HB495 Summary

• Increases examination fee for auctioneer and apprentice auctioneer licenses from $100 to $150, and establishes single-use auction licenses available once per calendar year to nonresident auctioneers or out-of-state auction companies.

• Establishes inactive status for licensed auctioneers in good standing, with restoration requiring proof of continuing education compliance, and prohibits reciprocal licensing of apprentice auctioneers from other states.

• Expands disciplinary grounds to include 18 specific violations and authorizes the board to employ an investigator, issue complaints, and hold hearings under the Alabama Administrative Procedure Act; increases administrative fine range to $200-$1,500 per violation.

• Adds accountability requirement making each board member answerable to the Governor for proper performance of duties, with authority for removal for misfeasance, malfeasance, neglect of duty, or failure to attend four consecutive meetings.

• Modifies board composition and meeting requirements, specifying that a majority vote of a quorum of eligible board members is required for action, and repeals the requirement to maintain a register of applicants.