I would agree that the licensing that we have seen so far, as it applies to abstractors, has been pretty ineffective. But, I do believe the if it is properly developed and implemented licensing is an effective way to maintain some quality control. Licensing in every other industry is a significant barrier to entry, which keeps competition down and allows professionals to charge a decent fee.
Don't get me wrong, competition is a good thing if the playing field is level. Licensing will ensure that we are all competing against other professionals that provide quality work. It is very tough to compete against someone who doesn't even know where to find the title standards; they only do half a search and sell it for half price.
Anyway, licensing has been effective in just about every other industry... from plumbers and electricians, to doctors and lawyers. It just needs to be meaningful and enforced. If its just a form and $100 fee, then you are absolutely correct, that would be worthless. That is the reason I think that NALTEA should have a proposal ready - you don't want to leave this up to the legislators who don't know anything about abstracting.
Thanks,
Robert A. Franco
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