HB0562 102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY

LRB102 02734 SPS 12886 b

102ND GENERAL ASSEMBLY
State of Illinois
2021 and 2022
HB0562

Introduced 2/8/2021, by Rep. Marcus C. Evans, Jr.

SYNOPSIS AS INTRODUCED:

See Index

Amends the Home Inspector License Act. Provides that all applicants and licensees shall provide a valid address and email address to the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and inform the Department of any change of address or email address within 14 days. Provides that the Department may adopt rules to permit the issuance of citations to any licensee for failure to comply with the continuing education requirements set forth in the Act or as established by rule. Provides that all applicants for a home inspector license and all licensees shall maintain general liability insurance in an amount of not less than $100,000 with deductibles of not more than $2,500. Provides that except as otherwise expressly provided, nothing in the Act shall be construed to grant to any person a private right of action for damages or to enforce the provisions of the Act or the rules adopted under the Act. Makes changes in provisions concerning necessity of license, use of title, and exemptions; application for a home inspector license; renewal of a license; endorsement; continuing education renewal requirements; retention of records; grounds for disciplinary action; investigation, notice, and hearing; returned checks and dishonored credit card charges and penalty fees; violations, injunctions, and cease and desist orders; and education providers. Repeals a provision concerning peer review advisors. Amends the Regulatory Sunset Act to repeal the Home Inspector License Act on January 1, 2032. Effective January 1, 2022, except provisions amending the Regulatory Sunset Act take effect immediately.

FISCAL NOTE ACT MAY APPLY

A BILL FOR

AN ACT concerning regulation.

Be it enacted by the People of the State of Illinois, represented in the General Assembly:

Section 5. The Regulatory Sunset Act is amended by changing Section 4.32 and by adding Section 4.41 as follows:

(5 ILCS 80/4.32)

Sec. 4.32. Acts repealed on January 1, 2022. The following Acts are repealed on January 1, 2022:

The Boxing and Full-contact Martial Arts Act.

The Cemetery Oversight Act.

The Collateral Recovery Act.

The Community Association Manager Licensing and Disciplinary Act.

The Crematory Regulation Act.

The Detection of Deception Examiners Act.

The Home Inspector License Act.

The Illinois Health Information Exchange and Technology Act.

The Medical Practice Act of 1987.

The Registered Interior Designers Act.

The Massage Licensing Act.

The Petroleum Equipment Contractors Licensing Act.

The Radiation Protection Act of 1990.

The Real Estate Appraiser Licensing Act of 2002.

The Water Well and Pump Installation Contractor's License Act.

(Source: P.A. 100-920, eff. 8-17-18; 101-316, eff. 8-9-19; 101-614, eff. 12-20-19; 101-639, eff. 6-12-20.)

(5 ILCS 80/4.41 new)

Sec. 4.41. Act repealed on January 1, 2032. The following Act is repealed on January 1, 2032:

The Home Inspector License Act.

Section 10. The Home Inspector License Act is amended by changing Sections 1-10, 5-5, 5-10, 5-12, 5-16, 5-17, 5-20, 5-30, 10-10, 15-10, 15-15, 15-20, 15-55, 15-60, 20-5, 25-15, and 25-27 and by adding Sections 1-12, 5-50, 15-10.1, and 15-36 as follows:

(225 ILCS 441/1-10)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2022)

Sec. 1-10. Definitions. As used in this Act, unless the context otherwise requires:

"Address of record" means the designated street address, which may not be a post office box, recorded by the Department in the applicant's or licensee's application file or license file as maintained by the Department's licensure maintenance unit. It is the duty of the applicant or licensee to inform the Department of any change of address and those changes must be made either through the Department's website or by contacting the Department.

"Applicant" means a person who applies to the Department for a license under this Act.

"Client" means a person who engages or seeks to engage the services of a home inspector for an inspection assignment.

"Department" means the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.

"Email address of record" means the designated email address recorded by the Department in the applicant's application file or the licensee's license file, as maintained by the Department.

"Home inspection" means the examination and evaluation of the exterior and interior components of residential real property, which includes the inspection of any 2 or more of the following components of residential real property in connection with or to facilitate the sale, lease, or other conveyance of, or the proposed sale, lease or other conveyance of, residential real property:

(1) heating, ventilation, and air conditioning system;

(2) plumbing system;

(3) electrical system;

(4) structural composition;

(5) foundation;

(6) roof;

(7) masonry structure; or

(8) any other residential real property component as established by rule.

"Home inspector" means a person who, for another and for compensation either direct or indirect, performs home inspections.

