AL HB225

Amends Alabama Code sections governing real estate professionals and companies to establish new requirements for training, qualifications, and licensure of real estate companies, brokers, and salespersons.

Implements two-part broker and salesperson licensing courses: a 60-hour "basics" course followed by passage of examination, then a 60-hour "professional development" course within 90 days, replacing previous requirements.

Increases maximum disciplinary fines for schools, administrators, and instructors from $2,500 to $5,000 per violation and adds requirements for performance improvement plans when exam passage rates fall below 40 percent for six months.

Establishes continuing education requirements for prelicense instructors and creates provisions for inactive license status with reduced requirements, including fees not to exceed $50 to activate inactive licenses.

Adds background check requirements using state and federal criminal history records to determine applicant qualifications and fitness for real estate licensure, with applicants bearing the cost.