Alaska State Legislature
News from the House Majority

Jerry Ritter, House Majority Press Secretary
State Capitol
Juneau, AK 99801
Phone: (907) 465-3804
web site: http://www.akrepublicans.org
Actuality line: 1-800-478-6540

Senate Approves Real Estate Licensing Reforms

Bill Protects Consumers, Provides Oversight for Community Association Managers

For Immediate Release: April 27, 1998 Contact: Rep. Norman Rokeberg at (907) 465-4968.

Juneau -- The Alaska Senate Monday passed House Bill 33, which reforms Alaska real estate law, including a provision to give the Alaska Real Estate Commission the power to license community association managers and to provide enhanced consumer protection. HB 33 also prohibits unlicensed activity by so-called "marketing kickback" corporations. It 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 came about after we learned in 1996 that an unlicensed individual had been charged with embezzling $570-thousand from 18 separate community associations," said Representative Norman Rokeberg (R-Anchorage), sponsor of the legislation. "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.

While the bill would regulate professional managers, it allows for self-management and resident-owner management without oversight.

"This legislation is a major benefit to commerce in Alaska and to the people of Alaska," Rokeberg said. "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." "As passed this bill is an outstanding example of cooperation among the Legislature, the Administration, and the regulated community to enhance consumer protection laws," Rokeberg said

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 = Norman Rokeberg, 99 K

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