Bill > H3350

This bill amends the South Carolina Homeowners Association Act to introduce several key changes designed to improve communication, transparency, and dispute resolution within homeowners associations. The bill adds a new definition for "internal dispute resolution process" and requires all homeowners associations to establish a fair and expeditious procedure for resolving disputes between the association and homeowners. Before increasing an annual budget or holding certain meetings, associations must now provide at least 48 hours of advance notice through various methods like posting in common areas or sending electronic mail. The bill grants magistrates court jurisdiction over all matters between homeowners and associations and mandates that associations annually provide homeowners with a description of their internal dispute resolution process. When filing complaints, both homeowners and associations must now include copies of relevant governing documents that support their position. The internal dispute resolution process must be free for members to use, require a written request to initiate, and mandate that any mutually agreed resolution be documented in writing and signed by both parties. The law will take effect upon the Governor's approval, aiming to create more transparent and accessible mechanisms for addressing conflicts within homeowners associations.

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https://www.scstatehouse.gov/billsearch.php?billnumbers=3350&session=126&summary=B