Bill > HB1534

This bill establishes new requirements for elections and financial transparency in condominiums and homeowners associations in Maryland. For elections, the bill mandates that voting processes must be conducted by independent parties who are not candidates and do not have conflicts of interest, allowing unit or lot owners to serve as independent election officials if they meet certain criteria. The bill also requires governing bodies to make reasonable accommodations for unit owners to organize and engage in governance activities, and prohibits retaliation against owners exercising their rights. Regarding financial records, the bill ensures that unit and lot owners can examine financial statements at no cost when they are in person or received electronically, though associations may charge reasonable fees for other record copying. The bill expands the definition of "consumer" to explicitly include current unit and lot owners, and gives the Division of Consumer Protection in the Attorney General's office enforcement powers for violations. Additionally, the bill allows local jurisdictions to adopt consumer protection laws for condominiums and homeowners associations, with a requirement to forward such laws to the Secretary of State. The new provisions will take effect on October 1, 2025, and aim to increase transparency, fairness, and accountability in community association governance.