Ohio REALTORS Testify in Support of Home Inspector Licensure
By Andrew Huffman, VP of Legislative Affairs
Ohio REALTORS® is leading the charge to defend against efforts to eliminate the home inspector license. Ohio REALTORS® Legislative Steering Committee Chair Jason Kunkel testified this week on House Bill 59 (HB 59) before the Ohio House General Government Committee, which is charged with reviewing the licensing requirements of Ohio’s Home Inspector Board.
Kunkel stressed the importance of how the home inspector license protects Ohio’s homebuyers and sellers, saying:
Homeownership is often the most expensive investment a person makes, and the home inspection process is a critical component in these residential real estate transactions. It is often the final factor in a consumer’s decision to purchase a property, and the inspection report is essential to their understanding of the value and condition of a home.
Ohio REALTORS® spearheaded the effort to establish a home inspector licensure system with the passage of SB 255 in 2019. Since that time, the home inspector license has provided consumers with the assurance that inspectors in Ohio are properly trained to evaluate and assess the home’s condition prior the making what is likely the largest financial transaction they will make in a lifetime.
The Ohio Legislature is in the process of reviewing the requirements of the home inspector license. The occupational license review begins in the House of Representatives, which will issue its recommendations by the end of the year. The Senate will then conduct its own review in 2026.
You can find additional information about HB 59 through the following link:
House Bill 59 | 136th General Assembly | Ohio House of Representatives
Andrew Huffman
Vice President, Legislative Affairs
Serves as the primary lobbyist on state legislative and regulatory issues for Ohio REALTORS®. He is responsible for overseeing the Association’s legislative, regulatory, and political advocacy efforts and coordinating with the Association’s Legislative Steering Committee on reviewing and determining policy positions.
Andrew serves as staff liaison to the Legislative Steering Committee, Enlarge Legislative Committee, Issues Mobilization Committee, and coordinates with the Assistant Vice President of Political Affairs on managing the SPC Advisory Board and RPAC Trustees Committee.
Learn more about Andrew & his role.
