The advisory board assigned a small work group to review questions about the associate auctioneer classification, including whether time limits or other clarifications are needed under current statute and rule.

Natalie Dietz raised concerns about whether associate auctioneers must be employed by an auctioneer or house, whether there are limits on how long someone may serve as an associate without taking the exam, and how enforcement and licensing requirements apply if an associate’s license expires. The board decided, without substantive deliberation of the issue in the full meeting, to form a work group to research the program and return recommendations.

Dietz volunteered to serve on the work group and the presiding officer volunteered to join her. TDLR staff explained work groups are staff‑led: agency staff will convene the group, provide resources, and avoid creating a walking quorum; the work group will report back to the full advisory board at a future meeting.

Why it matters: associate‑auctioneer status affects entry pathways to practice, continuing‑education obligations and potential enforcement outcomes when licensing status changes. Board members noted a small candidate universe for an auction‑school representative and the importance of clarifying distinctions between auction schools and CE providers during implementation of legislative changes.

Next steps: agency staff will contact Dietz and the presiding officer to schedule work group meetings and will place the topic on a future advisory‑board agenda for a full discussion and any recommendations the work group develops.