Summary#
S-10716 would amend New York’s Executive Law by adding a requirement for the Department of State to create free, public, state-run courses. The stated goal is to prepare people to become state-certified real estate appraisers, state-licensed real estate appraisers, or state-licensed real estate appraiser assistants. The bill is introduced and is not law; if enacted, it would take effect January 1, 2028.
- The Department of State must create the courses.
- When necessary, the department must work with all SUNY and CUNY community colleges to develop appropriate courses.
- The courses must be free and open to the public. The bill does not say that taking or completing them grants a licence or certification.
What it means for you#
- People seeking these credentials: You would have free public courses intended to help prepare you. The bill does not say who may enrol, how courses would be delivered, or whether they would meet every licensing or certification requirement.
- Department of State: It would have to create the courses and, when necessary, work with all SUNY and CUNY community colleges on their development.
- SUNY and CUNY community colleges: They may be involved in developing courses if the department finds that necessary. The bill does not require every college to offer them.
- Current appraisers, property owners and other members of the public: The bill does not directly change appraisal rules, licences already held, or real estate transactions.
Money#
The bill requires the Department of State to create courses, but no cost estimate is available.
- It does not specify course funding, staffing levels, or whether existing funds would be used.
- It does not require a specific payment from students or colleges; the courses must be free to the public.
- No publicly available information.
What is unclear#
- The bill does not set course content, length, format, location, enrolment rules, or completion standards.
- It does not explain how the courses would relate to existing licensing and certification requirements. No publicly available information.
- It does not say how the department would decide whether collaboration with SUNY and CUNY community colleges is necessary.
- It does not provide a funding source, cost estimate, or oversight and reporting requirements.
Case for#
- The bill appears intended to make preparation for appraisal credentials free and publicly available.
- A possible argument for the bill is that state-run courses could offer a shared preparation option for people seeking different appraisal credentials.
- Requiring the department to work with SUNY and CUNY community colleges when necessary could draw on their role in developing courses.
Case against#
- One concern is that the bill requires courses but leaves their content, access rules, and relationship to credential requirements unsettled.
- The bill does not provide funding or a cost estimate, even though the department must create courses.
- It is unclear whether the courses would be available in locations and formats that work for people across the state.