HB2023 Summary

• Amends the Real Estate License Act of 2000 to allow the Department to impose fines up to $25,000 for each violation, expanding disciplinary authority beyond license revocation or suspension.

• Clarifies conviction-based discipline grounds to include pleas of guilty or nolo contendere, findings of guilt, jury verdicts, and judgments for felonies or misdemeanors involving dishonesty or crimes directly related to real estate practice.

• Adds new Section 20-78 establishing confidentiality protections for Department investigations and complaints, with exceptions for law enforcement, regulatory agencies, and lawful subpoenas, while keeping formal complaints and orders public records.

• Expands grounds for discipline to include habitual or excessive use of alcohol, narcotics, or drugs affecting ability to practice safely (ground 42) and failure to provide minimum services under exclusive brokerage agreements (ground 41).