The Portal for Appraisal Licensing Act
119th Congress Appraisal Legislation
The Portal for Appraisal Licensing Act of 2025 (“PAL Act”), was introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives by Rep. Barry Loudermilk (R-GA), Rep. David Kustoff (R-TN), Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-WI), Rep. Dan Meuser (R-PA), Rep. Brittney Pettersen (D-CO), Rep. Joe Neguse (D-CO), and Rep. Susie Lee (D-NV). The bipartisan legislation modernizes the real estate appraisal licensing system by establishing the Portal for Appraisal Licensure, a “cloud-based” nationwide licensing system for real estate appraisers, like regulatory structures enacted in other industries, such as insurance and mortgage originators.
The PAL Act authorizes the Appraisal Subcommittee – a federal agency – to partner with state appraiser regulatory agencies to streamline and modernize the licensing system. Specifically, the PAL Act would:
Create a unified application platform for initial licensure, renewals, and reciprocity.
- Establish consistent procedures across states for:
- Continuing education renewal periods for certified and licensed appraisers.
- Conducting a single, common background check for states that require one.
- Enhance data sharing among state agencies, reducing duplication and delays.
- Provide real-time license status updates for both appraisers and regulators.
- Ensure stakeholder input is built into the platform’s design, guaranteeing usability and effectiveness.
- Allow appraisers who do not want to participate to opt-out.
The PAL Act is an opportunity to fix a costly and inefficient system, lower costs and improve the attractiveness of the profession.