Two appraisal-industry witnesses urged the Joint Committee on Consumer Protection and Professional Licensure to act on separate but related appraisal proposals.

Steve Souza, representing the Massachusetts Board of Real Estate Appraisers Association (MBREA), supported H.468, saying it would make technical fixes to the 2019 law regulating appraisal management companies. Souza told the committee the refiled bill clarifies definitions, removes an impractical fingerprinting requirement, authorizes the Division of Occupational Licensing to manage federal fees under the Dodd-Frank Act, and removes redundant language while maintaining the division's original authority.

Alan Cohen, appearing for the Mass. Board of Real Estate Appraisers Association, urged the committee to consider S.196, which would make appraisal licensing mandatory. "To date, an appraiser is licensed in Massachusetts, but it's not mandated," Cohen said. "When people are getting advice on the value of their home'a person's most important asset'they should have an appraisal done by a licensed professional." Cohen asked the committee to review and adopt mandatory licensure.

Supporters said the H.468 technical fixes would ensure compliance with federal standards and smooth implementation for regulators and industry alike; Cohen said mandatory licensure would raise consumer protections in transactions such as purchases, estates, divorces and tax matters.

No committee votes were taken during the hearing; witnesses submitted written testimony and offered to answer follow-up questions.