Bill > HB220

This bill aims to protect property owners' rights to implement fire mitigation strategies by prohibiting unreasonable restrictions on ignition-resistant construction in both property deeds and homeowner association (HOA) bylaws. The bill defines "ignition-resistant construction" as construction or landscaping methods that meet standards set by the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety, designed to reduce fire risks. For property deeds, any covenant or condition that prohibits or unreasonably restricts fire-mitigating construction, or that requires potentially hazardous construction or landscaping, will be considered void and unenforceable. Similarly, for HOAs, the bill prevents associations from blocking or excessively restricting ignition-resistant construction on lot owners' properties. HOAs can still develop reasonable design standards for such construction, but must complete their review within 60 days, with any application automatically approved if not addressed within that timeframe. The bill explicitly allows associations to maintain safety requirements consistent with building codes and national safety standards, ensuring that fire prevention efforts do not compromise overall safety. The legislation is particularly relevant in areas prone to wildfires, providing property owners more flexibility to protect their homes and communities from potential fire risks.

Budget and Finance, Business and Industry

https://www.nmlegis.gov/Legislation/Legislation?chamber=H&legtype=B&legno=220&year=25