HB2397 Summary

• Eliminates the associate auctioneer license category; all existing associate auctioneers are automatically converted to full auctioneer licenses without application or fees upon the bill's effective date.

• Consolidates three separate auction-related funds (Auction Regulation Administration Fund, Auction Education Fund, and Auction Recovery Fund) into the General Professions Dedicated Fund, with all fees and penalties deposited there for Department expenses.

• Grants the Department authority to investigate applicants and persons offering auction services, and allows the Secretary to issue disciplinary orders that contradict Advisory Board recommendations.

• Authorizes the Department to contract with third parties for administration services and establishes "address of record" as the official designated address maintained by the Department for licensees and applicants.

• Expands disciplinary grounds to include inability to practice due to physical or mental health conditions, habitual substance abuse, and failure to report child abuse, with detailed procedures for hearings and Board recommendations to the Secretary.