CS/CS/HB 1357 - Community Associations

• Requires associations with 500+ condo units to maintain a website with digital copies of official records, budgets, financial reports, board meeting notices, and conflict of interest disclosures; similar website requirements for homeowner associations with 7,500+ parcels.

• Establishes written collection policies requiring associations to provide 30-day delinquency notice before referring unpaid assessments to third parties or attorneys, with mandatory good-faith efforts to negotiate 6-month minimum payment plans.

• Mandates board members disclose conflicts of interest before entering contracts or transactions with the association; requires board approval at properly noticed meetings; allows board removal of officers/directors who violate conflict provisions.

• Prohibits associations from enforcing traffic laws under Chapter 316 or criminal laws under Chapters 775-896; associations cannot levy fines or suspend use rights for violations of these laws.

• Requires outgoing or recalled board members to relinquish all association records and property within 5 days, including website administrative controls and digital assets; sets effective date of July 1, 2016.