CA SB774

Extends the sunset date for legislative review of the Department of Real Estate and Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers from January 1, 2026 to January 1, 2030, and extends Bureau of Automotive Repair citation nondisclosure provisions from July 1, 2026 to January 1, 2028

Establishes comprehensive Recovery Account procedures for the Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers, allowing aggrieved persons to file claims for payment (up to $50,000 per transaction, $250,000 per licensee) based on final judgments involving fraud, misrepresentation, or deceit by licensed appraisers

Requires automatic license suspension upon Recovery Account payment when fraud is proven by clear and convincing evidence, with no reinstatement until full repayment plus interest; applies same standard to Department of Real Estate Consumer Recovery Account claims

Mandates the Bureau of Real Estate Appraisers to conduct a study on mandatory licensing for real estate appraisers and report findings to the Legislature by December 31, 2028, including recommendations for types of appraisals to regulate and implementation plans

Requires fingerprint-based criminal history checks for real estate license applicants and licensees through the Department of Justice, protects licensee email addresses from public records disclosure, and adds military experience tracking requirements for license applications