Legislative Update

Senate Bill 140 and Senate Bill 141 (SB) were submitted to the Legislature on behalf of the Agency. Both, if passed, will modify ORS chapter 696. SB 140 passed out of the Business and Transportation Committee on February 23. If the vote is successful in the Senate, it will move to the House of Representatives. SB 141 passed out of the Senate on February 24. It will now move on to the House for committee hearings.

SB 140 and SB 141 are the result of collaboration with the rule review work groups convened last year. The bills can be viewed here and here.

The Agency is also following approximately 40 other bills “of interest” this legislative session. A bill is tracked if it could affect professional real estate activity in this state or administrative operations of the Agency.

Agency Proposed Budget

The first hearing on the Agency’s proposed budget for 2009-2011 was held on February 10. The work session is planned for mid-March.

Licensing Forms Are Changing

Due to the rule changes effective January 1, all of the Real Estate Agency licensing forms have been updated. Please take this opportunity to purge outdated copies of forms in your office. The most current versions can be found on our website. Make sure that your forms are complete and accurate before submitting them to the Agency, or processing may be delayed. If you have any questions, please contact the Licensing Division at 503-378-4170, selection 2.

Agency Celebrating 90 Years of License Law

On February 14, 1919, the Oregon Legislature passed the first effective real estate license law in the nation. On February 13, 2009, the Agency held a party commemorating the 90th anniversary of that bill. Current board members, former commissioners, and industry representatives were invited to view a video presentation, the unveiling of the gallery of Real Estate Commissioner photos, and a display of previously issued licenses going back to 1919.

The Agency will continue the celebration by contributing to a display at the capitol in March in conjunction with the festivities surrounding Oregon's 150th birthday.

In This Issue

• Legislative Update
• Agency Budget
• Licensing Forms
• Agency Celebration

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1177 Center ST NE Salem, OR 97301 (503)378-4170

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