The Texas Appraiser Licensing and Certification Board (TALCB) held its February 20, 2026 meeting, where members elected new officers, adopted amendments to key licensing and education rules, and received updates on the agency's new licensing system, the Real Estate and Appraiser License Management (REALM) Portal. The Board also began early discussions on artificial intelligence (AI) and reviewed proposed national changes that could reshape appraiser qualification pathways.

Board Elects Officers and Makes Committee Appointments

The Board elected Martha Gayle Reid Lynch as vice chair and Rolando Castro as secretary.

Members also approved appointments to committees:

• Budget & Finance Committee-Chair Dr. Stephanie Robinson, Paola Escalante-Castillo, and Clayton Ripley.
• Education & Licensing Committee: -Chair Rolando Castro, Mark McAnally, and Mark Luna.
• Enforcement Committee-Chair Martha Gayle Reid Lynch, John H. Eichelberger III, and Dr. Stephanie Robinson.
• TREC (Texas Real Estate Commission) and TALCB Joint Audit Committee-Clayton Ripley.

The REALM Portal

TALCB Executive Director Chelsea Buchholtz provided a detailed update on the agency's new REALM Portal, which launched in late 2025 to replace an outdated system that was unable to accommodate evolving statutory and regulatory requirements. REALM Portal how-tos and updates are available at talcb.texas.gov/lms.

Board Adopts Amendments To Licensing and Education Rules

The Board voted to adopt amendments to several sections of the Texas Administrative Code related to appraiser education, supervision, and course approval.

Key changes include:

• Clarifying which courses qualify for licensing education requirements.
• Eliminating the requirement for trainees and supervisory appraisers to retake the trainee/supervisor course every four years.
• Clarifying requirements for course providers and the duration of course approvals.

These changes are intended to streamline licensing requirements and provide clearer guidance to appraisers and education providers.

Board Initiates Review of Appraisal Management Company Rules

The Board also approved a formal review of rules governing appraisal management company registration and regulation. This ongoing review process allows TALCB to evaluate whether existing rules remain necessary or should be revised or repealed.

Rather than reviewing all rules at once, TALCB has moved to a continuous review schedule to ensure regulations remain current and effective.

National Qualification Changes Under Consideration

The Board discussed proposed changes from the Appraiser Qualifications Board (AQB) that could significantly impact entry and advancement in the appraisal profession.

One of the most notable proposed changes would eliminate college degree requirements for certain appraiser license levels, based on research indicating degree attainment did not correlate strongly with appraisal performance. Instead, the AQB is proposing increased emphasis on appraisal-specific education and job-relevant coursework.

Other proposed changes include:

• Increasing qualifying education hours for some license levels.
• Allowing candidates to take licensing exams immediately after completing qualifying education.
• Clarifying experience requirements and alternative experience pathways.
• Eliminating continuing education requirements for trainee appraisers.

The AQB is currently accepting public comment on these proposals.

The Board also reviewed concept papers exploring alternative pathways into the profession, including a skills-based pathway and an examination-only pathway. These concepts are intended to generate discussion but are not currently planned for adoption.

Early Discussion on AI

Board members began preliminary discussions about how AI may affect appraisal practice and regulation. While no formal action was taken, members emphasized the importance of preparing for technological changes that could impact both the profession and regulatory oversight.

Meeting Materials

View TALCB's February 2026 Meeting Materials, Agenda, and Meeting Video.

Next Meeting Scheduled for May

The next TALCB meeting is scheduled for May 15, 2026, with additional meetings planned for August 7, 2026, November 6, 2026, and February 19, 2027.