6 A licensed or certified Kentucky real property[estate] appraiser;

16  7. An appraiser who possesses a temporary practice permit or reciprocal

17  license or certification in Kentucky to perform appraisals and whose

18  license or certification requires him or her to conform to the Uniform

19  Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice; or

20  8. Any other individual possessing a professional appraisal designation

21  recognized by the department.

22  (b) A person representing a property owner before the county board of

23  assessment appeals shall present a written authorization from the property

24  owner which sets forth his or her professional capacity and shall disclose to

25  the county board of assessment appeals any personal or private interests he or

26  she may have in the matter[, including any contingency fee arrangements,

27  except that attorneys shall not be required to disclose the terms and conditions

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1   of any contingency fee arrangement].

2 (5) The board shall provide a written opinion justifying its action for each assessment

3   either decreased or increased in the record of its proceedings and orders required in

4   KRS 133.125 on forms or in a format provided or approved by the department.

5 (6) The board shall report to the property valuation administrator any real property

6   omitted from the tax roll. The property valuation administrator shall assess the

7   property and immediately give notice to the taxpayer in the manner required by

8   KRS 132.450(4), specifying a date when the board of assessment appeals will hear

9   the taxpayer, if he or she so desires, in protest of the action of the property valuation

10  administrator.

11 (7) The board of assessment appeals shall have power to issue subpoenas, compel the

12  attendance of witnesses, and adopt rules and regulations concerning the conduct of

13  its business. Any member of the board shall have power to administer oaths to any

14  witness in proceedings before the board.

15 (8) The powers of the board of assessment appeals shall be limited to those specifically

16  granted by this section.

17 (9) No appeal shall delay the collection or payment of any taxes based upon the

18  assessment in controversy. The taxpayer shall pay all state, county, and district

19  taxes due on the valuation which he or she claims as true value and stated in the

20  petition of appeal filed in accordance with the provisions of subsection (1) of this

21  section. When the valuation is finally determined upon appeal, the taxpayer shall be

22  billed for any additional tax and interest at the tax interest rate as defined in KRS

23  131.010[(6)] from the date when the tax would have become due if no appeal had

24  been taken. The provisions of KRS 134.015(6) shall apply to the tax bill.

25 (10) Any member of the county board of assessment appeals may be required to give

26  evidence in support of the board's findings in any appeal from its actions to the

27  Board of Tax Appeals pursuant to KRS 49.220. Any persons aggrieved by a

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1   decision of the board, including the property valuation administrator, taxpayer, and

2   department, may appeal the decision to the Board of Tax Appeals pursuant to KRS

3   49.220. Any taxpayer failing to appeal to the county board of assessment appeals,

4   or failing to appear before the board, either in person or by designated

5   representative, shall not be eligible to appeal directly to the Board of Tax Appeals.

6 (11) The county attorney shall represent the interest of the state and county in all

7   hearings before the board of assessment appeals and on all appeals prosecuted from

8   its decision. If the county attorney is unable to represent the state and county, he or

9   she or the fiscal court shall arrange for substitute representation.

10 (12) Taxpayers shall have the right to make audio recordings of the hearing before the

11  county board of assessment appeals. The property valuation administrator may

12  make similar audio recordings only if prior written notice is given to the taxpayer.

13  The taxpayer shall be entitled to a copy of the department's recording as provided in

14  KRS 61.874.

15 (13) The county board of assessment appeals shall physically inspect a property upon the

16  request of the property owner or property valuation administrator.

17  Section 14. KRS 154.60-040 is amended to read as follows:

18 (1) As used in this section:

19  (a) "Actively engaged farmer" means a person who makes a significant

20  contribution of:

21  1. Land, capital, and equipment to a farming operation; and

22  2. Active personal labor or management to a farming operation;

23  (b) 1. "Agricultural assets" means:

24  a. Agricultural land which has been appraised by an individual

25                   certified by the Real Property[Estate] Appraisers Board created

26                   under KRS 324A.015; and

27  b. Buildings, facilities, machinery, equipment, agricultural products,

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1                    or horticultural products, if:

2                    i. Owned by the same seller owning the agricultural land sold

3                         to an actively engaged farmer or beginning farmer;

4                    ii. Purchased at the same time and in the same transaction with

5                         the agricultural land; and

6                    iii. Purchased with the intent to be used on the purchased

7                         agricultural land.

8   2. "Agricultural assets" does not mean:

9   a. A personal residence or any other residential structures;

10  b. Any agricultural assets that have been previously included in an

11                   approved application for the Kentucky selling farmer tax credit;

12                   and

13  c. Any land which has, is, or will be used in the production of solar

14                   power for personal or commercial purposes;

15  (c) "Agricultural land" means:

16  1. Any land located entirely in Kentucky that is zoned or permitted for

17  farming, if the jurisdiction where the land is located has enacted an

18  ordinance for zoning or permitting; and

19  2. a. Is a tract of land of at least ten (10) contiguous acres in area for a

20                   farming operation for agricultural products; or

21  b. Is a tract of land of at least five (5) contiguous acres in area for a

22                   farming operation for aquaculture or horticultural products;

23  owned by the seller prior to the sale;

24  (d) "Agricultural products" means:

25  1. Livestock or livestock products;

26  2. Poultry or poultry products;

27  3. Milk or milk products; or

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1   4. Field crops and other crops, including timber if approved by the

2   authority;

3   (e) "Aquaculture" means the farming of fish, crustaceans, mollusks, aquatic

4   plants, algae, or other similar organisms;

5   (f) "Beginning farmer" means an actively engaged farmer who has not previously

6   held an ownership interest in agricultural land used for a farming operation for

7   a period exceeding twenty (20) years prior to entering into an agreement to

8   purchase agricultural assets from a seller;

9   (g) "Buyer" means an actively engaged farmer or beginning farmer who

10  purchases agricultural assets from a seller;

11  (h) "Department" means the Department of Revenue[ organized under KRS

12  131.020];

13  (i) "Farm product" means aquaculture, agricultural products, or horticultural

14  products;

15  (j) 1. "Farming operation" means the management and operation of

16  agricultural assets for the purpose of pursuing a profitable commercial

17  business venture to produce agricultural products, horticultural products,

18  or both for sale.

19  2. "Farming operation" does not mean any:

20  a. Nonprofit venture;

21  b. Farm used primarily for storing agricultural products or

22                   horticultural products; or

23  c. Farm used to grow or raise agricultural products or horticultural

24                   products primarily for use by the immediate family members or

25                   owners of the agricultural assets;

26  (k) "Horticultural products" means orchards, fruits, vegetables, nuts, flowers, or

27  ornamental plants;

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1   (l) "Immediate family member" means any of the following in relation to any

2   owner or spouse of the owner of the agricultural assets:

3   1. Parent or grandparent;

4   2. Children or their spouses; or

5   3. Siblings or their spouses;

6   (m) "Seller" means any individual or entity subject to the tax imposed by KRS

7   141.020 or 141.040 and 141.0401; and

8   (n) "Significant contribution" has the same meaning as in 7 C.F.R. sec. 1400.3.

9 (2) Any incentive offered to an eligible company under the Selling Farmer Tax Credit

10  Program shall be negotiated by Cabinet for Economic Development officials and

11  shall be subject to approval by the authority.

12 (3) The purpose of the Selling Farmer Tax Credit Program is to promote the continued

13  use of agricultural land in Kentucky for farming purposes by granting a tax credit to

14  a seller who agrees to sell agricultural assets to an actively engaged farmer or a

15  beginning farmer.

16 (4) A seller wanting to sell agricultural assets may be eligible for a tax credit up to five

17  percent (5%) of the selling price of qualifying agricultural assets, subject to:

18  (a) A twenty-five thousand dollar ($25,000) cap for each taxable year of the seller

19  when agricultural assets are sold to an actively engaged farmer who does not

20  meet the definition of a beginning farmer;

21  (b) A fifty thousand dollar ($50,000) cap for each taxable year of the seller when

22  agricultural assets are sold to a beginning farmer;

23  (c) A one hundred thousand dollar ($100,000) lifetime cap for each seller selling

24  to an actively engaged farmer;

25  (d) A two hundred thousand dollar ($200,000) lifetime cap for each seller selling

26  to a beginning farmer; and

27  (e) A proration by the authority based on the overall cap shared between the

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1   Small Business Tax Credit Program and the Selling Farmer Tax Credit

2   Program cap of three million dollars ($3,000,000) under KRS 154.60-020.

3 (5) The tax credit allowed in subsection (4) of this section may be claimed under KRS

4   141.3841.

