Bill > SB758

This bill introduces several key provisions to improve transparency, fairness, and accountability in condominium and homeowners association elections and record-keeping. For elections, the bill requires that ballots be collected, counted, and results certified by independent parties who are not candidates and do not have conflicts of interest. A unit or lot owner can be considered an independent party if they comply with certain requirements, do not campaign for specific candidates, and are not objected to by more than 25% of eligible voting members. The bill allows associations to use third-party vendors or technology platforms to conduct elections and mandates that election conductors make reasonable efforts to ensure fairness and accountability. The legislation also requires governing bodies to make reasonable accommodations for unit owners to engage in organizational activities related to condominium governance and prohibits retaliation against owners exercising their rights. Additionally, the bill modifies record-keeping requirements, allowing associations to charge reasonable fees for record copying but prohibiting charges for examining financial statements in person or receiving them electronically. The bill grants the Division of Consumer Protection in the Office of the Attorney General enforcement powers and the ability to adopt regulations, and it will take effect on October 1, 2025.