Update from the Director of the Professional Licensing Boards:
The last quarter of the year is one of the busiest processing times for the staff at PLB.  We have twelve different license types in renewal during the period along with a number of December graduates applying for various licenses.  For existing license holders, our on-line renewal process allows us to process in excess of 92% of our renewals with very nominal staff involvement.  It also provides our customers with a process that is fast, efficient, paperless and accurate.

For the new graduates, we now have 32 on-line applications available for those applying for their first license with us.  This enables some new graduates to go on-line, register, apply for licensure and pay their fees.  This  paperless system allows the staff to process applications much quicker to the benefit of the applicant who can receive their license and go to work much faster than in the past.  We are planning more on-line applications for the near future.

As we begin the year 2010, we will continue to offer more services on-line and strive to improve our processing times.  For license holders, please keep your personal information up to date and accurate so our transactions with you can be faster and more accurate. 

Regards,
Randy Vaughn
Director of the Professional Licensing Boards

The Georgia Auctioneers Commission consists of six members: five licensed auctioneers and one consumer member. Typically, the Board meets six times each year.  Board meetings are open to the public, with the exception of executive session, in which confidential matters such as complaints, disciplinary items, and applications are discussed.

The Commission has the authority to regulate the issuance of licenses, to revoke or suspend licenses issued and to censure licenses for any violation of the law. Any individual desiring to act as an auctioneer or operate an auction company must first meet the requirements of the law and rules and be licensed with the Commission.

Minutes from the Board meetings may be found on the Board’s website at http://sos.georgia.gov/plb/auctioneer/.

2010 Meetings:

February 1, 2010 at 10:00 a.m.

Board Members:

Charles F. Gay, Chairman
Paul Brower
Roy D. Cates, Sr.
Norman Echols
Mark Manley
Uladia Taylor

Board Staff:

Steve Lindsey
Executive Director
Georgia Auctioneers Commission

Number of Active Licensees:

Auctioneer: 1,041
Auctioneer Company: 158
Auctioneer Company- Non Resident: 34
Auctioneer-Non Resident: 402
Exempt Auction Company: 231
Auctioneer School: 5

Actions Taken by the Georgia Auctioneers Commission

October: The Board voted to approve six applications for Non-Resident Auctioneer license, four applications for Auctioneer Company license and one application for Company exemption.
The Board accepted a consent order on the following individual:

• Leslie Marie Bass, Lilburn: provides licensure with payment of $1000 fine and two year probationary period.

The Board voted to amend Board Rule 55-6-.01(4), changing the Recovery Fund fee from $150 to $0. The change will suspend collection of the $150 fee normally contributed to the Education, Research and Recovery Fund until such time as the Board makes any appropriate changes.
The Board voted to accept a proposal, subject to approval by the Attorney General, to eliminate the affidavit page of the Auctioneer applications. The affidavits would be replaced by a series of close-ended questions to obtain relatively similar information currently provided by the affidavit. The changes will aid in creating an on-line application for future applicants.

License Renewals:

Licenses expire as follows:
Auctioneer – February 28 of even numbered years
Auctioneer Company – February 28 of even numbered years
Auctioneer Company – Non Resident – February 28 of even numbered years
Auctioneer – Non Resident – February 28 of even numbered years

It is illegal to work as an auctioneer with an expired license.

How do I renew my license? 

You may renew your license on the Professional Licensing Board website with a credit card. Click on the “License Renewal” icon and follow the instructions. You will be asked a series of questions including whether you have been convicted or received a board sanction since your last renewal, whether you have completed your continuing education requirements, and whether you are a U.S. citizen. Renewing your license via the website is the fastest way to renew your license.

The Professional Licensing Boards do not mail paper renewals unless requested. A paper renewal form may be requested by the licensee by calling the Board office at (478) 207-2440, or submitting a written request. Licensees may also call our automated system at (404) 463-1100 and request a paper renewal form using their personal identification number included in their renewal notice.

Disciplinary Issues:

The Board addresses these issues on a case-by-case basis and takes these matters very seriously applying sanctions to those who violate the Georgia Auctioneer Practice Act, Board rules, and policies. It is important that licensees review all laws, rules and policies that affect their profession. These may be found on the Board’s website at http://sos.georgia.gov/plb/auctioneer/.

All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Georgia Auctioneers Commission website.

Grounds for denial, suspension, revocation of a license, or other disciplinary actions may be found at O.C.G.A. § 43-6-87 and at O.C.G.A. § 43-1-19, which can be found on the Georgia Auctioneers Commission website.

Georgia Auctioneers Commission Complaints Process Information:

The Georgia General Assembly created the Georgia Auctioneers Commission to regulate the licensing and practice of auctioneers. The responsibility of administering the laws in O.C.G.A. § 43-6 is given to the Board, whose members are appointed by the Governor. The Board determines if applicants meet licensure requirements, promulgates rules, and considers complaints against licensees and allegations of unlicensed practice. The process for disposing of complaints is as follows:

Complaint Form:

Complaints must be reported to and received by the Board in writing. Written complaints may be submitted to the Board office or on-line at http://sos.georgia.gov/myverification/submitcomplaint.aspx. Documents received in connection with a complaint will not be returned. The complaint must contain sufficient factual evidence indicating a clear violation of Georgia law or Board rules.

Investigations:

The Board gives serious consideration to all complaints. Further investigative action may be taken. Should you file a complaint, you may be contacted by a Board inspector or investigator for additional information. Investigative files are considered confidential for any purpose other than a hearing before the Board. However, the Board is authorized to release such records to another enforcement agency or lawful licensing authority.

Notification Process:

While the investigation is ongoing, the Board is unable to discuss the status of a complaint with anyone, including the complainant. When the Board has completed the case, the complainant will be notified in writing of the Board’s actions. All public disciplinary actions will be reflected in the Board minutes which may be found on the Board’s website.

Frequently Asked Questions:

You may contact the Board office at (478) 207-2440.