5 (6) In order to be eligible to receive approval for a tax credit, the seller shall, at a

6   minimum:

7   (a) 1. a. Be registered with the Kentucky Secretary of State; and

8              b. Be in good standing with the Kentucky Secretary of State; or

9   2. If not required to be registered with the Kentucky Secretary of State, be

10             a taxpayer of Kentucky;

11  (b) Prior to a sale of agricultural assets, be a small business with fifty (50) or

12  fewer full-time employees and be the sole legal owner of agricultural assets

13  sold to an actively engaged farmer or a beginning farmer;

14  (c) Not be a farm equipment dealer, livestock dealer, or similar entity primarily

15  engaged in the business of selling agricultural assets for profit and not

16  engaged in farming as a primary business activity;

17  (d) Not be a bank or any other similar lending or financial institution;

18  (e) Not be:

19  1. An owner, partner, member, shareholder, or trustee;

20  2. A spouse of an owner, partner, member, shareholder, or trustee; or

21  3. An immediate family member of any of the owners, partners, members,

22             shareholders, or trustees;

23  of the actively engaged farmer or beginning farmer to whom the seller is

24  seeking to sell agricultural assets;

25  (f) 1. Demonstrate management and operation of real and personal property

26             for the production of a farm product; and

27  2. Execute and effectuate a purchase contract to sell agricultural land with

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1          an actively engaged farmer or a beginning farmer for an amount

2          evidenced by an appraisal; and

3   (g) Sell, convey, and transfer ownership of related agricultural assets to an

4   actively engaged farmer or a beginning farmer.

5 (7) In order for the seller to qualify for the tax credit, an actively engaged farmer or a

6   beginning farmer shall, at a minimum:

7   (a) 1. a. Be registered with the Kentucky Secretary of State; and

8          b. Be in good standing with the Kentucky Secretary of State; or

9   2. If not required to be registered with the Kentucky Secretary of State, be

10         a resident of Kentucky;

11  (b) Possess all licenses, registrations, and experience needed to legally operate a

12  farming operation within the jurisdiction for the agricultural land purchased

13  from a the seller;

14  (c) Not have an ownership interest in any of the agricultural assets included in the

15  transaction with the seller; and

16  (d) Provide a majority of the management, and materially participate in the

17  operation of a for-profit farming operation located in Kentucky and purchased

18  from a seller, with the intent to continue a for-profit farming operation on the

19  purchased agricultural land for a minimum of ten (10) years after the sale

20  date.

21 (8) The seller shall submit an application with all information necessary for the

22  authority to determine eligibility for the tax credit.

23 (9) The authority may consider applications prior to the consummation of the sale,

24  transfer of title, and conveyance of agricultural assets.

25 (10) An application for the selling farmer tax credit shall contain, at a minimum,

26  information about the:

27  (a) Seller and buyer;

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1   (b) Purchase contract and closing statement;

2   (c) Documentation, such as a deed, title conveyance for the transfer of assets,

3   including verification of Kentucky residency of the buyer; and

4   (d) Any other information the authority may require to determine eligibility for

5   the credit.

6 (11) For each approved application, the authority shall transmit to the department

7   sufficient information about the seller to ensure compliance with this section and

8   KRS 141.3841, including the amount of approved tax credit allowed to the seller.

9 (12) If the buyer fails to meet the requirements of this section, the department shall

10  assess a penalty against the buyer in an amount equal to the tax credit awarded to

11  the seller. The department may assess an additional penalty in excess of the tax

12  credit awarded.

13 (13) (a) The selling farmer tax credit shall sunset on December 31, 2031, and new

14  applications shall not be accepted or considered on or after December 31,

15  2031.

16  (b) All outstanding applications with preliminary or final approval under this

17  subchapter as of December 31, 2031, shall continue to be governed by the

18  provisions of this subchapter.

19  Section 15. KRS 198B.702 is amended to read as follows:

20 KRS 198B.700 to 198B.738 shall apply to an individual who conducts home inspections

21 for compensation, but shall not apply to the following:

22 (1) An individual who is acting within the scope of the individual's employment as:

23  (a) A code enforcement official for the state or a political subdivision of the state;

24  or

25  (b) A representative of a state or local housing agency or an individual acting

26  under the authority of the United States Department of Housing and Urban

27  Development;

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1 (2) An individual who is acting within the scope of the individual's license as a

2   licensed:

3   (a) Architect under KRS Chapter 323;

4   (b) Professional engineer under KRS Chapter 322;

5   (c) Plumbing contractor or journeyman plumber under KRS Chapter 318;

6   (d) Electrician, master electrician, or electrical contractor under KRS Chapter

7   227A;

8   (e) Liquefied petroleum gas dealers under KRS Chapter 234;

9   (f) Master heating, ventilation, and air conditioning contractor, journeyman

10  heating, ventilation, and air conditioning mechanic, or an apprentice heating,

11  ventilation, and air conditioning mechanic under this chapter; or

12  (g) Fire protection sprinkler contractor, fire protection system certificate holder,

13  or certified fire sprinkler inspector under this chapter;

14 (3) An individual licensed under KRS Chapter 324 as a real estate broker, broker-

15  salesperson, or salesperson and is acting within the scope of the individual's license;

16 (4) An individual who is licensed under KRS Chapter 324A as a real property[estate]

17  appraiser and is acting within the scope of the individual's license;

18 (5) An individual who holds a license under KRS Chapter 304 as an insurance adjuster

19  and is acting within the scope of the individual's license;

20 (6) An individual who holds a permit, certificate, or license to:

21  (a) Use and apply pesticides; or

22  (b) Make diagnostic inspections and reports for wood destroying pests and fungi

23  under KRS Chapter 217B and is acting within the scope of the individual's

24  certificate or license;

25 (7) An individual who holds a license from a political subdivision as a tradesperson or

26  home builder and is acting within the scope of the individual's license;

27 (8) An individual who holds a current and valid license, certificate, or permit under

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1   KRS 227.550 to 227.660 and is acting within the scope of the individual's license,

2   certificate, or permit as a:

3   (a) Manufactured home retailer;

4   (b) Manufactured home certified retailer; or

5   (c) Manufactured home certified installer; or

6 (9) A person not subject to licensure by the Commonwealth who is engaged in

7   providing estimates for remodeling or repair to a residential dwelling.

8   Section 16. KRS 324.085 is amended to read as follows:

9 (1) (a) All actively licensed agents, except those licensees exempt under KRS

10  324.046(5) and those licensees satisfying the educational requirement in

11  subsection (2) of this section, shall successfully complete twelve (12)

12  classroom or online hours of continuing education for the biennial license

13  period. Six (6) of the twelve (12) hours shall be completed in the first year of

14  the biennial license period or the license shall be automatically cancelled.

15  (b) Six (6) of the twelve (12) hours of continuing education shall be in real estate

16  law.

17  (c) A licensee may accumulate additional continuing education hours for the

18  biennial period in the first year of the biennial term.

19  (d) Six (6) of the twelve (12) hours of continuing education may be in real estate-

20  related courses approved by the commission and other [real property ]boards

21  pursuant to KRS Chapters 324A and 330 and KRS 198B.700 to 198B.738.

22 (2) A licensee who is issued an initial sales associate license after January 1, 2016,

23  shall complete forty-eight (48) classroom or online hours of commission-approved

24  post-license education:

25  (a) Provided by one (1) or a combination of the following:

26  1. An accredited institution; or

27  2. A commission-approved:

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1   a. Real estate school; or

2   b. Broker-affiliated training program; and

3   (b) Within two (2) years of receiving or activating his or her license unless

4   extended by the commission for good cause shown.

5 (3) The license held by any licensee failing to complete his or her sales associate post-

6   license education requirements in accordance with subsection (2) of this section

7   shall be automatically canceled, in accordance with administrative regulations

8   establishing compliance and delinquency procedures.

9 (4) The commission shall promulgate administrative regulations to establish procedures

10  for implementing the requirements in this section.

11 (5) In order to qualify to teach continuing education or post-license courses, all

12  continuing education and post-license instructors shall maintain a minimum rating

13  as prescribed by the commission by the promulgation of administrative regulations.

14 (6) (a) A licensee who has initiated continuing education courses prior to the date

15  established through an administrative regulation promulgated by the

16  commission in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A shall have five (5) days

17  after the established date to complete them.

18  (b) The commission may not cancel a license for failure to complete continuing

19  education courses until ten (10) days after the date established by the

20  commission.

21  Section 17. KRS 324A.035 is amended to read as follows:

22 (1) The board shall promulgate administrative regulations pursuant to[ the provisions

23  of] this chapter and in accordance with KRS Chapter 13A for certification or

24  licensure of appraisers who perform appraisals of real property in federally related

25  transactions. Requirements established by the board relating to appraisers of

26  federally related transactions shall not exceed the minimum requirements

27  established by federal law or regulation;

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1 (2) The board shall promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with[pursuant

2   to] KRS Chapter 13A for certification or licensure of appraisers of real property in

3   nonfederally related transactions. Appraisers who wish to be limited to appraisals of

4   nonfederally related transactions, and who have engaged in the appraisal of real

5   property[estate] for at least ten (10) years prior to April 7, 1992, shall be certified or

6   licensed as appraisers of nonfederally related transactions.

7 (3) The board shall establish by administrative regulations requirements for:

8   (a) Classifications of appraisers;

9   (b) Certification and licensure;

10  (c) Renewal, suspension, or revocation of certification or licensure;

11  (d) Standards of professional appraisal practice, including experience, education,

12  and ethics;

13  (e) Examination of applicants for certification or licensure; and

14  (f) Continuing education of appraisers.

