There are three separate bills that I would like to highlight: HB 667, HB 653, and HB 7031. These bills may have a significant impact on community associations. The 2016 Legislative Session begins next week on January 12, 2016.
HB 667– This bill combines the three statutes that regulate condominiums, cooperatives and homeowners’ associations which are Chapters 718, 719, and 720 into one, all-encompassing statute governing all three types of communities. The name of the new statute would be the “Common Interest Communities Act.”
HB 653– This bill renames the Division of Condominium, Timeshares, and Mobile Homes as the Division of Condominiums, Homeowners’ Associations, Timeshares and Mobile Homes. The significant impact of this bill would be the fact that the Division would have the authority to regulate HOAs and to investigate certain complaints, impose penalties, and conduct certain investigations, among other things.
HB 7031– This bill relates to the Marketable Record Title Act (MRTA). The bill provides that covenants and restrictions of HOAs will not expire because of MRTA, saving HOAs a considerable amount of money by not having to renew them if they expire.
The laws affecting community associations are constantly changing and we strive to keep our clients as well as the public informed of these laws. Check back with us soon.