MD SB981

Establishes a Common Ownership Community Ombudsman Unit within the Attorney General's Division of Consumer Protection to receive complaints from HOA, condo, and cooperative members regarding adverse decisions by governing bodies or community managers, with annual reporting to the General Assembly required starting December 1, 2028

Requires all common ownership communities in Maryland to file governing documents and amendments with the Department of Housing and Community Development, subject to a $500 fine for non-compliance, with filing fees up to $100 for initial filings and $25 for amendments

Creates a publicly accessible database of governing documents maintained by the Department of Housing and Community Development on its website

Establishes a framework for county-level Commissions on Common Ownership Communities that must include property owners and industry professionals, meet at least monthly, and provide mediation and administrative hearings for disputes

Requires common ownership communities to register annually with local commissions and allows commissions to charge reasonable fees for services including per-unit charges, dispute resolution fees, and document recordation fees