15  Section 18. KRS 324A.050 is amended to read as follows:

16 (1) The board may refuse to issue, refuse to renew, suspend, or revoke a certificate or

17  license, reprimand, admonish, place on probation, or impose a fine up to two

18  thousand dollars ($2,000)[($2000)] per each violation determined by the board, not

19  to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000)[($5000)], on a certificate holder or

20  licensee, or any combination thereof, for any of the following reasons:

21  (a) Procuring or attempting to procure a certificate or license by knowingly

22  making a false statement or submitting false information, or through any form

23  of fraud or misrepresentation;

24  (b) Refusing to provide complete information in response to a question in an

25  application to the board or failing to meet the minimum qualifications

26  established by the board;

27  (c) Being convicted of a felony or misdemeanor, if in accordance with KRS

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1   Chapter 335B;

2   (d) Committing an act involving dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation;

3   (e) Violating any of the provisions of KRS 324A.010 to 324A.100[324A.090],

4   the administrative regulations of the board, or any lawful order of the board;

5   (f) Violating the confidential nature of records to which the appraiser gained

6   access through employment or engagement as an appraiser;

7   (g) Committing any other conduct which constitutes or demonstrates bad faith,

8   untrustworthiness, impropriety, fraud, or dishonesty;

9   (h) Failing or refusing, without good cause, to exercise reasonable diligence in

10  developing an appraisal, preparing an appraisal report, or communicating an

11  appraisal;

12  (i) Being negligent or incompetent in developing an appraisal, in preparing an

13  appraisal report, or in communicating an appraisal;

14  (j) Failing to observe one (1) or more of the Uniform Standards of Professional

15  Appraisal Practice in effect at the time of the appraisal report transmittal letter

16  date; or

17  (k) Having a license or registration certificate to practice as a licensed or certified

18  real property appraiser denied, limited, suspended, probated, or revoked in

19  another jurisdiction on grounds sufficient to cause licensure to be denied,

20  limited, suspended, probated, or revoked in this state.

21 (2) Notwithstanding any other provision of this chapter to the contrary, the

22  requirements of KRS Chapter 324A, the board's administrative regulations, and the

23  current edition of the Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice shall

24  constitute the minimum standard of conduct and performance for a licensee or

25  credential holder in any work or service performed that is addressed by those

26  standards.

27 (3) In any proceeding in which a suspension of thirty (30) days or more, or revocation

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1   is imposed, the board may require the respondent to pay the actual costs of the

2   investigation and all proceedings not to exceed ten thousand dollars ($10,000).

3 (4) Three (3) years from the date of a revocation, any certificate holder or licensee

4   whose certificate or license has been revoked may petition the board for

5   reinstatement. The board shall investigate the petition and may reinstate, upon a

6   finding that the petitioner has complied with any and all terms prescribed by the

7   board and is able to engage in the practice of real property[estate] appraisal within

8   the requirements of this chapter and the administrative regulations. The board may,

9   in its discretion, require the petitioner to successfully pass the examination required

10  for the applicable certificate or license.

11  Section 19. KRS 324A.088 is amended to read as follows:

12 KRS 324A.010 to 324A.100[324A.090] may be cited as the Real Property[Estate]

13 Appraisal Voluntary Certification Act.

14  Section 20. KRS 324A.100 is amended to read as follows:

15 (1) The Kentucky Real Property[Estate] Appraisers Board shall require a national and

16  state criminal background check for each initial application to be a licensed or

17  certified real property appraiser under the following requirements:

18  (a) The applicant shall provide his or her fingerprints to the Department of

19  Kentucky State Police for submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation

20  after a state criminal background check is conducted;

21  (b) The results of the national and state criminal background check shall be sent

22  to the board; and

23  (c) Any fee charged by the Department of Kentucky State Police and the Federal

24  Bureau of Investigation shall be an amount no greater than the actual cost of

25  processing the request and conducting the check.

26 (2) The board shall issue a license or certification to an applicant authorizing the

27  applicant to act or offer to act as a licensed or certified real property appraiser in

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1   this state upon:

2   (a) Receipt of a properly completed application;

3   (b) Successful completion of all applicable education, experience, and

4   examination;

5   (c) Successful completion of all statutory and administrative regulation

6   requirements for licensing and certification of a real property appraiser; and

7   (d) Payment of the required application fee.

8   Section 21. KRS 324A.150 is amended to read as follows:

9 As used in KRS 324A.150 to 324A.164, unless the context otherwise requires:

10 (1) "Appraisal management company" means a person who performs the actions

11  necessary to administer a network of state-licensed appraisers to fulfill requests for

12  appraisal management services on behalf of a client, whether directly or through the

13  use of software products or online, including but not limited to any of the following

14  actions:

15  (a) Recruiting appraisers;

16  (b) Contracting with appraisers to perform appraisal services;

17  (c) Collecting fees from clients;

18  (d) Negotiating fees with appraisers or reimbursing appraisers for appraisal

19  services;

20  (e) Receiving appraisal orders and appraisal reports;

21  (f) Submitting appraisal reports received from appraisers to the company's

22  clients;

23  (g) Reviewing or verifying appraisal reports; or

24  (h) Managing the process of having an appraisal performed, including providing

25  related administrative and clerical duties;

26 (2) "Appraisal management services" means conducting business by telephone, by

27  electronic means, by mail, or in person, directly or indirectly for compensation or

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1   other pecuniary gain or in the expectation of compensation or other pecuniary gain

2   to:

3   (a) Solicit, accept, or offer to accept a request for appraisal services; or

4   (b) Employ or contract with a licensed or certified appraiser to perform appraisal

5        services;

6 (3) "Appraisal services" means the practice of developing an opinion of the value of

7   real property[estate] in conformity with the minimum USPAP standards;

8 (4) "Appraiser" means an individual licensed by the board who[, for a fee or other

9   consideration,] develops and communicates a real property[estate] appraisal or

10  otherwise gives an opinion of the value of real property[estate] or any interest in

11  real property[estate] in conformity with the minimum USPAP standards;

12 (5) "Appraiser panel" means a network, list, or roster of licensed or certified appraisers

13  approved by an appraisal management company to perform appraisals as

14  independent contractors for the appraisal management company;

15 (6) "Board" means the Kentucky Real Property[Estate] Appraisers Board established

16  by KRS 324A.015;

17 (7) "Client" means a person that contracts with or otherwise enters into an agreement

18  with an appraisal management company for the performance of appraisal services;

19 (8) "Controlling person" means an individual employed, appointed, or authorized by an

20  appraisal management company to contract with clients or independent appraisers

21  for the performance of appraisal services;

22 (9) "Managing principal" has the same meaning as "controlling person";

23 (10) "Registrant" means an appraisal management company or person that is registered

24  or seeking registration under KRS 324A.152; and

25 (11) ["USPAP" means the ]"Uniform Standards of Professional Appraisal Practice" or

26  "USPAP" has the same meaning as in Section 1 of this Act.

27  Section 22. KRS 324A.152 is amended to read as follows:

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1 (1) A person shall not act or offer to act as an appraisal management company or

2   perform appraisal management services within the Commonwealth unless

3   registered by the board.

4 (2) To be registered by the board, a person shall make written application to the board,

5   submit to a criminal background check as provided in subsection (3) of this section,

6   pay a filing fee established by the board, and pay the fee required to be included in

7   the appraisal management company recovery fund created in KRS 324A.155. The

8   written application shall include the following information:

9   (a) The name, street address, and telephone contact information of the person

10  seeking registration;

11  (b) 1. If the registrant is a domestic organization, the designation of an agent

12  for service of process; or

13  2. If the registrant is a foreign organization, documentation that the foreign

14  organization is authorized to transact business in the Commonwealth

15  and has appointed an agent for service of process by submitting a copy

16  of:

17  a. The registrant's filing with the Secretary of State appointing an

18                   agent for service of process; and

19  b. A certificate of authority issued by the Secretary of State.

