Committee backs tailored refresher course for licensees returning from inactive status

The Broker Responsibility Advisory Committee agreed it should develop a targeted refresher course for licensees seeking to return from inactive to active status. Members argued that a narrowly tailored course — covering broker responsibility, buyer/seller representation, contracts and recent form changes — would bring inactive license holders up to speed more reliably than simply increasing elective hours.

“There's so much that happens in the course of two years,” educator Marian said, urging that returning licensees be trained on recent changes and practical skills rather than only accumulating elective credit. Staff noted that the statute currently requires licensees to complete required continuing education during the two years preceding reactivation and that some changes (such as setting limits on how long a license may remain inactive) would require statutory amendment while specifying required CE content could be addressed in rule. The committee formed a four‑person working group (Marian, Reena, the chair and Ashley) to draft a short list of topics for the refresher course and to present suggested curriculum items for the July meeting.

Committee members debated whether a 'stairstep' model that increases CE requirements with longer inactive periods is necessary; some urged caution about over‑regulation while others noted significant practical gaps for people returning after multiple years. The working group will identify recent regulatory and form changes to prioritize – representation agreements, contracts, compensation and broker responsibility were repeatedly mentioned – and staff will advise whether a rule or statutory approach is required for each recommendation.