Agency Description:
The Abstracters Board of Examiners, created in 1965, consists of five members appointed by the Governor to carry out the purposes of and enforce the Abstracters Act. The Board includes three members who shall at all times be active registered abstracters who have engaged in the business of abstracting for at least five years, one member who shall be a lawyer experienced in the area of real estate law and one member who shall be a representative of the public. The Abstracters Board is charged with the responsibility of supervising, inspecting, examining and reviewing the practices of licensees required under the abstracters' licensing law and regulating the registration and certification of individual abstracters, as well as those companies engaged in the business of abstracting. Members of the Board review applications for approval of seminars and continuing education programs and a decision is rendered on the number of credit hours approved for each program. A member of the Board or the Director then monitors these programs.
Program Objectives:
- To enforce and administer laws in compliance with the Abstracter's Act.
- To safeguard the welfare and property of citizens of Nebraska by determining the proficiency and competency of abstracters who provide information of the legal status of the title to real estate.
- To insure that a licensed abstracter will have the knowledge to provide to the homeowner or lending institution, an accurate and qualified history of the title to the real estate.
Program Description:
The Board prepares and grades the Abstracter's examination twice a year. Certificates of Registration are issued to individuals passing the examination. The Board issues Certificates of Authority, which are required by persons or firms in order to engage in the business of abstracting. The Board reviews and investigates complaints against licensees.
Each abstracter is required to complete three (3) hours of professional development every two (2) years, the two-year period beginning on April 1st and ending on March 31st of all even numbered years. The Board developed rules for approved professional development courses and keeps records of abstracters who have fulfilled the requirements.
The Board's activities are funded by license and examination fees.