20  A foreign organization's failure to comply with this subparagraph may

21  result in rejection of the application;

22  (c) The name, residential street address, and contact information of any person

23  who owns ten percent (10%) or more of the appraisal management company

24  for which registration is being requested;

25  (d) The name, residential street address, and contact information of a controlling

26  person or managing principal;

27  (e) A certification that the registrant:

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1   1. Has a system and process in place to verify that any person being added

2   to the appraiser panel of the appraisal management company, or who

3   may be used by the appraisal management company to otherwise

4   perform appraisals, holds a license in good standing in this state under

5   this chapter;

6   2. Has a system and process in place to review the work of all appraisers

7   that are performing appraisal services for the appraisal management

8   company on a periodic basis to ensure that all[the] appraisal

9   reports[services] meet the minimum reporting requirements[are being

10  conducted] in accordance with the[ minimum] most recent edition of

11  the USPAP[ standards]; and

12  3. Maintains a detailed record of each request for appraisal services that it

13  receives and the appraiser that performs the appraisal services for the

14  appraisal management company;

15  (f) A certification from the registrant and any partner, member, manager, officer,

16  director, managing principal, controlling person, or person occupying a

17  similar status or performing similar functions, or person directly or indirectly

18  controlling the registrant that:

19  1. The application for registration when filed or after filing contains no

20  statement that, in light of the circumstances under which it was made, is

21  false or misleading with respect to a material fact;

22  2. The person certifying has not violated or failed to comply with KRS

23  324A.154, 324A.156, or 324A.158;

24  3. The person certifying and each person who owns ten percent (10%) or

25  more of the registrant has not pled guilty or nolo contendere to or been

26  found guilty of:

27  a. A felony; or

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1   b. Within the past ten (10) years, a misdemeanor involving mortgage

2                    lending or real property[estate] appraising, or an offense involving

3                    breach of trust or fraudulent or dishonest dealing;

4   4. The person certifying is not permanently or temporarily enjoined by a

5   court of competent jurisdiction from engaging in or continuing any

6   conduct or practice involving appraisal management services or

7   operating an appraisal management company;

8   5. The person certifying is not the subject of an order of the board or any

9   other state's appraisal management company regulatory agency denying,

10  suspending, or revoking the person's privilege to operate as an appraisal

11  management company;

12  6. The person certifying has not acted as an appraisal management

13  company while not properly registered by the board; and

14  7. The appraisal management company is not owned, in whole or in part,

15  directly or indirectly, by any person who has had an appraiser license or

16  certificate refused, denied, canceled, surrendered in lieu of revocation,

17  or revoked in any state for a cause other than expiration, as determined

18  by the relevant state appraiser regulatory program; and

19  (g) Any other information required by the board.

20 (3) The board shall require a national and state criminal background check on the

21  person certifying under subsection (2)(f) of this section and each person who owns

22  ten percent (10%) or more of the registrant under the following requirements:

23  (a) The person certifying and each person who owns ten percent (10%) or more

24  of the registrant shall provide his or her fingerprints to the Department of

25  Kentucky State Police for submission to the Federal Bureau of Investigation

26  after a state criminal background check is conducted;

27  (b) The results of the national and state criminal background check shall be sent

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1          to the board; and

2   (c) Any fee charged by the Department of Kentucky State Police and the Federal

3          Bureau of Investigation shall be an amount no greater than the actual cost of

4          processing the request and conducting the check.

5 (4) The board shall issue a certificate of registration to a registrant authorizing the

6   registrant to act or offer to act as an appraisal management company in this state

7   upon:

8   (a) Receipt of a properly completed application;

9   (b) Payment of the required filing fee;

10  (c) Payment of the fee required to be included in the appraisal management

11         company recovery fund; and

12  (d) A determination by the board that:

13         1. The registrant has not had a previous registration suspended or revoked;

14         and

15         2. The activities of the applicant shall be directed and conducted by

16         persons who:

17         a. Have not had a previous registration suspended or revoked;

18         b. Have not pled guilty or nolo contendere to or been found guilty of

19                   a felony; or

20         c. Within the past ten (10) years have not pled guilty, pled nolo

21                   contendere to, or been found guilty of a misdemeanor involving

22                   mortgage lending or real property[estate] appraising or an offense

23                   involving a breach of trust or fraudulent or dishonest dealing.

24 (5) (a) If the board finds that there is substantial reason to deny the application for

25         registration, the board shall notify the registrant that the application has been

26         denied and shall afford the registrant an opportunity for a hearing before the

27         board to show cause why the registration should not be denied.

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1   (b) All proceedings concerning the denial of a certificate of registration shall be

2   conducted in accordance with KRS Chapter 13B.

3   (c) The acceptance by the board of an application for registration does not

4   constitute the approval of its contents or waive the authority of the board to

5   take disciplinary action under KRS 324A.162.

6 (6) (a) Registrations issued under this section shall be renewed annually.

7   (b) Renewal shall occur on October 31 of each year.

8   (c) If the initial registration occurs less than six (6) months before October 31, the

9   renewal shall not be required until October 31 of the following year, and shall

10  then be renewed on October 31 of each year thereafter.

11 (7) (a) Failure to renew a registration in a timely manner shall result in a loss of

12  authority to operate.

13  (b) A request to reinstate a certificate of registration shall be accompanied by

14  payment of a penalty of fifty dollars ($50) for each month of delinquency, up

15  to six (6) months after expiration.

16  (c) After six (6) months' delinquency, a new application for registration shall be

17  required.

18 (8) The board shall promulgate administrative regulations in accordance with KRS

19  Chapter 13A to establish standards for the operation of appraisal management

20  companies and for the implementation and enforcement of KRS 324A.150 to

21  324A.164.

22  Section 23. KRS 324A.158 is amended to read as follows:

23 (1) An employee, director, officer, or agent of an appraisal management company or

24  any other third party acting as a joint venture partner with or as an independent

25  contractor for an appraisal management company shall not improperly influence or

26  attempt to improperly influence the development, reporting, result, or review of a

27  real property[estate] appraisal, including but not limited to the use of intimidation,

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1   coercion, extortion, bribery, blackmail, threat of nonpayment or withholding

2   payment for appraisal services, or threat of exclusion from future appraisal work.

3 (2) The registrant shall not:

4   (a) Request, allow, or require an appraiser to collect any portion of the fee

5   charged by the appraisal management company, including the appraisal fee,

6   from a borrower, homeowner, or other third party;

7   (b) Require an appraiser to provide the registrant with the appraiser's digital

8   signature or seal;

9   (c) Alter, amend, or change an appraisal report submitted by a licensed or

10  certified appraiser, by the following or any other actions:

11  1. Removing the appraiser's signature;

12  2. Adding or removing information to or from the appraisal report; or

13  3. Altering the final value opinion reported by an appraiser;

14  (d) Remove an appraiser from an appraiser panel without prior written notice to

15  the appraiser. An appraiser may only be removed from an appraiser panel

16  with written notice for:

17  1. A violation of the minimum USPAP standards or other applicable

18  statutes or administrative regulations resulting in a suspension or

19  revocation of the appraiser's license in Kentucky; or

20  2. Other substandard or otherwise improper performance as may be

21  determined by administrative regulations promulgated by the board;

22  (e) Enter into contracts or agreements with an appraiser for the performance of

23  appraisal services unless the appraiser is licensed or certified in good standing

24  with the board;

25  (f) Request that an appraiser provide an estimated, predetermined, or desired

26  valuation in an appraisal report or provide estimated values or comparable

27  sales at any time before the appraiser completes an appraisal report;

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1   (g) Provide to an appraiser an anticipated, estimated, encouraged, or desired value

2   for a property or a proposed or target amount to be loaned or borrowed,

3   except that a copy of the sales contract for purchase transactions may be

4   provided;

5   (h) Commit an act or practice that impairs or attempts to impair an appraiser's

6   independence, objectivity, or impartiality; or

7   (i) Have a direct or indirect interest, financial or otherwise, in the property or

8   transaction involving the appraisal.

9 (3) Subsection (1) of this section shall not prohibit an appraisal management company

10  from requesting that an appraiser:

11  (a) Provide additional information about the basis for a valuation;

12  (b) Correct objective factual errors in an appraisal report; or

13  (c) Provide further detail, substantiation, or explanation for the appraiser's value

14  conclusion.

15  Section 24. KRS 324A.162 is amended to read as follows:

16 (1) The board may deny, suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew the registration of

17  an appraisal management company, or may restrict or limit the activities of an

18  appraisal management company or of a person who owns an interest in or

19  participates in the business of an appraisal management company if the board finds

20  that any of the following circumstances apply to the applicant, a registrant, a person

21  owning ten percent (10%) or more of the applicant or registrant, a partner, member,

22  manager, officer, director, managing principal, controlling person, a person

23  occupying a similar status or performing similar functions, or a person directly or

24  indirectly controlling the applicant or registrant:

25  (a) The application for registration contained a statement that in light of the

26  circumstances under which it was made is false or misleading with respect to

27  a material fact;

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1   (b) The person has violated or failed to comply with KRS 324A.152, 324A.154,

2   324A.156, or 324A.158 or failed to comply with administrative regulations

3   promulgated by the board for the implementation and enforcement of KRS

4   324A.150 to 324A.164;

5   (c) The person has pled guilty or nolo contendere to, or has been found guilty of,

6   a felony or, within the past ten (10) years, a misdemeanor involving mortgage

7   lending or real property[estate] appraising or an offense involving a breach of

8   trust or fraudulent or dishonest dealing;

9   (d) The person is permanently or temporarily enjoined by a court of competent

10  jurisdiction from engaging in or continuing any conduct or practice involving

11  appraisal management services or operating an appraisal management

12  company;

13  (e) The person is the subject of an order of the board or any other state's appraisal

14  management company regulatory agency denying, suspending, or revoking

15  the person's privilege to operate as an appraisal management company;

16  (f) The person acted as an appraisal management company while not properly

17  registered by the board; or

18  (g) The person failed to pay the proper filing or renewal fee as provided under

19  KRS 324A.152 and 324A.154.

20 (2) Upon its own motion or the written complaint of a person reporting a violation of

21  subsection (1) of this section, and after notice and the opportunity for a hearing in

22  accordance with KRS Chapter 13B, the board may:

23  (a) Suspend or revoke the registration of a registrant;

24  (b) Impose a fine not to exceed five thousand dollars ($5,000) per violation; or

25  (c) Take other appropriate disciplinary actions as established by the board

26  through promulgation of administrative regulations.

