(JUNEAU) - The Alaska House of Representatives passed House Bill 9 by a vote of 24 to 11 today. Sponsored by Representative Norman Rokeberg (R-Anchorage), HB 9 requires home inspectors to register with the state.

"Currently anyone can call himself a home inspector without any level of competency or level of training," Rokeberg said. "This bill promotes consumer protection as well as commerce."

HB 9 establishes registration requirements, identification requirements, bonding, insurance, and proof of competency for the inspectors. They must also provide consumers with a written and signed inspection report. HB 9 also sets a limit on how long home inspectors are held liable for an inspection. Rokeberg said all other aspects of real estate in Alaska have standards for regulation and home inspectors should be no exception.

"This bill protects the needs of the consumers of this state by raising the level of confidence in home inspections," Rokeberg said. "It also allows the home inspector to have a certain amount of protection to conduct business with no additional cost to the public."

HB 9 moves to the Senate.

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02-26-03: House Rules Chair Rep. Norman Rokeberg explains why Alaska needs to require home inspector registration and set standards for home inspectors.

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