Legislation Would Disqualify Sex Offenders from Holding Real Estate Appraisers License & Protect Families from Unknowingly Giving Sex Offenders Access to their Homes

     Senator Charles J. Fuschillo, Jr. (R-Merrick) announced that the New York State Senate passed legislation he sponsored to disqualify all convicted sex offenders from obtaining or holding a real estate appraisal license. The legislation is designed to prevent sex offenders from gaining entry into people’s homes.

     “No family would knowingly invite a sex offender into their home and give them full access to every room in the house. That’s exactly the type of access a real estate appraiser has when they are performing their duties,” said Senator Fuschillo. “Disqualifying sex offenders from holding a real estate appraiser’s license would better protect families from unknowingly giving a convicted sex offender access to their home.”

     Real estate appraisers inspect every room in a house, including children’s bedrooms and playrooms, when performing their duties. While these individuals must be licensed, there is nothing in current law disqualifying sex offenders from holding a real estate appraiser’s license.

     Senator Fuschillo’s legislation (S597A) would prohibit all convicted sex offenders from obtaining or holding a real estate appraiser’s license. Any individual who holds a real estate appraiser’s license and is convicted of a sex offense would be required to notify the Department of State within five days of being sentenced.

     The legislation builds upon an existing law authored by Senator Fuschillo which prevents all convicted sex offenders from obtaining or holding a real estate license.

     The legislation has been sent to the Assembly.