27 (3) The board may appear in its own name in Franklin Circuit Court, or the Circuit

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1   Court of the county where the alleged violation occurred, to obtain injunctive relief

2   to prevent a person from violating this section or KRS 324A.154, 324A.156, or

3   324A.158. The Circuit Court may grant a temporary or permanent injunction

4   regardless of whether:

5   (a) Criminal prosecution has been or may be instituted as a result of the violation;

6   or

7   (b) The person is the holder of a registration issued by the board.

8   Section 25. KRS 324A.164 is amended to read as follows:

9 Unless otherwise required to be registered as an appraisal management company by state

10 or federal law, KRS 324A.150 to 324A.164 shall not apply to:

11 (1) The federal government, state government, any county or municipal government, or

12  any agency or instrumentality thereof;

13 (2) A person authorized to engage in business as a bank, credit union, or savings and

14  loan association under the laws of the United States, the Commonwealth of

15  Kentucky, or any other state;

16 (3) A real estate broker or real estate agent properly licensed or otherwise authorized to

17  do business in the Commonwealth of Kentucky listing or selling real estate;

18 (4) An officer or employee of any entity listed in subsection (1), (2), or (3) of this

19  section when acting within the scope of his or her employment;

20 (5) An entity that is responsible for ensuring that the real property[estate] appraisal

21  activity being performed by an employee is performed in accordance with

22  applicable appraisal standards;

23 (6) An individual who:

24  (a) Is an appraiser; and

25  (b) In the normal course of business enters into an agreement, whether written or

26  otherwise, with another appraiser for the performance of a real

27  property[estate] appraisal activity that the individual cannot complete for any

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1       reason, including:

2       1. Competency;

3       2. Workload;

4       3. Schedule; or

5       4. Geographic location;

6 (7) An individual who:

7   (a) In the normal course of business enters into an agreement, whether written or

8       otherwise, with an appraiser for the performance of real property[estate]

9       appraisal activity; and

10  (b) Under the agreement cosigns the report of the appraiser performing the real

11      property[estate] appraisal upon completion of the real property[estate]

12      appraisal activity;

13 (8) An appraisal management company that contracts with one (1) or more appraisers

14  for the performance of fewer than ten (10) appraisals in this state in a calendar year;

15  or

16 (9) A federally regulated appraisal management company as defined in 12 C.F.R. sec.

17  34.211(k).

18  Section 26. KRS 324B.030 is amended to read as follows:

19 (1) The Department of Professional Licensing in the Public Protection Cabinet shall

20  provide administrative services, technical assistance, and advice to the following

21  boards and commissions at the request of the individual boards or commissions, all

22  of which maintain their identity and their full authority for making policy decisions

23  in the fields that they regulate: the State Board of Accountancy, the Kentucky

24  Board of Architects, the Kentucky Board of Barbering, the Kentucky Board of

25  Cosmetology, the State Board of Podiatry, the Kentucky State Board of

26  Chiropractic Examiners, the Kentucky Board of Dentistry, the State Board of

27  Embalmers and Funeral Directors, the State Board of Registration for Professional

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1   Engineers and Land Surveyors, the Kentucky Board of Nursing, the Kentucky

2   Board of Ophthalmic Dispensers, the Kentucky Board of Optometric Examiners,

3   the Kentucky Board of Pharmacy, the State Board of Physical Therapy, the State

4   Board of Examiners of Psychologists, the Kentucky Real Estate Commission, the

5   Kentucky Board of Veterinary Examiners, the Board of Auctioneers, the Real

6   Property[Estate] Appraisers Board, the Kentucky Board of Home Inspectors, the

7   Kentucky Board of Landscape Architects, the State Board of Medical Licensure,

8   the Board of Speech-Language Pathology and Audiology, the Kentucky Board of

9   Licensure for Nursing Home Administrators, the Kentucky Licensing Board for

10  Specialists in Hearing Instruments, the Kentucky Board of Social Work, the

11  Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services, and any other boards and

12  commissions that are created to license, certify, register, or otherwise regulate any

13  occupational or professional category.

14 (2) The department may also provide administrative services to a board or commission

15  that is created to license, certify, register, or otherwise regulate any occupational or

16  professional category if these administrative services are deemed to be preferable or

17  required after the review process conducted under KRS 324B.040.

18 (3) To the extent that the department provides administrative services, the respective

19  boards and commissions are relieved of the power and duty to provide the services

20  for themselves. The department shall charge each board or commission a reasonable

21  amount for administrative services provided pursuant to subsection (1) of this

22  section. The department may employ persons previously employed by boards or

23  commissions.

24 (4) The department may receive complaints against the conduct of licensees granted

25  licensure by the boards and commissions assigned to the department for

26  administrative purposes. The department shall cause these complaints to be reduced

27  to writing and forwarded to the appropriate board or commission for investigation

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1   and a determination of the validity of the complaint. The department shall keep a

2   record of all complaints received by it and forwarded to a board or commission.

3 (5) Any board or commission listed in subsection (1) of this section[,] shall accept

4   personal checks in payment of license renewal fees.

5   Section 27. KRS 350.280 is amended to read as follows:

6 (1) (a) As used in this section, "he or she" includes "person" as defined in KRS

7   350.010.

8   (b) If a permittee or operator has been issued a notice or order directing

9   abatement of a violation on the basis of an imminent danger to health and

10  safety of the public or significant imminent environmental harm, and the

11  notice or order requires access to property for which the permittee or operator

12  does not have the legal right of entry necessary in order to abate that violation,

13  and the owner or legal occupant of that property has refused access, an

14  easement of necessity is recognized on behalf of the permittee or operator for

15  the limited purpose of abating that violation. The easement of necessity

16  becomes effective, and the permittee or operator is authorized to enter the

17  property to undertake immediate action to abate the violation if he or she

18  concurrently:

19  1. Provides to the property owner or legal occupant a copy of the cabinet's

20  order and a plan of action reasonably calculated to result in abatement of

21  the violation, repair of the damage, and restoration of the property, and

22  provides proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation

23  insurance covering any accidents or injuries occurring on the property

24  during the remedial work;

25  2. Provides to the property owner or legal occupant and cabinet an

26  affidavit that he or she has been denied access to the property; and

27  3. Provides to the property owner or legal occupant a statement that he or

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1   she, the permittee or operator, will diligently pursue abatement of the

2   violation, and will obtain an appraisal completed by a real

3   property[estate] appraiser certified under KRS Chapter 324A of the

4   damages to the property, including loss of use, that have resulted from

5   the violation, that the appraisal will be completed and provided to the

6   property owner or legal occupant within three (3) days of abatement of

7   the violation by the operator or permittee, and that he or she will pay the

8   property owner or legal occupant the amount of the damages in the

9   permittee or operator's appraisal at that time.

10  (c) Following the effective date of the easement of necessity, the following

11  procedure shall be followed with respect to the appraisal of the damages:

12  1. The permittee or operator shall have a certified appraiser on the site and

13  have his or her appraisal completed and submitted to the property owner

14  or legal occupant within three (3) days of abatement of the violation by

15  the operator or permittee;

16  2. The property owner or legal occupant shall accept or reject this appraisal

17  in writing within seven (7) days of receipt of the completed appraisal;

18  3. If the property owner or legal occupant rejects this appraisal, he or she

19  may hire a real property[estate] appraiser certified under KRS Chapter

20  324A to appraise the damages, including loss of use, that have resulted

21  from the violation, and this such appraisal shall be completed and

22  provided to the permittee or operator within thirty (30) days of receipt of

23  the permittee's or operator's completed appraisal. Upon receipt of the

24  invoice the permittee or operator shall pay for the property owner or

25  legal occupant's appraisal up to the amount he or she paid for his or her

26  own appraisal; and

27  4. If the property owner or legal occupant accepts the permittee's or

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1   operator's appraisal, the permittee or operator shall promptly pay the

2   property owner or legal occupant the amount of the damages reflected

3   therein.

4   (d) If the property owner or legal occupant has an appraisal done, and if, based on

5   his or her appraisal and the permittee's or operator's appraisal, an agreement is

6   not reached on the appraised damages, the permittee or operator shall pay the

7   property owner or legal occupant the amount of the permittee's or operator's

8   appraisal damages, and if the property owner or legal occupant's appraisal

9   damages are for more than the permittee's or operator's, the permittee or

10  operator shall pay the difference to the circuit clerk, in the county in which the

11  majority of the property lies, to be placed in an interest-bearing account in a

12  bank until final resolution of the matter by agreement or court or jury

13  judgment. If the property owner or legal occupant is granted award of some or

14  all of the difference, he or she shall also receive the interest on that portion of

15  the difference.