"Home inspection report" or "inspection report" means a written evaluation prepared and issued by a home inspector upon completion of a home inspection, which meets the standards of practice as established by the Department.

"Inspection assignment" means an engagement for which a home inspector is employed or retained to conduct a home inspection and prepare a home inspection report.

"License" means the privilege conferred by the Department to a person who has fulfilled all requirements prerequisite to any type of licensure under this Act.

"Licensee" means a home inspector, home inspector entity, or home inspector education provider.

"Person" means individuals, entities, corporations, limited liability companies, registered limited liability partnerships, and partnerships, foreign or domestic, except that when the context otherwise requires, the term may refer to a single individual or other described entity.

"Residential real property" means real property that is used or intended to be used as a residence by one or more individuals.

"Secretary" means the Secretary of Financial and Professional Regulation or the Secretary's designee.

"Standards of practice" means recognized standards and codes to be used in a home inspection, as determined by the Department and established by rule.

(Source: P.A. 97-226, eff. 7-28-11.)

(225 ILCS 441/1-12 new)

Sec. 1-12. Address of record; email address of record. All applicants and licensees shall:

(1) provide a valid address and email address to the Department, which shall serve as the address of record and email address of record, respectively, at the time of application for licensure or renewal of a license; and

(2) inform the Department of any change of address of record or email address of record within 14 days after such change through the Department's website or by contacting the Department.

(225 ILCS 441/5-5)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2022)

Sec. 5-5. Necessity of license; use of title; exemptions.

(a) It is unlawful for any person, including any entity, to act or assume to act as a home inspector, to engage in the business of home inspection, to develop a home inspection report, to practice as a home inspector, or to advertise or hold oneself himself, herself, or itself out to be a home inspector without a home inspector license issued under this Act. A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense and a Class 4 felony for the second and any subsequent offenses.

(b) It is unlawful for any person, other than a person who holds a valid home inspector license issued pursuant to this Act, to use the title "home inspector" or any other title, designation, or abbreviation likely to create the impression that the person is licensed as a home inspector pursuant to this Act. A person who violates this subsection is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor.

(c) The licensing requirements of this Article do not apply to:

(1) any person who is employed as a code enforcement official by the State of Illinois or any unit of local government, while acting within the scope of that government employment;

(2) any person licensed in this State by any other law who is engaging in the profession or occupation for which the person is licensed by the State of Illinois while acting within the scope of his or her license; or

(3) any person engaged by the owner or lessor of residential real property for the purpose of preparing a bid or estimate as to the work necessary or the costs associated with performing home construction, home remodeling, or home repair work on the residential real property, provided such person does not hold himself or herself out, or advertise or hold oneself out as himself or herself, as being engaged in business as a home inspector.

(Source: P.A. 97-226, eff. 7-28-11.)

(225 ILCS 441/5-10)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2022)

Sec. 5-10. Application for home inspector license. Every natural person who desires to obtain a home inspector license shall:

(1) apply to the Department in a manner on forms prescribed by the Department and accompanied by the required fee; all applications shall contain the information that, in the judgment of the Department, enables the Department to pass on the qualifications of the applicant for a license to practice as a home inspector as set by rule;

(2) be at least 18 years of age;

(3) successfully complete a 4-year course of study in a high school or secondary school or an equivalent course of study approved by the state in which the school is located, or possess a high school equivalency certificate, which shall be verified under oath by the applicant provide evidence of having attained a high school diploma or completed an equivalent course of study as determined by an examination conducted by the Illinois State Board of Education;

(4) personally take and pass an examination authorized by the Department; and

(5) prior to taking the examination, provide evidence to the Department that the applicant he or she has successfully completed the prerequisite classroom hours of instruction in home inspection, as established by rule.

Applicants have 3 years after the date of the application to complete the application process. If the process has not been completed within 3 years, the application shall be denied, the fee forfeited, and the applicant must reapply and meet the requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.

(Source: P.A. 100-892, eff. 8-14-18.)

(225 ILCS 441/5-12)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2022)

Sec. 5-12. Application for home inspector license; entity. Every entity that is not a natural person that desires to obtain a home inspector license shall apply to the Department in a manner prescribed on forms provided by the Department and accompanied by the required fee.

Applicants have 3 years after the date of the application to complete the application process. If the process has not been completed within 3 years, the application shall be denied, the fee forfeited, and the applicant must reapply and meet the requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.

(Source: P.A. 97-226, eff. 7-28-11.)

(225 ILCS 441/5-16)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2022)

Sec. 5-16. Renewal of license.

