Bill > HB303

This bill creates the State Board of Common Ownership Community Managers in the Maryland Department of Labor to regulate and oversee community managers who provide services for condominiums, cooperative housing corporations, and homeowners associations. The bill establishes a nine-member board appointed by the Governor, with five members being licensed community managers, one being a lawyer specializing in common ownership communities, and three being resident owners. Individuals must now obtain a license or limited license from the board before providing management services for a common ownership community. The bill defines management services broadly, including activities like executing community resolutions, enforcing community rights, negotiating contracts, managing finances, and coordinating meetings. The legislation sets up two types of licenses: a full license for experienced managers and a limited license for those under supervision. The board will be responsible for establishing licensing requirements, maintaining a public list of licensees, setting fees, and conducting disciplinary proceedings. The bill also requires common ownership communities to register annually with the board and mandates that licensed managers maintain separate financial accounts for each community. Violations can result in fines up to $5,000, and individuals providing management services without proper licensing could face misdemeanor charges. The act is set to take effect on October 1, 2025, with provisions for a gradual implementation and potential waivers for existing community managers.

Justice, Transportation and Infrastructure

https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Legislation/Details/HB0303?ys=2025RS