News from the House Majority
Alaska State Legislature

Jerry Ritter, House Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801-1182
Phone: 907/465-3804
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Broadcast Actualities: 800/478-6540

House Unanimously Passes Real Estate Licensing Changes

Bill Gives State Regulatory Power Over Association Managers

For Immediate Release: March 2, 1998 Contact: Rep. Norman Rokeberg at (907) 465-4968.

Juneau -- The Alaska Real Estate Commission would have the power to license professional real estate community association managers under the Committee Substitute for House Bill 33, which passed the House Monday on a 36-0 vote.

The measure makes other changes to Alaska real estate law. Among those changes is a prohibition against unlicensed activity by so-called "marketing kickback" corporations. It also clarifies that the property disclosure statement for every residential real estate sale will include a notice on the availability of information regarding sex offenders in the neighborhood.

"This bill is an outstanding example of cooperation among the Legislature, the Administration, and the regulated community to enhance consumer protection laws," said Representative Norman Rokeberg (R-Anchorage), sponsor of the legislation. "It came about after we learned in 1996 that an unlicensed individual had been charged with embezzling $570-thousand from 18 separate community associations. As it stands now, the state has no regulatory authority over condominium or townhouse association managers and the funds they collect for the benefit of their members," Rokeberg said.

The bill would regulate professional managers, but allows for self-management and resident-owner management without oversight.

"This bill brings needed clarity to the law and allows the real estate industry to meet the challenges of the technology-driven 21st Century business environment," Rokeberg said. "This legislation is a major benefit to commerce in Alaska and to the people of Alaska."

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