(a) The expiration date and renewal period for a home inspector license issued under this Act shall be set by rule. Except as otherwise provided in subsections (b) and (c) of this Section, the holder of a license may renew the license within 90 days preceding the expiration date by:

(1) completing and submitting to the Department a renewal application in a manner prescribed form as provided by the Department;

(2) paying the required fees; and

(3) providing evidence of successful completion of the continuing education requirements through courses approved by the Department given by education providers licensed by the Department, as established by rule.

(b) A home inspector whose license under this Act has expired may renew the license for a period of 2 years following the expiration date by complying with the requirements of subparagraphs (1), (2), and (3) of subsection (a) of this Section and paying any late penalties established by rule.

(c) Notwithstanding subsection (b), a home inspector whose license under this Act has expired may renew the license without paying any lapsed renewal fees or late penalties if (i) the license expired while the home inspector was on active duty with the United States Armed Services, (ii) application for renewal is made within 2 years following the termination of the military service or related education, training, or employment, and (iii) the applicant furnishes to the Department an affidavit that the applicant he or she was so engaged.

(d) The Department shall provide reasonable care and due diligence to ensure that each licensee under this Act is provided a renewal application at least 90 days prior to the expiration date, but it is the responsibility of each licensee to renew the his or her license prior to its expiration date.

(Source: P.A. 97-226, eff. 7-28-11.)

(225 ILCS 441/5-17)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2022)

Sec. 5-17. Renewal of home inspector license; entity.

(a) The expiration date and renewal period for a home inspector license for an entity that is not a natural person shall be set by rule. The holder of a license may renew the license within 90 days preceding the expiration date by completing and submitting to the Department a renewal application in a manner prescribed form as provided by the Department and paying the required fees.

(b) An entity that is not a natural person whose license under this Act has expired may renew the license for a period of 2 years following the expiration date by complying with the requirements of subsection (a) of this Section and paying any late penalties established by rule.

(Source: P.A. 97-226, eff. 7-28-11.)

(225 ILCS 441/5-20)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2022)

Sec. 5-20. Endorsement. The Department may, in its discretion, license as a home inspector, by endorsement, on payment of the required fee, an applicant who is a home inspector licensed under the laws of another state or territory, if (i) the requirements for licensure in the state or territory in which the applicant was licensed were, at the date of his or her licensure, substantially equivalent to the requirements in force in this State on that date or (ii) there were no requirements in force in this State on the date of his or her licensure and the applicant possessed individual qualifications on that date that are substantially similar to the requirements under this Act. The Department may adopt any rules necessary to implement this Section.

Applicants have 3 years after the date of application to complete the application process. If the process has not been completed within 3 years, the application shall be denied, the fee forfeited, and the applicant must reapply and meet the requirements in effect at the time of reapplication.

(Source: P.A. 97-226, eff. 7-28-11.)

(225 ILCS 441/5-30)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2022)

Sec. 5-30. Continuing education renewal requirements. The continuing education requirements for a person to renew a license as a home inspector shall be established by rule. The Department shall establish a continuing education completion deadline for home inspector licensees and require evidence of compliance with continuing education requirements in a manner established by rule before the renewal of a license.

(Source: P.A. 100-831, eff. 1-1-19.)

(225 ILCS 441/5-50 new)

Sec. 5-50. Insurance.

(a) All applicants for a home inspector license and all licensees shall maintain general liability insurance in an amount of not less than $100,000 with deductibles of not more than $2,500.

(b) Failure of an applicant or a licensee to carry and maintain the insurance required by this Section, to timely submit proof of coverage upon the Department's request, or to timely report any claims made against such policies of insurance shall be grounds for the denial of an application to renew a license, or the suspension or revocation of the license.

(c) The policies of insurance submitted by an applicant for a new license or an applicant for renewal of a license must include the name of the applicant as it appears or will appear on the license.

(d) A home inspector shall maintain the insurance required by this Section for at least one year after the latest home inspection report the home inspector delivered.

(e) The Department may adopt rules to implement this Section.

(225 ILCS 441/10-10)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2022)

Sec. 10-10. Retention of records. A person licensed under this Act shall retain the original or a true and exact copy of all written contracts that engage the licensee's engaging his or her services as a home inspector and all home inspection reports, including any supporting data used to develop the home inspection report, for a period of 5 years or 2 years after the final disposition of any judicial proceeding, which includes any appeal, in which testimony was given, whichever is longer.

(Source: P.A. 97-226, eff. 7-28-11.)

(225 ILCS 441/15-10)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2022)

Sec. 15-10. Grounds for disciplinary action.