16  (e) If the property owner or legal occupant does not accept or reject the

17  permittee's or operator's appraisal and offer of funds for damages within the

18  time specified in[ subparagraph 2. of] paragraph (c)2. of this subsection, the

19  appraisal and offer shall be deemed accepted.

20  (f) The appraiser shall calculate the damages to the property, including loss of

21  use, that have resulted from the violation which the owner or the legal

22  occupant shall be entitled to under this subsection as the difference between

23  the fair market value of the property before the violation and after the

24  abatement of the violation, plus the reasonable rental value of the property

25  during the period of time between the effective date of the easement of

26  necessity and the date of the abatement of the violation.

27 (2) If a permittee or operator has been issued a notice or order directing abatement of a

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1   violation other than one described in subsection (1) of this section, and the notice or

2   order requires access to property for which the permittee or operator does not have

3   the legal right of entry necessary in order to abate that violation, and the owner or

4   legal occupant of that property has refused access, an easement of necessity is

5   recognized on behalf of the permittee or operator, for the limited purpose of

6   allowing a real property[estate] appraiser certified under KRS Chapter 324A,

7   chosen by the permittee or operator, to enter upon the property to which the owner

8   or legal occupant has refused access in order for the appraiser to appraise the

9   damages, including loss of use, that likely will result from the violation.

10 (3) (a) The easement for the limited purpose of allowing the appraisal under

11  subsection (2) of this section shall be recognized and take effect when the

12  operator or permittee:

13  1. Provides to the property owner or legal occupant a copy of the cabinet's

14  order;

15  2. Provides to the property owner or legal occupant and cabinet a plan of

16  remedial measures to abate the violation;

17  3. Provides to the property owner or legal occupant and cabinet an

18  affidavit that he or she has been denied access to the property; and

19  4. Provides to the property owner or legal occupant a statement that he or

20  she, the permittee or operator, will within seven (7) days of entry of the

21  appraiser obtain an appraisal of the damages to the property including

22  loss of use, that likely will result from the violation, and that upon

23  completion of the appraisal he or she will provide the appraisal to the

24  property owner or legal occupant and pay the property owner or legal

25  occupant an entry fee. The entry fee shall be calculated as one-half (1/2)

26  of the amount of the appraisal or the sum of five hundred dollars ($500),

27  whichever is greater, for the privilege to enter the property and conduct

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1   the appraisal.

2   (b) Upon payment of the entry fee by the permittee or operator, an easement of

3   necessity shall be recognized on behalf of the permittee or operator for the

4   limited purposes of abating the violation and the operator or permittee shall be

5   authorized to enter the property to undertake immediate action to abate the

6   violation, provided that the landowner has been provided a plan of action

7   reasonably calculated to result in abatement of the violation, repair of the

8   damage, and restoration of the property, and the permittee or operator

9   provides proof of liability insurance and workers' compensation insurance

10  covering any accidents or injuries occurring on the property during the

11  remedial work.

12  (c) Following the effective date of the easement of necessity to abate the

13  violation, the procedures set forth in subsection (1)(c) to (f) of this section

14  shall apply. The entry fee shall be deducted from any subsequent payment

15  deemed due the property owner or legal occupant as a result of the post-

16  abatement appraisal or appraisals. If the entry fee exceeds the amount of all

17  appraisals, the property owner or legal occupant shall be entitled to retain the

18  entry fee in its entirety.

19 (4) Nothing contained in this section shall affect any person's right to bring a civil

20  action for damages, including punitive and compensatory damages, or other

21  appropriate relief.

22  Section 28. KRS 413.140 is amended to read as follows:

23 (1) The following actions shall be commenced within one (1) year after the cause of

24  action accrued:

25  (a) An action for an injury to the person of the plaintiff, or of her husband, his

26  wife, child, ward, apprentice, or servant;

27  (b) An action for injuries to persons, cattle, or other livestock by railroads or

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1   other corporations, with the exception of hospitals licensed pursuant to KRS

2   Chapter 216;

3   (c) An action for malicious prosecution, conspiracy, arrest, seduction, criminal

4   conversation, or breach of promise of marriage;

5   (d) An action for libel or slander;

6   (e) An action against a physician, surgeon, dentist, or hospital licensed pursuant

7   to KRS Chapter 216, for negligence or malpractice;

8   (f) A civil action, arising out of any act or omission in rendering, or failing to

9   render, professional services for others, whether brought in tort or contract,

10  against a real property[estate] appraiser holding a certificate or license issued

11  under KRS Chapter 324A or a real estate broker or sales associate holding a

12  license issued under KRS Chapter 324;

13  (g) An action for the escape of a prisoner, arrested or imprisoned on civil process;

14  (h) An action for the recovery of usury paid for the loan or forbearance of money

15  or other thing, against the loaner or forbearer or assignee of either;

16  (i) An action for the recovery of stolen property, by the owner thereof against

17  any person having the same in his or her possession;

18  (j) An action for the recovery of damages or the value of stolen property, against

19  the thief or any accessory;

20  (k) An action arising out of a detention facility disciplinary proceeding, whether

21  based upon state or federal law;

22  (l) An action for damages arising out of a deficiency, defect, omission, error, or

23  miscalculation in any survey or plat, whether brought in tort or contract,

24  against a licensed professional land surveyor holding a license under KRS

25  Chapter 322;

26  (m) An action for violating KRS 311.782; and

27  (n) An action for violating KRS 311.731.

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1 (2) In respect to the action referred to in[ paragraph (e) of] subsection (1)(e) of this

2   section, the cause of action shall be deemed to accrue at the time the injury is first

3   discovered or in the exercise of reasonable care should have been discovered;

4   provided that such action shall be commenced within five (5) years from the date on

5   which the alleged negligent act or omission is said to have occurred.

6 (3) In respect to the action referred to in[ paragraph (f) or (l) of] subsection (1)(f) or (l)

7   of this section, the cause of action shall be deemed to accrue within one (1) year

8   from the date of the occurrence or from the date when the cause of action was, or

9   reasonably should have been, discovered by the party injured.

10 (4) In respect to the action referred to in[ paragraph (h) of] subsection (1)(h) of this

11  section, the cause of action shall be deemed to accrue at the time of payment. This

12  limitation shall apply to all payments made on all demands, whether evidenced by

13  writing or existing only in parol.

14 (5) In respect to the action referred to in[ paragraph (i) of] subsection (1)(i) of this

15  section, the cause of action shall be deemed to accrue at the time the property is

16  found by its owner.

17 (6) In respect to the action referred to in[ paragraph (j) of] subsection (1)(j) of this

18  section, the cause of action shall be deemed to accrue at the time of discovery of the

19  liability.

20 (7) In respect to the action referred to in[ paragraph (k) of] subsection (1)(k) of this

21  section, the cause of action shall be deemed to accrue on the date an appeal of the

22  disciplinary proceeding is decided by the institutional warden.

23 (8) In respect to the action referred to in subsection (1)(m) or[and] (n) of this section,

24  the cause of action shall be deemed to accrue after the performance or inducement

25  or attempt to perform or induce the abortion.

26  Section 29. KRS 56.806 is amended to read as follows:

27 (1) Except when another lease term is approved by the secretary of the Finance and

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1   Administration Cabinet, the terms of all leases entered into pursuant to KRS 56.803

2   or 56.805 may provide for an initial lease term beginning on a date stated and

3   ending on June 30 in each year in which the General Assembly has convened in an

4   even-numbered-year regular session and appropriated funds for the operation of the

5   state government during the next ensuing biennium. The leases may grant the state

6   successive options for the automatic renewal of the lease upon the same terms and

7   conditions for additional renewal periods of twenty-four (24) months each, not to

8   exceed three (3) automatic renewal periods. Any lease containing provision for the

9   automatic renewal of the lease after the expiration of the initial lease term shall also

10  provide that the state may, upon written notice given to the lessor on or before April

11  15 of the year in which the initial or any automatic renewal term expires, elect not

12  to exercise its option for the automatic renewal of the lease term. Subject to the

13  agreement of the lessor, a lease in which the final automatic renewal period has

14  expired, or will expire as of the end of the then current term, may be renewed upon

15  the same terms and conditions, provisions of KRS 56.803 to the contrary

16  notwithstanding.

17 (2) The Department for Facilities Management shall comply with the provisions of this

18  subsection when calculating rentable area for the purposes of a lease.

19  (a) If the Commonwealth is the only tenant on a single floor of a multistory

20  building, the rentable area shall be the entire area described by measuring to

21  the inside finished surface of the dominant portion of the permanent outer

22  building walls, excluding any major vertical penetrations of the floor which

23  shall include[,] but not be limited to[,] stairways, elevator shafts, pipe chases,

24  vertical air ducts, and the enclosing wall of all such excluded areas.

