California appraisal bureau highlights bias reforms, disaster outreach and funding strains

The Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers told a joint Assembly and Senate oversight hearing on Tuesday that it has implemented state and federal measures intended to reduce racial and ethnic bias in home valuations, expand pathways into the appraisal profession and provide consumer guidance for homeowners affected by recent Southern California wildfires.

The hearing is part of a scheduled sunset review that will determine whether the bureau’s statutory authority should be extended beyond its January 1, 2026 expiration. Kimberly Kirchmeyer, director of the Department of Consumer Affairs, and Angela Jamont, bureau chief of the Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers, testified about steps the bureau has taken since its last review.

The bureau said it implemented key requirements of AB 948 (the Fair Appraisal Act), which took effect for sales contracts after July 1, 2022, and requires a buyer notice about the right to an unbiased appraisal and new complaint-tracking and demographic reporting. “This report was finalized and submitted to the legislature on 11/21/2024,” Kirchmeyer said. Jamont described training and regulation changes the bureau has adopted to address appraisal bias and to broaden entry into the profession.

Why it matters: appraisal outcomes feed into mortgage lending and therefore…