S.B. 14 Summary

• Creates the Ohio Home Inspector Board with five members to regulate home inspector licensure and establish standards of practice for home inspections in Ohio.

• Requires home inspectors to obtain a license from the superintendent of real estate and professional licensing, with applicants needing to pass an approved exam, complete 40 hours of education, and gain 40 hours of field experience or complete 10 parallel inspections.

• Mandates licensed home inspectors maintain liability insurance with minimum coverage of $100,000 per occurrence and $300,000 aggregate, and complete at least 6 hours of continuing education annually.

• Establishes disciplinary procedures allowing the superintendent to investigate complaints and the board to impose penalties including reprimands, fines up to $1,000, suspension, or revocation of licenses for violations.

• Includes a two-year statute of limitations for civil actions against home inspectors and creates a transitional licensing period allowing existing home inspectors with documented experience to obtain licenses without meeting the full education and experience requirements.