Licensed real estate brokers and managing brokers are required to undergo training on fair housing requirements under a law that takes effect on June 1.

The 2021 Legislature passed SB 5378, requiring continuing education to ensure real estate professionals receive training on fair housing requirements for new and renewed licenses.

The state Department of Licensing is developing a curriculum in partnership with the industry that it said will be available for real estate schools in time to comply with the deadline.

All active licensed brokers and managing brokers must take the course as part of the required 30-hour instruction.

The first active renewal after June 1, 2022, must include a six-hour course on fair housing, with a three-hour course required on subsequent renewals.

New brokers will receive a three-hour course as part of the 90-hour pre-licensing curriculum. And an additional three-hour course as part of the standard 90-hour training they receive when they renew their licenses for the first time.

The DOL said it would accept feedback on the proposed courses in April, which is fair housing month. Send questions to [email protected].

Tri-City lawmakers split on the new requirements.

State Reps. Matt Boehnke, R-Kennewick, and Skyler Rude, R-Walla Walla, voted yes. Reps. Brad Klippert, R-Kennewick, and Mary Dye, R-Pomeroy, voted no.

State Sens. Sharon Brown, R-Kennewick, Jim Honeyford, R-Sunnyside and Mark Schoesler, R-Ritzville, voted no.no.