TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING

REAL ESTATE BOARD

Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Real Estate Board intends to consider amending 18VAC135-50, Fair Housing Regulations. The purpose of the proposed action is to undertake a general review of the regulation in accordance with the regulatory reduction goal of Executive Directive Number One (2022). The regulation provides the board's interpretation of the coverage of the Virginia Fair Housing Law (§ 36-96.1 et seq. of the Code of Virginia) regarding discrimination related to the sale or rental of dwellings, the related provision of services, the availability of residential real estate-related transactions, or any other discriminatory conduct prohibited by the Virginia Fair Housing Law. The regulation also provides for the investigation and conciliation of complaints regarding violations of the Virginia Fair Housing Law. The goals of the action include (i) reviewing discretionary requirements imposed on regulated parties to determine whether such requirements impose burdens that are not necessary to protect the public health, safety, and welfare or are not necessary to effectively administer the licensure program; (ii) ensuring the regulation conforms to current Virginia law and meets applicable federal requirements, is organized, clear, and understandable, and provides minimal burdens on regulants while still protecting the public; and (iii) ensuring the regulation reflects current Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation procedures and policies, along with any other changes determined to be necessary and appropriate.

The agency intends to hold a public hearing on the proposed action after publication in the Virginia Register.

Statutory Authority: §§ 36-96.8 and 54.1-2105 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: June 19, 2024.

Agency Contact: Anika Coleman, Executive Director, Real Estate Board, 9960 Mayland Drive, Suite 400, Richmond, VA 23233, telephone (804) 367-8552, FAX (866) 826-8863, or email reboard@dpor.virginia.gov.