25  Restrooms, corridors, and utility rooms which exclusively serve the floor

26  occupied by the Commonwealth shall be included as part of the rentable area.

27  (b) If the Commonwealth is the only tenant in a one (1) story or multistory

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1   building, rentable area shall be calculated pursuant to[ the provisions of]

2   paragraph (a) of this subsection except that those areas excluded pursuant to

3   paragraph (a) of this subsection shall be included as part of the rentable area.

4   (c) If the Commonwealth shares a floor with one (1) or more other tenants, the

5   rentable area shall be calculated by measuring from the inside finished surface

6   of the dominant portion of the permanent outer building walls to the office

7   side of every corridor wall or other wall separating the Commonwealth's

8   leased space from other adjacent rentable areas which shall include, but not be

9   limited to, space under the control of another tenant, public corridors,

10  restrooms, all common service and utility areas, stairways, elevator shafts,

11  vertical pipe chases, and air ducts.

12  (d) The Commonwealth's rentable area determined pursuant to paragraphs (a),

13  (b), and (c) of this subsection shall include columns and projections necessary

14  to the building.

15 (3) The Finance and Administration Cabinet may include in a lease an option to

16  purchase the leased property or a lease-purchase of the leased property.

17 (4) If the Finance and Administration Cabinet exercises an option to purchase leased

18  property, the option price shall not exceed the fair market value of the leased

19  property as of the time the lessor and the Commonwealth enter into the option. Two

20  (2) competent and qualified real property[estate] appraisers shall each determine the

21  fair market value. Each real property[estate] appraiser shall be selected by the

22  Finance and Administration Cabinet and shall employ an accepted appraisal

23  technique.

24 (5) (a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this subsection, if the Finance and

25  Administration Cabinet includes in a lease the lease-purchase of the leased

26  property, two (2) competent and qualified real property[estate] appraisers

27  shall each determine the fair market value of the leased property as of the time

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1   the lessor and the Commonwealth enter into the lease. Each appraiser shall be

2   selected by the Finance and Administration Cabinet and shall employ an

3   accepted appraisal technique. The lease shall provide for an initial lease term

4   ending June 30 of the second year of the then current fiscal biennium of the

5   Commonwealth, with the option of the Commonwealth, as lessee, to extend

6   the term of the lease for a term of two (2) years from the expiration of each

7   extended term of the lease, until the original term of the lease has been

8   extended for a total number of years agreed upon by the parties. The agreed

9   rental paid for the original term and for each of the full number of years for

10  which the term of the lease may be extended shall amortize the fair market

11  value of the leased property as of the time the lessor and the Commonwealth

12  entered into the lease. The lease shall provide that the Commonwealth may, at

13  the expiration of the original or any extended term, purchase the leased

14  property at a stated price, which shall be the balance of the fair market value

15  of the leased property as of the time the lease was entered into which has not

16  been amortized by the payments of rent previously made by the

17  Commonwealth.

18  (b) If the Finance and Administration Cabinet includes lease-purchase of the

19  leased property in a lease with the federal government, the terms of the lease-

20  purchase shall be determined through negotiations between the

21  Commonwealth and the federal government.

22 (6) Except when a lease incorporates a lease-purchase pursuant to subsection (5) of this

23  section, the Commonwealth shall reserve the right to cancel a lease upon written

24  notice within thirty (30) days.

25  Section 30. KRS 56.8175 is amended to read as follows:

26 When a built-to-suit lease is awarded to a firm that owns the land upon which the

27 building shall be built, the Commonwealth shall be granted an option to purchase the

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1 leased buildings, land, and any appurtenant facilities. The option price to be paid shall not

2 exceed its fair market value as of the time the option is exercised as determined by a

3 competent and qualified real property[estate] appraiser, selected by mutual agreement of

4 the parties, employing the reproduction cost new or other accepted appraisal techniques;

5 provided, however, that in no event shall the option price be less than a sum equal to the

6 remaining balance of any mortgage lien encumbering the property and securing the

7 repayment of moneys advanced to the owner for the original construction of the building,

8 plus an amount not to exceed ten percent (10%) of such mortgage balance.

9   Section 31. KRS 56.823 is amended to read as follows:

10 (1) The Finance and Administration Cabinet shall report information on leases and

11  lease modifications awarded pursuant to KRS 43.050, 48.111, and 56.800 to 56.823

12  to the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee as required by this section.

13 (2) Any lease awarded pursuant to KRS 56.803, including all lease renewals except

14  automatic renewals permitted under KRS 56.806(1), for which the annual rental

15  cost will exceed one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) shall be reported to the

16  Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee after a proposed lease is arrived at

17  but before execution. The report shall include:

18  (a) The name of the agency that will occupy the premises;

19  (b) The name of the lessor;

20  (c) The terms of the lease;

21  (d) The reason for the lease;

22  (e) A copy of the writing required by KRS 56.803(17);

23  (f) A statement as to whether the Finance and Administration Cabinet complied

24  with the requirements established in KRS 43.050, 48.111, and 56.800 to

25  56.823. If the cabinet has not complied with any requirement, the cabinet shall

26  explain why;

27  (g) An explanation of why the Finance and Administration Cabinet chose this

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1   lessor over his competition; and

2   (h) A cost comparison between the cost per square foot of the leased space and

3   the average cost per square foot of comparable space the state leases in the

4   same county. If there are factors which make the comparison misleading, the

5   cabinet shall inform the committee of these factors.

6 (3) Any lease that incorporates a lease-purchase pursuant to KRS 56.806(5) shall be

7   reported to the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee after a proposed

8   lease is arrived at but before execution.

9   (a) If a lease is awarded pursuant to KRS 56.803, the report shall include the:

10  1. Fair market value of the property as of the time the lessor and the

11  Commonwealth entered into the lease;

12  2. Name and qualifications of each of the two (2) real property[estate]

13  appraisers who determined the fair market value;

14  3. Appraisal technique each appraiser employed; and

15  4. Information required by subsection (2) of this section.

16  (b) 1. Except as provided in subparagraph 2. of this paragraph, if a lease is

17  awarded pursuant to KRS 56.805(2), the report shall include the:

18  a. Fair market value of the property at the time the lessor and the

19                   Commonwealth entered into the lease;

20  b. Name and qualifications of each of the two (2) real

21                   property[estate] appraisers who determined the fair market value;

22  c. Appraisal technique each appraiser employed;

23  d. Information required by[ paragraphs] subsection (2)(a), (b), (c),

24                   (d), (f), (g), and (h)[ of subsection (2)] of this section; and

25  e. Procedure the department followed to obtain the lease.

26  2. If the federal government is the lessor, the report shall include the

27  substance of the lease-purchase.

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1 (4) Any lease awarded pursuant to KRS 56.805(2), including all lease renewals except

2   automatic renewals permitted under KRS 56.806(1), for which the annual rental

3   cost will exceed one hundred thousand dollars ($100,000) shall be reported to the

4   Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee after a proposed lease is arrived at

5   but before execution. The report shall state the information required by[ paragraphs]

6   subsection (2)(a), (b), (c), (d), (f), (g), and (h)[ of subsection (2)] of this section and

7   the procedure the department followed to obtain the lease. The report shall also

8   include a copy of the writing required by KRS 56.805(2).

9 (5) Any lease awarded as the result of an emergency described at KRS 56.805(3) shall

10  be reported to the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee within thirty

11  (30) days after execution. The report shall include a copy of the certificate or the

12  certificate and the Governor's authorization, as appropriate, kept on file pursuant to

13  KRS 56.805(4) and shall further state:

14  (a) The information required by[ paragraphs] subsection (2)(a), (b), (f), (g), and

15  (h)[ of subsection (2)] of this section;

16  (b) The terms of lease before and after the emergency; and

17  (c) The procedure the department followed after the emergency to obtain a lease.

18 (6) Any built-to-suit lease awarded pursuant to KRS 56.8169 shall be reported to the

19  Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee after a proposed lease is arrived at

20  but before execution. The report shall state the information required by[ paragraphs]

21  subsection (2)(a), (b), (c), (d), (f), (g), and (h)[ of subsection (2)] of this section.

22  The report shall also include:

23  (a) The written finding and Governor's approval required by KRS 56.8161;

24  (b) The selection committee's ranking of firms required by KRS 56.8169(15)(a);

25  (c) The written reason for requesting best-and-final offers, if best-and-final offers

26  are requested, made pursuant to KRS 56.8169(16)(b);

27  (d) The selection committee's selection of the best best-and-final offer, if best-

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1   and-final offers are requested, made pursuant to KRS 56.8169(16)(d);

2   (e) The certificates signed pursuant to KRS 56.8171(2); and

3   (f) The report prepared by the employee of the Auditor of Public Accounts

4   pursuant to KRS 56.8171(3).