(a) The Department may refuse to issue or renew, or may revoke, suspend, place on probation, reprimand, or take other disciplinary or non-disciplinary action as the Department may deem appropriate, including imposing fines not to exceed $25,000 for each violation, with regard to any license for any one or combination of the following:

(1) Fraud or misrepresentation in applying for, or procuring a license under this Act or in connection with applying for renewal of a license under this Act.

(2) Failing to meet the minimum qualifications for licensure as a home inspector established by this Act.

(3) Paying money, other than for the fees provided for by this Act, or anything of value to an employee of the Department to procure licensure under this Act.

(4) Conviction by plea of guilty or nolo contendere, finding of guilt, jury verdict, or entry of judgment or by sentencing of any crime, including, but not limited to, convictions, preceding sentences of supervision, conditional discharge, or first offender probation, under the laws of any jurisdiction of the United States: (i) that is a felony; (ii) that is a misdemeanor, an essential element of which is dishonesty, or that is directly related to the practice of the profession; or (iii) that is a crime that subjects the licensee to compliance with the requirements of the Sex Offender Registration Act.

(5) Committing an act or omission involving dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation with the intent to substantially benefit the licensee or another person or with the intent to substantially injure another person.

(6) Violating a provision or standard for the development or communication of home inspections as provided in Section 10-5 of this Act or as defined in the rules.

(7) Failing or refusing to exercise reasonable diligence in the development, reporting, or communication of a home inspection report, as defined by this Act or the rules.

(8) Violating a provision of this Act or the rules.

(9) Having been disciplined by another state, the District of Columbia, a territory, a foreign nation, a governmental agency, or any other entity authorized to impose discipline if at least one of the grounds for that discipline is the same as or substantially equivalent to one of the grounds for which a licensee may be disciplined under this Act.

(10) Engaging in dishonorable, unethical, or unprofessional conduct of a character likely to deceive, defraud, or harm the public.

(11) Accepting an inspection assignment when the employment itself is contingent upon the home inspector reporting a predetermined analysis or opinion, or when the fee to be paid is contingent upon the analysis, opinion, or conclusion reached or upon the consequences resulting from the home inspection assignment.

(12) Developing home inspection opinions or conclusions based on the race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, family status, physical or mental disability, military status, or unfavorable discharge from military status discharge, sexual orientation, order of protection status, or pregnancy, as defined under the Illinois Human Rights Act, of the prospective or present owners or occupants of the area or property under home inspection.

(13) Being adjudicated liable in a civil proceeding on grounds of fraud, misrepresentation, or deceit. In a disciplinary proceeding based upon a finding of civil liability, the home inspector shall be afforded an opportunity to present mitigating and extenuating circumstances, but may not collaterally attack the civil adjudication.

(14) Being adjudicated liable in a civil proceeding for violation of a State or federal fair housing law.

(15) Engaging in misleading or untruthful advertising or using a trade name or insignia of membership in a home inspection organization of which the licensee is not a member.

(16) Failing, within 30 days, to provide information in response to a written request made by the Department.

(17) Failing to include within the home inspection report the home inspector's license number and the date of expiration of the license. The names of (i) all persons who conducted the home inspection; and (ii) all persons who prepared the subsequent written evaluation or any part thereof must be disclosed in the report. All home inspectors providing significant contribution to the development and reporting of a home inspection must be disclosed in the home inspection report. It is a violation of this Act for a home inspector to sign a home inspection report knowing that the names of all such persons have a person providing a significant contribution to the report has not been disclosed in the home inspection report.

(18) Advising a client as to whether the client should or should not engage in a transaction regarding the residential real property that is the subject of the home inspection.

(19) Performing a home inspection in a manner that damages or alters the residential real property that is the subject of the home inspection without the consent of the owner.

(20) Performing a home inspection when the home inspector is providing or may also provide other services in connection with the residential real property or transaction, or has an interest in the residential real property, without providing prior written notice of the potential or actual conflict and obtaining the prior consent of the client as provided by rule.

(21) Aiding or assisting another person in violating any provision of this Act or rules adopted under this Act.

(22) Inability to practice with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety as a result of habitual or excessive use or addiction to alcohol, narcotics, stimulants, or any other chemical agent or drug.

(23) A finding by the Department that the licensee, after having the his or her license placed on probationary status, has violated the terms of probation.

(24) Willfully making or filing false records or reports related to the in his or her practice of home inspection, including, but not limited to, false records filed with State agencies or departments.

(25) Charging for professional services not rendered, including filing false statements for the collection of fees for which services are not rendered.

