HB 5028 Summary

• Invalidates homeowners' association agreement provisions that prohibit or require approval for members to replace, maintain, install, or operate energy-saving improvements including clotheslines, heat pumps, insulation, rain barrels, reflective roofing, energy-efficient appliances, solar water heaters, electric vehicle charging equipment, and efficient windows.

• Prohibits homeowners' associations from blocking solar energy system installations and requires each association to adopt a written solar energy policy within 1 year of the law's effective date.

• Establishes solar energy policy requirements including that associations cannot prohibit roof installation, mandate specific solar technology, impose conditions reducing system efficiency by more than 10% or adding over $1,000 in costs, inquire into energy usage, or charge fees above standard application rates.

• Allows homeowners' associations to deny solar installations only if a court found violation of law, installation deviates substantially from approved plans, system extends more than 6 inches above roof line, doesn't conform to roof slope, or has non-standard colored frames in certain circumstances.

• Requires members to submit written applications with specified information and gives associations 30 days to approve or deny; members may proceed with installation if association fails to adopt policy or respond within required timeframes without penalty.