TITLE 18. PROFESSIONAL AND OCCUPATIONAL LICENSING

FAIR HOUSING BOARD

Notice of Intended Regulatory Action

Notice is hereby given in accordance with § 2.2-4007.01 of the Code of Virginia that the Fair Housing Board intends to consider amending 18VAC62-20, Fair Housing Certification 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 for the education-based certification of persons subject to the Virginia Fair Housing Law (§ 36-96.1 of the Code of Virginia) who are in the business of selling or renting dwellings, except for those individuals who are licensed by the Real Estate Board. The regulation also provides for the approval of proprietary schools and fair housing courses. 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: § 54.1-2344 of the Code of Virginia.

Public Comment Deadline: August 14, 2024.

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