The Housing-Consumer Protection Subcommittee of Virginia convened on January 16, 2025, to discuss significant issues surrounding racial bias in home appraisals and proposed legislative measures aimed at addressing these disparities.

A key focus of the meeting was a new bill that mandates anti-discrimination training for appraisal license applicants. This initiative aims to combat the racial biases that have been prevalent in the appraisal industry, where only 2% of appraisers identify as African American. The bill requires that applicants complete a training course approved by the Fair Housing Board, which aligns with new qualification criteria set to take effect on January 1, 2026.

Delegate Coiner raised concerns about the necessity of this specific training, referencing a previous bill from 2022 that mandated continuing education in fair housing law for appraisers. She questioned whether the current training adequately addressed all forms of discrimination, including race and gender. In response, advocates highlighted recent instances of appraisal bias, including cases where the removal of family photos led to significant increases in home valuations, underscoring the need for targeted training.

Laura Dodds from Housing Opportunities Made Equal clarified that the new training is a pre-licensing requirement, building on previous education mandates. The training will cover essential topics such as the legacy of segregation, federal and state fair housing laws, and anti-bias practices, ensuring that new appraisers are equipped to recognize and combat discrimination in their assessments.

The subcommittee's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for systemic changes in the appraisal process to ensure fair treatment for all homeowners, particularly those from marginalized communities. As the bill progresses, it aims to create a more equitable housing market in Virginia.