Bill Summary: HF1254

• Expands flag display rights for detached single-family dwelling owners by prohibiting restrictions on flagpole installation on property to which the owner has exclusive use, subject to customary size and illumination limitations.

• Creates new law prohibiting homeowners association documents from restricting the right of townhome and single-family dwelling owners to display political campaign signs during dates specified in section 211B.045, with limited exceptions for health/safety and reasonable placement restrictions.

• Applies political campaign sign protections to all homeowners association documents executed on or after August 1, 2012, while allowing associations with pre-August 1, 2012 documents to retain conflicting restrictions through affirmative vote by July 30, 2013.

• Allows property owners denied sign display rights to recover reasonable attorney fees and expenses if they prevail, and allows associations to recover attorney fees if they prevail in enforcing valid restrictions.

• Prohibits foreclosure proceedings based solely on minor violations of association rules for which late charges, interest, or fines are imposed, and removes "fines" from liens enforceable as assessments under common interest ownership provisions.