California appraisal bureau outlines bias reforms, outreach after Fair Appraisal Act

The Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers told a joint Assembly and Senate sunset hearing that it has adopted training, outreach and complaint-tracking measures required by AB 948 (the Fair Appraisal Act) and is preparing to handle additional appraisal complaints tied to recent California wildfires.

The bureau’s work, Bureau and Department of Consumer Affairs officials said, includes a revised complaint form, demographic tracking of appraisal complaints, required courses in cultural competency and elimination of bias for license renewals, and new entry pathways to reduce barriers to the appraisal profession. Kimberly Kirkmire, director at the Department of Consumer Affairs, introduced bureau chief Angela Jamont, who described national and state-level work to identify and reduce racial and ethnic bias in home valuations.

Jamont told the committees she led a statewide educational symposium for appraisal course providers after AB 948 took effect and cited participation by more than 100 attendees from eight states. She described changes to regulations to allow practical experience credits through practicum programs (PREA) and said the bureau signed a memorandum of…