DLEG Begins Registering Auctioneers Effective Monday, Oct. 1
New Law Helps Protect Consumers from Fraudulent Practices and
Ensures Auctions are Performed to National Standards

SEPTEMBER 19, 2007 - A new law takes effect on Oct. 1 enabling auctioneers to register with the State of Michigan. The auctioneers will join 31 occupations, ranging from appraisers to private detectives, which are currently regulated by Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth's Bureau of Commercial Services.

Public Act 489 of 2006 provides for auctioneers to obtain state registration through the DLEG's Licensing Division if they desire to use the title "registered auctioneer." The Licensing Division is working diligently to develop forms and procedures to enable applicants to register for this optional title-protection program beginning with FY ‘08.

"The statute is intended to protect Michigan citizens by ensuring that the auctions held by registrants are performed according to law and that registered auctioneers meet certain requirements to practice," said DLEG Director Keith W. Cooley. "There will now be a mechanism in place for consumers to seek state action in the event they feel they have been harmed by a registered auctioneer."

DLEG's Licensing Division, which currently licenses more than 330,000 individuals and businesses in Michigan, will have in place a method for auctioneers who qualify under the "grandfather" clause to submit paperwork to obtain state registration. Further, work is underway to assist the examination contractor, PSI Services LLC, to compose an examination that will be administered via computer based testing in five PSI locations throughout the state.

Consumers who have complaints with a registered auctioneer will now have the option to avail themselves with the resolution process in place through DLEG's Bureau of Commercial Services that ensures violators will receive sanctions for misconduct. For further information regarding auctioneer registration visit www.michigan.gov/auctioneers or call 517-241-9288.

Read more Michigan Department of Labor & Economic Growth press releases.