(26) Practicing under a false or, except as provided by law, an assumed name.

(27) Cheating on or attempting to subvert the licensing examination administered under this Act.

(28) Engaging in any of the following prohibited fraudulent, false, deceptive, or misleading advertising practices:

(i) advertising as a home inspector or operating a home inspection business entity unless there is a duly licensed home inspector responsible for all inspection activities and all inspections;

(ii) advertising that contains a misrepresentation of facts or false statements regarding the licensee's professional achievements, degrees, training, skills, or qualifications in the home inspection profession or any other profession requiring licensure;

(iii) advertising that makes only a partial disclosure of relevant facts related to pricing or home inspection services; and

(iv) advertising that claims this State or any of its political subdivisions endorse the home inspection report or its contents.

(29) Disclosing, except as otherwise required by law, inspection results or client information obtained without the client's written consent. A home inspector shall not deliver a home inspection report to any person other than the client of the home inspector without the client's written consent.

(30) Providing fees, gifts, insurance, waivers of liability, or other forms of compensation or gratuities to persons licensed under any real estate professional licensing act in this State.

(b) The Department may suspend, revoke, or refuse to issue or renew an education provider's license, may reprimand, place on probation, or otherwise discipline an education provider licensee, and may suspend or revoke the course approval of any course offered by an education provider, for any of the following:

(1) Procuring or attempting to procure licensure by knowingly making a false statement, submitting false information, making any form of fraud or misrepresentation, or refusing to provide complete information in response to a question in an application for licensure.

(2) Failing to comply with the covenants certified to on the application for licensure as an education provider.

(3) Committing an act or omission involving dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation or allowing any such act or omission by any employee or contractor under the control of the education provider.

(4) Engaging in misleading or untruthful advertising.

(5) Failing to retain competent instructors in accordance with rules adopted under this Act.

(6) Failing to meet the topic or time requirements for course approval as the provider of a pre-license curriculum course or a continuing education course.

(7) Failing to administer an approved course using the course materials, syllabus, and examinations submitted as the basis of the course approval.

(8) Failing to provide an appropriate classroom environment for presentation of courses, with consideration for student comfort, acoustics, lighting, seating, workspace, and visual aid material.

(9) Failing to maintain student records in compliance with the rules adopted under this Act.

(10) Failing to provide a certificate, transcript, or other student record to the Department or to a student as may be required by rule.

(11) Failing to fully cooperate with a Department investigation by knowingly making a false statement, submitting false or misleading information, or refusing to provide complete information in response to written interrogatories or a written request for documentation within 30 days of the request.

(c) (Blank). In appropriate cases, the Department may resolve a complaint against a licensee through the issuance of a Consent to Administrative Supervision order. A licensee subject to a Consent to Administrative Supervision order shall be considered by the Department as an active licensee in good standing. This order shall not be reported as or considered by the Department to be a discipline of the licensee. The records regarding an investigation and a Consent to Administrative Supervision order shall be considered confidential and shall not be released by the Department except as mandated by law. The complainant shall be notified that his or her complaint has been resolved by a Consent to Administrative Supervision order.

(d) The Department may refuse to issue or may suspend without hearing, as provided for in the Code of Civil Procedure, the license of any person who fails to file a tax return, to pay the tax, penalty, or interest shown in a filed tax return, or to pay any final assessment of tax, penalty, or interest, as required by any tax Act administered by the Illinois Department of Revenue, until such time as the requirements of the tax Act are satisfied in accordance with subsection (g) of Section 2105-15 of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.

(e) (Blank).

(f) In cases where the Department of Healthcare and Family Services has previously determined that a licensee or a potential licensee is more than 30 days delinquent in the payment of child support and has subsequently certified the delinquency to the Department, the Department may refuse to issue or renew or may revoke or suspend that person's license or may take other disciplinary action against that person based solely upon the certification of delinquency made by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services in accordance with item (5) of subsection (a) of Section 2105-15 of the Civil Administrative Code of Illinois.

(g) The determination by a circuit court that a licensee is subject to involuntary admission or judicial admission, as provided in the Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Code, operates as an automatic suspension. The suspension will end only upon a finding by a court that the patient is no longer subject to involuntary admission or judicial admission and the issuance of a court order so finding and discharging the patient.

