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GA SB356

GA SB356
Specialized Land Transactions; protections of homeowners in community associations; provide


summary

Introduced
01/12/2024
In Committee
01/22/2024
Crossed Over
Passed
Dead
03/28/2024

Introduced Session

2023-2024 Regular Session

Bill Summary

AN ACT To amend Chapter 3 of Title 44 of the Official Code of Georgia Annotated, relating to regulation of specialized land transactions, so as to provide for protections of homeowners in community associations; to revise provisions concerning the foreclosure of liens by condominium associations and property owner's associations; to provide definitions; to provide for limitations on the ability of community associations to foreclose liens; to provide for a right of redemption following a foreclosure sale on a home by a community association; to provide for the waiver of assessments owed by homeowners to community associations in the event of death or disability; to provide for action and relief; to create the office of the Community Association Ombudsman; to provide for powers and duties of the ombudsman; to provide procedures concerning the submission of complaints to the ombudsman by homeowner and community associations; to provide procedures concerning the resolution of such complaints; to provide for the submission of certain recommendations made by the ombudsman with respect to such complaints to community associations; to provide procedures concerning the approval or rejection of such recommendations by community associations; to provide for the monitoring of elections for boards of directors for community associations; to provide for annual registration of community associations and related fees; to provide for applicability; to provide for related matters; to repeal conflicting laws; and for other purposes.

AI Summary

This bill makes several key changes to the regulation of specialized land transactions in Georgia, particularly related to community associations: 1. It places limitations on the ability of community associations to foreclose on liens, prohibiting foreclosure if the lien amount is less than $2,000 or consists solely of fines and related charges. 2. It provides a right of redemption for unit owners following a foreclosure sale by a community association, allowing them to reclaim their unit by paying certain specified amounts. 3. It requires community associations created after July 1, 2024 to waive assessments for unit owners who die with an insolvent estate or become disabled and experience financial hardship. 4. It creates the Office of the Community Association Ombudsman within the Department of Community Affairs, giving the Ombudsman various powers to assist unit owners and community associations, investigate complaints, and make recommendations. 5. It requires community associations to register annually with the Ombudsman and pay a per-unit fee to fund the Ombudsman's office. 6. It allows unit owners to petition the Ombudsman to appoint an election monitor to oversee the election of the community association's board of directors.

Committee Categories

Justice

Sponsors (3)

Last Action

Senate Read and Referred (on 01/22/2024)

Bill Topics

Community Development and Housing Issues
  • ‐ General Housing and Community Development
  • ‐ Secondary Mortgages and Foreclosures
Government Operations
  • ‐ Executive Branch Operations

bill text


bill summary

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bill summary

Document Type Source Location Created
State Bill Page https://www.legis.ga.gov/legislation/66088 01/13/2024
BillText https://www.legis.ga.gov/api/legislation/document/20232024/221214 01/13/2024
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