HOA Bills Seek To Prevent Bullying Of Board, Move More Communications Online
Lawmakers in Nevada are currently in the midst of reviewing several community association bills aimed at improving the operations of homeowners associations (HOAs) and ensuring the well-being of residents. These proposed measures encompass a wide range of areas, including records review, board service, false affidavits, bullying, and the digitization of elections. With common-interest communities experiencing significant growth across the country, these reforms hold great significance for the more than 500,000 Nevada residents residing in over 3,000 HOAs statewide. One of the proposed bills focuses on raising the rate for a records review to $25 per hour. By providing fair compensation for this service, the legislation aims to facilitate a more efficient and transparent access to HOA records, benefiting residents and enhancing overall governance. In addition, lawmakers are considering measures to restrict board service for individuals who have filed false affidavits with the state. If approved, members who knowingly submit a false or fraudulent affidavit to the Real Estate Division more than once could face a ban of up to ten years from running for an executive board seat in their HOA. This penalty, in addition to the existing maximum administrative fine of $1,000, aims to underscore the importance of honesty and integrity in HOA affairs. The initial bill also included provisions against bullying, which encompassed various forms of harmful behavior such as written, verbal, or electronic expressions, physical acts, and gestures directed at individuals or groups. However, the bill’s latest version no longer includes these specific provisions. Nonetheless, lawmakers remain committed to promoting safe and respectful environments within HOAs. Furthermore, a separate bill aims to facilitate the delivery of non-legally binding notices via email while enforcing robust cybersecurity measures for online payments. This proposal recognizes the prevalence of electronic communication and seeks to streamline administrative procedures while safeguarding sensitive information. As Nevada lawmakers continue to deliberate these community association bills, they are poised to shape the future of HOA governance, prioritizing transparency, participation, and cybersecurity. These reforms respond to the growing demand for effective residential governance models and reflect Nevada residents' evolving needs and aspirations in their common-interest communities.