HB 182 Summary

• Creates a State Board of Home Inspectors consisting of 5 members (3 licensed home inspectors including 1 HUD-certified inspector, 1 professional engineer, 1 public member) appointed by the Governor to regulate home inspection practice in Delaware.

• Requires home inspectors to be licensed and meet qualifications including high school completion, passage of a standardized written examination, required training and experience, no disqualifying criminal history, and no substance abuse impairment.

• Establishes "home inspector trainee" registration for individuals working under direct supervision of licensed inspectors, with licensed inspectors retaining full responsibility for all inspection reports.

• Allows temporary licensing for out-of-state home inspectors and reciprocal licensing for those licensed in states with substantially similar standards, with a 5-year practice requirement for applicants from states with different standards.

• Permits grandfathering of practitioners engaged in home inspection for at least 5 years and 100+ inspections prior to the Act's effective date without needing to satisfy specific examination and educational requirements.

• Establishes disciplinary procedures including reprimands, probation, license suspension/revocation, and monetary penalties up to $1,000 per violation for violations such as fraud, incompetent practice, substance abuse, and criminal convictions substantially related to home inspection.

• Becomes effective 24 months from enactment.