(h) (Blank). In enforcing this Act, the Department, upon a showing of a possible violation, may compel an individual licensed to practice under this Act, or who has applied for licensure under this Act, to submit to a mental or physical examination, or both, as required by and at the expense of the Department. The Department may order the examining physician to present testimony concerning the mental or physical examination of the licensee or applicant. No information shall be excluded by reason of any common law or statutory privilege relating to communications between the licensee or applicant and the examining physician. The examining physician shall be specifically designated by the Department. The individual to be examined may have, at his or her own expense, another physician of his or her choice present during all aspects of this examination. The examination shall be performed by a physician licensed to practice medicine in all its branches. Failure of an individual to submit to a mental or physical examination, when directed, shall result in an automatic suspension without hearing.

A person holding a license under this Act or who has applied for a license under this Act, who, because of a physical or mental illness or disability, including, but not limited to, deterioration through the aging process or loss of motor skill, is unable to practice the profession with reasonable judgment, skill, or safety, may be required by the Department to submit to care, counseling, or treatment by physicians approved or designated by the Department as a condition, term, or restriction for continued, reinstated, or renewed licensure to practice. Submission to care, counseling, or treatment as required by the Department shall not be considered discipline of a license. If the licensee refuses to enter into a care, counseling, or treatment agreement or fails to abide by the terms of the agreement, the Department may file a complaint to revoke, suspend, or otherwise discipline the license of the individual. The Secretary may order the license suspended immediately, pending a hearing by the Department. Fines shall not be assessed in disciplinary actions involving physical or mental illness or impairment.

In instances in which the Secretary immediately suspends a person's license under this Section, a hearing on that person's license must be convened by the Department within 15 days after the suspension and completed without appreciable delay. The Department shall have the authority to review the subject individual's record of treatment and counseling regarding the impairment to the extent permitted by applicable federal statutes and regulations safeguarding the confidentiality of medical records.

An individual licensed under this Act and affected under this Section shall be afforded an opportunity to demonstrate to the Department that he or she can resume practice in compliance with acceptable and prevailing standards under the provisions of his or her license.

(Source: P.A. 100-872, eff. 8-14-18.)

(225 ILCS 441/15-10.1 new)

Sec. 15-10.1. Citations.

(a) The Department may adopt rules to permit the issuance of citations to any licensee for failure to comply with the continuing education requirements set forth in this Act or as established by rule. The citation shall be issued to the licensee and shall contain the licensee's name, the licensee's address, the licensee's license number, the number of required hours of continuing education that have not been successfully completed by the licensee within the renewal period, and the penalty imposed, which shall not exceed $2,000. The issuance of a citation shall not excuse the licensee from completing all continuing education required for that renewal period.

(b) Service of a citation shall be made in person, electronically, or by mail to the licensee at the licensee's address of record or email address of record, and the citation must clearly state that if the cited licensee wishes to dispute the citation, the cited licensee may make a written request, within 30 days after the citation is served, for a hearing before the Department. If the cited licensee does not request a hearing within 30 days after the citation is served, then the citation shall become a final, non-disciplinary order, and any fine imposed is due and payable within 60 days after that final order. If the cited licensee requests a hearing within 30 days after the citation is served, the Department shall afford the cited licensee a hearing conducted in the same manner as a hearing provided for in this Act for any violation of this Act and shall determine whether the cited licensee committed the violation as charged and whether the fine as levied is warranted. If the violation is found, any fine shall constitute non-public discipline and be due and payable within 30 days after the order of the Secretary, which shall constitute a final order of the Department. No change in license status may be made by the Department until a final order of the Department has been issued.

(c) Payment of a fine that has been assessed pursuant to this Section shall not constitute disciplinary action reportable on the Department's website or elsewhere unless a licensee has previously received 2 or more citations and been assessed 2 or more fines.

(d) Nothing in this Section shall prohibit or limit the Department from taking further action pursuant to this Act and rules for additional, repeated, or continuing violations.

(225 ILCS 441/15-15)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2022)

Sec. 15-15. Investigation; notice; hearing. The Department may investigate the actions of any applicant or licensee or of any person or persons rendering or offering to render home inspection services or any person holding or claiming to hold a license as a home inspector. The Department shall, before refusing to issue or renew a license or to discipline a licensee pursuant to Section 15-10, at least 30 days prior to the date set for the hearing, (i) notify the accused in writing, of the charges made and the time and place for the hearing on the charges, (ii) direct the licensee or applicant him or her to file a written answer with the Department under oath within 20 days after the service of the notice, and (iii) inform the applicant or licensee that failure to file an answer will result in a default judgment being entered against the applicant or licensee. At the time and place fixed in the notice, the Department shall proceed to hear the charges and the parties of their counsel shall be accorded ample opportunity to present any pertinent statements, testimony, evidence, and arguments. The Department may continue the hearing from time to time. In case the person, after receiving the notice, fails to file an answer, the his or her license, may, in the discretion of the Department, be revoked, suspended, placed on probationary status, or the Department may take whatever disciplinary actions considered proper, including limiting the scope, nature, or extent of the person's practice or the imposition of a fine, without a hearing, if the act or acts charged constitute sufficient grounds for that action under the Act. The notice may be served by personal delivery, by mail, or, at the discretion of the Department, by electronic means to the address of record or email address of record specified by the accused as last updated with the Department. The written notice may be served by personal delivery or by certified mail to the accused's address of record.

