I am pleased to announce to you that HB-1500 passed the full Senate by a vote of 33-1. The only Nay vote was a banker from West Arkansas.

The bill now goes to the Governor for his signature. If you have the time, a short note to the Governor asking that he promptly sign it would be in order. I'll send you all a copy and post it on the  web site, as soon as it is signed.

I want to thank the following who worked hard here in Little Rock for passage of this legislation; it has been a 2 ½ year effort;

Charles Johnson, Pres. for 2008-2009 of the Arkansas Appraisers Assn.
Tim Grooms, legal counsel for the Arkansas Realtors Assn.
Jim Martin, Exec. Sec. - Arkansas Appraisers Licensing & Certification Board
Bob Balhorn, CAE of Balhorn & Associates, who was our paid lobbyist

No other organization made an affirmative effort to support appraiser independence here in Arkansas. This is the only help that we got besides ourselves, meaning the membership of the Arkansas Appraisers Association.

Next, as to HB 1694, it had to be completely re-written because of technical matters. It deals with bringing appraisal management companies under the supervision of the Appraiser Board. I have found it to be very good for the practicing appraiser and am committed to supporting it with all our resources when it finally gets to a committee, which will be within the next few days. This bill is being supported by the Appraiser Licensing Board and the Appraisal Institute Chapter. We, the AAA have agreed to help and the Arkansas Realtors have agreed not to oppose it.

Finally, I want to thank all of you who contacted your Senators and Representatives, you made my job a lot easier. Please don't forget to keep the pressure up for HB-1694, this will be of great benefit to residential appraisers now, but more and more commercial work may come by way of commercial appraisal management companies in the future.

Tom Ferstl
Executive Secretary
Arkansas Appraisers Association