5 (7) If the Finance and Administration Cabinet decides to exercise an option to purchase

6   pursuant to KRS 56.806(4), the cabinet shall report to the Capital Projects and Bond

7   Oversight Committee after the decision is reached but before the purchase occurs.

8   The report shall include the:

9   (a) Fair market value of the property;

10  (b) Option price;

11  (c) Name and qualifications of each of the two (2) real property[estate] appraisers

12  who set the fair market value;

13  (d) Appraisal technique each appraiser employed; and

14  (e) Rent paid by the Commonwealth prior to the exercise of the option.

15 (8) (a) When, pursuant to KRS 56.806(5)(a), the Finance and Administration Cabinet

16  attempts to complete a lease-purchase through lease payments totally

17  amortizing the fair market value of the leased property as of the time the

18  lessor and the Commonwealth entered into the lease, the cabinet shall report

19  to the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee no more than ninety

20  (90) days before the final lease payment. The report shall include the:

21  1. Fair market value of the property at the time the lessor and the

22  Commonwealth entered into the lease;

23  2. Name and qualifications of each of the two (2) real property[estate]

24  appraisers who set the fair market value;

25  3. Appraisal technique each appraiser employed; and

26  4. Rent paid by the Commonwealth toward the purchase.

27  (b) When, pursuant to KRS 56.806(5)(b), the Finance and Administration Cabinet

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1   attempts to complete a lease-purchase, the cabinet shall report to the Capital

2   Projects and Bond Oversight Committee no more than ninety (90) days before

3   the final lease payment. The report shall include the terms of the lease

4   purchase.

5 (9) When, pursuant to KRS 56.806(5), the Finance and Administration Cabinet decides

6   to attempt to complete a lease-purchase prior to the total amortization, through lease

7   payments, of the fair market value of the leased property as of the time the lessor

8   and the Commonwealth entered into the lease, the cabinet shall report to the Capital

9   Projects and Bond Oversight Committee after the decision is reached but before the

10  purchase occurs. The report shall state the information required by[ paragraph (a) or

11  (b) of] subsection (8)(a) or (b) of this section as appropriate. The report shall also

12  include the sum of money that must be paid in addition to rent paid, in order to

13  complete the purchase.

14 (10) If the Finance and Administration Cabinet, pursuant to KRS 56.806(5), includes in

15  a lease the lease-purchase of the leased property and thereafter becomes aware that

16  a purchase will not be achieved, within thirty (30) days after the cabinet becomes

17  aware, it shall notify the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee of the

18  circumstances preventing the purchase.

19 (11) (a) Except in the case of an emergency as provided in paragraph (b) of this

20  subsection, any modification to an existing lease, made pursuant to KRS

21  56.813, that is less than fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) shall be reported to

22  the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee within thirty (30) days

23  after execution, and any modification to an existing lease, made pursuant to

24  KRS 56.813, that is fifty thousand dollars ($50,000) or more shall be reported

25  to the Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee before execution. In

26  either case, the report shall consist of:

27  1. The terms of the lease before and after modification;

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1   2. The reason for the modification;

2   3. The name of the lessor;

3   4. Any comments received from the public pursuant to KRS 56.813(4);

4   and

5   5. A statement as to whether the Finance and Administration Cabinet

6   complied with the requirements in KRS 56.813. If the cabinet has not

7   complied with any requirement, the cabinet shall explain why.

8   (b) Any modification to an existing lease which is required because of an

9   emergency as described at KRS 56.805(3) shall be reported to the Capital

10  Projects and Bond Oversight Committee within thirty (30) days after

11  execution. The report shall include a copy of the certificate or the certificate

12  and the Governor's authorization, as appropriate, kept on file pursuant to KRS

13  56.805(4) and shall further state:

14  1. The terms of the lease before and after modification;

15  2. The name of the lessor;

16  3. Any comments received from the public pursuant to KRS 56.813(4);

17  and

18  4. A statement that the Finance and Administration Cabinet complied with

19  the requirements in KRS 56.805(3) and (4) and in KRS 56.813. If the

20  cabinet has not complied with any requirement, the cabinet shall explain

21  why.

22 (12) Before beginning work on any improvements, renovations, or refitting of a leased

23  building under the provisions of KRS 56.813(2)(d), the cabinet shall report to the

24  Capital Projects and Bond Oversight Committee:

25  (a) A description of the project;

26  (b) Identification of the agency or agencies for which the improvements,

27  renovations, or refitting are being performed;

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1   (c) An estimate of the total cost of the project;

2   (d) The source of funds for the project; and

3   (e) All the information required by KRS 45.793.

4   Section 32. KRS 99.830 is amended to read as follows:

5 (1) If no feasible final plan can be developed for rehabilitation of the building in order

6   to bring it into compliance with all applicable housing, building, and nuisance code

7   requirements at a reasonable cost in relation to the present value of the building

8   without consideration of the value of the land on which the building is located, the

9   conservator may submit a plan for demolition and removal of the building and all

10  debris from the property to the court and all parties in interest.

11 (2) The present value of the building in relation to the estimate for costs of

12  rehabilitation of the building in order to bring it into compliance with all applicable

13  housing, building, and nuisance code requirements may be established by evidence

14  of three (3) affidavits prepared by real property[estate] appraisers, qualified

15  building contractors, or qualified building inspectors.

16 (3) A plan for demolition shall require a reasonable effort to be made to salvage

17  reusable materials for credit against the cost of demolition. The proceeds of any

18  moneys received from the sale of salvaged materials shall be used or applied

19  against the cost of demolition and removal of the building and all debris from the

20  property. Proper records shall be kept showing application of sales proceeds. Any

21  sale of salvaged materials may be made without the necessity of public

22  advertisement.

23 (4) Any party in interest shall be allowed to comment on or request a hearing on a plan

24  for demolition within thirty (30) days of receipt of the plan for demolition by

25  certified or registered mail.

26 (5) Upon demolition and removal of the building and all debris from the property, the

27  conservator shall submit to the court and all parties in interest a full accounting of

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1   all actions taken, all income and expenditures received or incurred, and an estimate

2   of the conservator's fee.

3 (6) The conservator may then petition the court for authorization to terminate the

4   conservatorship through either a public or private sale.

5   Section 33. KRS 99.835 is amended to read as follows:

6 (1) Upon application of the conservator, the court may order the sale of the property

7   free and clear of all existing liens, claims, and encumbrances subject to the approval

8   and supervision of the court by private sale pursuant to a written contract of sale

9   between the conservator and prospective purchaser, by public auction, or by any

10  other method that the court determines is fair to the owner of the property and all

11  parties in interest, is reasonable under the circumstances, and will maximize the

12  return from the property to the conservatorship estate.

13 (2) Before entering an order authorizing the sale of the property by the conservator, the

14  court may require that the conservator provide evidence of the value of the property

15  by affidavit of three (3) real property[estate] appraisers or by any other evidence

16  that the court determines is appropriate.

17 (3) If the conservator has received a specific offer for sale that the conservator desires

18  to accept, the conservator shall provide to the court the identity of the buyer and the

19  proposed terms of the sale. If the conservator has not received a specific offer for

20  sale that the conservator desires to accept, the conservator shall provide to the court

21  the proposed procedures for conduct of the sale.

22 (4) Any sale of the property shall be made subject to the approval and supervision of

23  the court only after all of the following occur:

24  (a) The court finds the conditions that were the grounds for the petition have been

25  abated or corrected by the conservator and the owner has not successfully

26  petitioned to terminate the conservatorship as set out in KRS 99.845;

27  (b) Notice of the proposed sale and an opportunity for a hearing at which all

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1   parties in interest may be heard is given in accordance with the Kentucky

2   Rules of Civil Procedure, provided that if no party objects to the proposed sale

3   or requests a hearing within thirty (30) days, the court may proceed without a

4   hearing; and

5   (c) The court issues an order of sale that sets forth the required procedures for or

6   terms of the sale.

7 (5) If the proposed sale is by public auction or any other method other than a private

8   sale approved by the court, the conservator shall conduct and promote the sale in a

9   manner anticipated to raise the highest and best sale price.

10 (6) If the proposed sale is pursuant to a specific offer the conservator desires to accept,

11  the court may finally approve the sale and no separate confirmation order is

12  required. If the proposed sale is by public auction or any method other than a

13  private sale approved by the court, the conservator shall seek an order approving the

14  sale process and confirming the sale within ten (10) days of the date of the sale.

15 (7) Notwithstanding any provision of[to] KRS Chapter 134 to the contrary, any holder

16  of a local government lien may by written agreement waive or release all or a

17  portion of its lien priority upon sale of a property subject to the lien in accordance

18  with KRS 99.780 to 99.855.

19  Section 34. In accordance with Section 3 of this Act:

20  (1) Upon the effective date of this Act, the Real Property Appraisers Board shall

21 retain the current members of the Real Estate Appraisers Board to fulfill their current

22 terms. Upon the expiration of these terms, the Governor shall appoint their successors to

23 the Real Property Appraisers Board under Section 3 of this Act. This subsection shall not

24 prohibit a member from serving a second consecutive term; and

25  (2) Within one year after the effective date of this Act, the Governor shall

26 appoint the two additional members of the board.

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