A copy of the hearing officer's report or any Order of Default, along with a copy of the original complaint giving rise to the action, shall be served upon the applicant, licensee, or unlicensed person by the Department to the applicant, licensee, or unlicensed individual in the manner provided in this Act for the service of a notice of hearing. Within 20 days after service, the applicant or licensee may present to the Department a motion in writing for a rehearing, which shall specify the particular grounds for rehearing. The Department may respond to the motion, or if a motion for rehearing is denied, then upon denial, the Secretary may enter an order in accordance with the recommendations of the hearing officer. If the applicant or licensee orders from the reporting service and pays for a transcript of the record within the time for filing a motion for rehearing, then the 20-day period during which a motion may be filed shall commence upon the delivery of the transcript to the applicant or licensee.

(Source: P.A. 97-226, eff. 7-28-11.)

(225 ILCS 441/15-20)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2022)

Sec. 15-20. Administrative Review Law; certification fees; Illinois Administrative Procedure Act.

(a) All final administrative decisions of the Department under this Act are subject to judicial review pursuant to the provisions of the Administrative Review Law and the rules adopted pursuant thereto. The term "administrative decision" has the meaning ascribed to it in Section 3-101 of the Administrative Review Law.

(b) The Department shall not be required to certify any record to the court or file any answer in court or otherwise appear in any court in a judicial review proceeding, unless and until the Department has received from the plaintiff payment of the costs of furnishing and certifying the record, which costs shall be determined by the Department. Exhibits shall be certified without cost. Failure on the part of the plaintiff to file a receipt in court is grounds for dismissal of the action.

(c) The Illinois Administrative Procedure Act is hereby expressly adopted and incorporated herein. In the event of a conflict between this Act and the Illinois Administrative Procedure Act, this Act shall control.

(d) Proceedings for judicial review shall be commenced in the circuit court of the county in which the party applying for review resides, but if the party is not a resident of Illinois, the venue shall be in Sangamon County or Cook County.

(Source: P.A. 97-226, eff. 7-28-11.)

(225 ILCS 441/15-36 new)

Sec. 15-36. No private right of action. Except as otherwise expressly provided for in this Act, nothing in this Act shall be construed to grant to any person a private right of action for damages or to enforce the provisions of this Act or the rules adopted under this Act.

(225 ILCS 441/15-55)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2022)

Sec. 15-55. Returned checks and dishonored credit card charges; penalty fee; revocation termination. A person who (1) delivers a check or other payment to the Department that is returned to the Department unpaid by the financial institution upon which it was drawn shall pay to the Department; or (2) presents a credit or debit card for payment that is invalid or expired or against which charges by the Department are declined or dishonored, in addition to the amount already owed, a penalty fee of $50. The Department shall notify the person, by certified mail return receipt requested, that the his or her check or payment was returned or that the credit card charge was dishonored and that the person shall pay to the Department by certified check or money order the amount of the returned check plus a $50 penalty fee within 30 calendar days after the date of the notification. If, after the expiration of 30 calendar days of the notification, the person has failed to remit the necessary funds and penalty, the Department shall automatically revoke terminate the license or deny the application without hearing. If the returned check or other payment was for issuance of a license under this Act and that person practices as a home inspector, that person may be subject to discipline for unlicensed practice as provided in this Act. If, after revocation termination or denial, the person seeks a license, the applicant or licensee he or she shall petition the Department for restoration or issuance of the license and he or she may be subject to additional discipline or fines. The Secretary may waive the penalties or fines due under this Section in individual cases where the Secretary finds that the penalties or fines would be unreasonable or unnecessarily burdensome.

(Source: P.A. 97-226, eff. 7-28-11.)

(225 ILCS 441/15-60)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2022)

Sec. 15-60. Violations; injunction; cease and desist orders.

