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New Year, New HOA Laws – Because Change is the Only Constant

Mondays are hard

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Howdy Hoodey
January 06, 2025

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🥱 Mondays are Hard: New Year, New HOA Laws – Because Change is the Only Constant

Howdy, and happy Monday folks. Here’s a little something in your inbox on Monday mornings to make you sound smart to your boss in your upcoming meeting about a meeting 😁 

New Year, New HOA Laws – Because Change is the Only Constant

Happy New Year, HOA enthusiasts! We took the last couple of weeks of like many of you did to refresh with family. Now, a new start!

While you were busy making (and perhaps already breaking) your resolutions, lawmakers across the country were penning new rules to keep our communities in tip-top shape. Let's dive into the legislative buffet that 2025 has served us. Here are a few new laws, but there are many more in other states as welll

Judge Court GIF by Rooster Teeth

🖥️ California Dreamin'... of Electronic Voting

Starting January 1, 2025, California has embraced the digital age (finally!) by allowing homeowners to elect directors and amend governing documents using electronic secret ballots. However, when it comes to assessments, it's back to good ol' paper ballots.

Because nothing says "modern democracy" like mixing emails with snail mail.

🏖️ Florida's Fine-Tuning of Fines

In the Sunshine State, the Homeowners’ Association Bill of Rights has made it clear that HOAs can no longer slap fines or suspend privileges without giving residents a two-week heads-up via mail or email.

Consider it your official "brace yourself" period before the consequences hit.

🤠 Texas: Bigger Changes in the Lone Star State

Texas has rolled out several new laws effective January 1, 2025, that impact HOAs and residents alike.

  • Vehicle Safety Inspections: House Bill 3297 bids adieu to annual vehicle inspections for non-commercial drivers. But don't toss that inspection sticker just yet; emissions testing may still be required in urban counties like Harris and Dallas.

  • Property Tax Relief Act: Senate Bill 2 introduces "circuit breaker" limitations on increases to the appraised value of real property not covered by a homestead exemption. Translation: potential property tax relief is on the horizon.

  • Texas Data Privacy & Security Act: House Bill 4 expands data privacy rights, restricting the sale and processing of personal consumer data by businesses operating in Texas. A key provision requires businesses to honor unified opt-out mechanisms for online data processing, effective January 1, 2025.

Because in Texas, even your data deserves a little elbow room.

🏁 Final Thoughts

As we roll into 2025, it's essential to stay ahead of the curve with these new HOA laws. From California's tech-savvy voting to Texas's data privacy push, these changes impact how communities are managed and governed. Keeping board members and residents informed isn't just a courtesy—it's a necessity to ensure compliance and maintain a harmonious community. Clear communication helps avoid misunderstandings, legal pitfalls, and ensures everyone is on the same page. As the year unfolds, keep an eye out for additional legislative updates and best practices that will continue to shape the landscape of HOA management. After all, an informed community is a thriving community!

👔 Gigs

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