Senate Bill 838 Could Bring Clarity to Pennsylvania Real Estate, Appraiser Schools 

Pennsylvania real estate and appraiser schools could face new costs — and potentially temporary interruptions to operations — if legislation correcting a longstanding oversight does not become law. 

Senate Bill 838 (Culver, R-Columbia) would clarify which state agency oversees real estate and appraiser schools. The bill needs one more vote before it can be sent to the governor, with just nine session days remaining in the 2025-26 legislative session. 

PAR is asking for your help and has launched a call-to-action to all Realtors® to contact their state representative and ask them to support SB 838. 

Since the enactment of the Real Estate Licensing and Registration Act in the early 1980s, the Pennsylvania Department of State has overseen real estate and appraiser schools, including approving courses and handling school registrations and fees. 

Later, the General Assembly enacted the Private Licensed Schools Act, which governs schools that provide vocational training. That law requires covered schools to register with the Pennsylvania Department of Education and obtain course approval. 

The Private Licensed Schools Act also includes a list of schools exempt from its requirements. Real estate and appraiser schools, however, were not included in the exemption list when the statute originally passed. 

The omission appears to stem from the timing of the two laws: RELRA established oversight of real estate and appraiser schools before the Private Licensed Schools Act was enacted. 

SB 838 would address the issue by amending the Private Licensed Schools Act to specifically exempt real estate and appraiser schools from its requirements, preserving the existing regulatory structure under the Department of State. 

Without the legislation, the Department of Education could potentially require real estate and appraiser schools to obtain separate licenses and course approvals. That process could bring additional costs and, in some cases, could make it more difficult for smaller schools to remain in operation. 

SB 838 has received unanimous support in the Pennsylvania Senate and from the House Professional Licensure Committee. The remaining step is a final vote in the House before the bill can be sent to the governor. 

With the legislative session winding down and nine session days remaining, PAR is urging members to help move the legislation across the finish line. 

PAR is conducting a targeted campaign urging lawmakers to support the measure. Realtors® can contact their state representative and ask them to bring SB 838 up for a vote and support its passage.  

Respond to the call-to-action today!