(a) If any person violates a provision of this Act, the Secretary may, in the name of the People of the State of Illinois, through the Attorney General of the State of Illinois or the State's Attorney in the county in which the offense occurs, petition for an order enjoining the violation or for an order enforcing compliance with this Act. Upon the filing of a verified petition in court, the court may issue a temporary restraining order, without notice or bond, and may preliminarily and permanently enjoin the violation. If it is established that the person has violated or is violating the injunction, the court may punish the offender for contempt of court. Proceedings under this Section shall be in addition to, and not in lieu of, all other remedies and penalties provided by this Act.

(b) If any person practices as a home inspector or holds oneself himself or herself out as a home inspector without being licensed under the provisions of this Act, then the Secretary, any licensed home inspector, any interested party, or any person injured thereby may petition for relief as provided in subsection (a) of this Section or may apply to the circuit court of the county in which the violation or some part thereof occurred, or in which the person complained of resides or has a his or her principal place of business or resides, to prevent the violation. The court has jurisdiction to enforce obedience by injunction or by other process restricting the person complained of from further violation and may enjoin enjoining upon the person him or her obedience.

(c) Whoever knowingly practices or offers to practice home inspection in this State without a license for that purpose shall be guilty of a Class A misdemeanor for the first offense and shall be guilty of a Class 4 felony for the second and any subsequent offense.

(d) Whenever, in the opinion of the Department, a person violates any provision of this Act, the Department may issue a rule to show cause why an order to cease and desist should not be entered against that person. The rule shall clearly set forth the grounds relied upon by the Department and shall provide a period of 7 days from the date of the rule to file an answer to the satisfaction of the Department. Failure to answer to the satisfaction of the Department shall cause an order to cease and desist to be issued.

(Source: P.A. 97-226, eff. 7-28-11.)

(225 ILCS 441/20-5)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2022)

Sec. 20-5. Education provider.

(a) Only education providers licensed by the Department may provide the pre-license and continuing education courses required for licensure under this Act.

(b) A person or entity seeking to be licensed as an education provider under this Act shall provide satisfactory evidence of the following:

(1) a sound financial base for establishing, promoting, and delivering the necessary courses;

(2) a sufficient number of qualified instructors;

(3) adequate support personnel to assist with administrative matters and technical assistance;

(4) a written policy dealing with procedures for management of grievances and fee refunds;

(5) a qualified school administrator, who is responsible for the administration of the school, courses, and the actions of the instructors; and

(6) any other requirements provided by rule.

(c) All applicants for an education provider's license shall make initial application to the Department in a manner prescribed on forms provided by the Department and pay the appropriate fee as provided by rule. In addition to any other information required to be contained in the application as prescribed by rule, every application for an original or renewed license shall include the applicant's tax identification number. The term, expiration date, and renewal of an education provider's license shall be established by rule.

(d) An education provider shall provide each successful course participant with a certificate of completion signed by the school administrator. The format and content of the certificate shall be specified by rule.

(e) All education providers shall provide to the Department a monthly roster of all successful course participants as provided by rule.

(Source: P.A. 97-226, eff. 7-28-11.)

(225 ILCS 441/25-15)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2022)

Sec. 25-15. Liaison; duties. The Secretary shall appoint an employee of the Department to:

(1) (blank);

(2) be the direct liaison between the Department, peer review advisors, the profession, home inspectors, and related industry organizations and associations; and

(3) prepare and circulate to licensees such educational and informational material as the Department deems necessary for providing guidance or assistance to licensees.

(Source: P.A. 97-226, eff. 7-28-11.)

(225 ILCS 441/25-27)

(Section scheduled to be repealed on January 1, 2022)

Sec. 25-27. Subpoenas; depositions; oaths.

(a) The Department may subpoena and bring before it any person to take oral or written testimony or compel the production of any books, papers, records, or any other documents the Secretary or the Secretary's his or her designee deems relevant or material to any investigation or hearing conducted by the Department with the same fees and in the same manner as prescribed in civil cases in the courts of this State.

(b) Any circuit court, upon the application of the licensee or the Department, may order the attendance and testimony of witnesses and the production of relevant documents, files, records, books, and papers in connection with any hearing or investigation. The circuit court may compel obedience to its order by proceedings for contempt.

(c) The Secretary, the hearing officer, any member of the Board, or a certified shorthand court reporter may administer oaths at any hearing the Department conducts. Notwithstanding any other statute or Department rule to the contrary, all requests for testimony, production of documents, or records shall be in accordance with this Act.

(Source: P.A. 97-226, eff. 7-28-11.)

(225 ILCS 441/25-17 rep.)

Section 15. The Home Inspector License Act is amended by repealing Section 25-17.

Section 99. Effective date. This Act takes effect January 1, 2022, except that this Section and Section 5 take effect upon becoming law.