MO HB1291

Creates Missouri Home Inspectors Board consisting of five members (four licensed home inspectors and one public member) appointed by the governor to regulate home inspector licensing and conduct.

Requires all home inspectors performing inspections for compensation to obtain a state license; exempts property owners inspecting their own property, government employees, persons inspecting two or fewer building systems, real estate professionals, FHA inspectors, and insurance company employees.

Establishes licensure requirements including 80 hours of board-approved training, passage of a board examination, good moral character, and compliance with background check standards; allows apprenticeship pathway with 50 supervised inspections.

Prohibits contingent fee arrangements where inspection findings depend on predetermined outcomes and establishes disciplinary procedures including censure, probation, suspension, or revocation for violations such as fraud, incompetence, or professional misconduct.

Limits civil lawsuits against home inspectors to one year after inspection report; establishes class B misdemeanor penalties for unlicensed practice; becomes effective January 1, 2014.